Essential Bail Bonds Frequently Asked Questions
What does a bail agent
do for the consumer?
With his/her money on the line, a bail agent has a financial interest in
supervising bailees, and ensuring that they appear for trial. If a
defendant "skips," the bail agent has time and the financial incentive
to find him/her and bring him/her in. Significantly, commercial bail
bond agents profit only when the defendant shows up for trial. At Penny
Bail Bonds, we also provide an array of social service and community
resources to help the defendant and his family in numerous ways.
What is "collateral"?
Collateral is usually supplied by relatives and friends of the defendant
and provides added financial security to ensure that the defendant
appears in court when he or she is supposed to. Collateral can be in the
form of anything of financial value that is legally pledged to back up
the promise that the defendant will appear on his or her appointed court
date.
What happens if the
defendant fails to appear?
This is considered a "forfeiture."
Is the premium paid
refundable?
No - the premium amount is for the many service provided by the Bail
Bonds Company to release the defendant from jail and make sure he
appears in court. The premium is not refunded when the defendant appears
in court - even if the charges are dropped.