- Surety bail bonds. Surety bonds are provided by third-party bond agents. Typically, the agent charges a nonrefundable fee equal to 10% of the bail amount. The bond agent may additionally require collateral. In return, the agent guarantees the defendant will appear as promised. On this promise, the defendant can be released from jail. The agent is liable for the bail amount if the defendant disappears.
- Property bail bonds. Property bonds are secured by the defendant's property. Usually, the property's value must exceed the bail amount by a large margin. The property bond process can be time-consuming since the collateral must be appraised to confirm its value.
- Immigration bail bonds. Immigration bonds are required for non-citizens detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Federal bail bonds. Federal bonds are used for federal offenses.
Consequences of non-appearance
Bail bonds are intended to prevent defendants from avoiding their court appearances. The consequences of failing to report for trial can range from minor to severe, depending on the bail amount and requirements set by the judge.
At a minimum, the courts may issue an arrest warrant for defendants who don't show up at their trial. Courts may also charge non-appearing defendants with contempt of court or intentionally avoiding a court appearance, also known as bail jumping. If bail was posted in cash or with other collateral, those assets will be forfeited.
Additionally, a non-appearing defendant can be targeted by a bounty hunter if a bond agent posted the bail. Many states have a grace period before finalizing forfeitures for bond agents. The bond agent is not liable for bail if the defendant returns to the court during the grace period.
This grace period enables the bounty hunter trade. For a fee, bounty hunters track down missing defendants and return them to the courts on behalf of bond agents.
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