The Bail Bonds Process

What Does A Bail Bonds Agent Do?

The bail bonds agent guarantees to the court that you the Defendant will show up to court at every court date. If you fail to appear for any scheduled court appearances the bond is forfeited and a warrant issued by the court. At this point, the indemnitors will be liable to pay the amount of the bond. The Indemnitor is whoever is putting up the bond for you. It is usually a surety company or insurance company. Thus, The one who provides such coverage is the indemnitor, and the one who receives it is the indemnitee.

How Much Do Bail Bonds Cost?

To post a bond, a bail bonds agent will charge the defendant a premium. The amount charged to the Indemnitor is 10% on state charges and 15% on federal charges in Florida. The rates are regulated by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Prior to the posting of a surety bond, the bail bonds agent gives you a detailed interview. The bail bonds agent will also assist you with filing out a complete application of the proposed guarantor (indemnitor).

What Happens When The Bail Bonds Agent Posts Your Bond

After obtaining the indemnitor information and undertaking the bail bond, the bail bonds agent then posts the bail bond at the jail on behalf of the defendant. The defendant then also comes to meet with the bail bonds agent. At this meeting, the also signs the contract for the bail bond. The bail bonds agent then takes a photograph of the defendant. He or she then explains the bail office’s expectations of the defendant while on bail.

The Responsibilities Of The Defendant

After being released on bail, you proceed to court for your scheduled court appearances and all subsequent appearances. Once the case is completed (closed, i.e. sentencing has been pronounced, the case is dismissed) the bail bond is then exonerated. The Bail Bonds Agents at All Florida Keys Bail Bonds/FIANZAS have completed their job.