Alabama Bail Bonds is here to provide fast and reliable bail bond services throughout the entire state. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we understand the legal system and are dedicated to helping our clients get out of jail quickly and with the least amount of hassle possible.
How Does Bail Work?
Bail works in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama in much the same way as it works in counties across the country. In order to understand exactly how bail works, it is important to understand first what bail is. Bail is the amount of money that the courts charge for the release of a defendant while the defendant awaits the completion of his or her criminal trial.
How Much Is Bail?
The amount of bail is based on the crime or crimes that the defendant has been accused of committing, as well as other factors, such as past offenses and additional reasons for the arrest. The amount of bail, therefore, will vary from a defendant to defendant, even though the base rate for the bail will be the same for each similar offense across Tuscaloosa County.
What Happens When A Person Is Arrested?
When an individual is arrested, generally, they will be taken to a local law enforcement station for processing and booking.
Can I Just Pay The Jail For The Full Amount Of The Bail?
Yes, you can. To be released on cash bail, an individual must post the full amount of the bail with the court in the form of cash or cashiers check.
What If I Don't Have Enough Money To Pay The Full Bail Amount?
In cases where the defendant cannot afford to pay the full amount of bail on his or her own, the defendant may opt to work with a bail bonding company to pay for the bail. A bail bonding company will give the court the amount of the bail in exchange for a percentage of the total cost of the bail. In turn the bail bonding company will stand in for the defendant for the entire amount of bail with the court.
What Is The Process?
The defendant, or the person that is in jail, is required to post bail before he or she is released from jail. A judge of the county of apprehension sets the amount of the bond. The bond is designed to guarantee the appearance of a defendant in court at the appointed time. Posting bail though a bonding company, or surety bond, is the most popular form of release. This process involves a contractual undertaking between the governor of the state and an admitted bonding company having adequate assets to satisfy the face value of the bond. The bonding company guarantees to the court that they will pay the total amount of the bond if a defendant fails to appear in court. Prior to posting the bond, a friend or relative of the defendant is contacted to serve as a guarantor on the bond. When posting bond through a bonding company, a co-signer or indemnitor is required. The co-signer acts as a financial guarantor and obligates himself to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the co-signer is obligated to turn the defendant into the bonding company to be surrendered. If the defendant has absconded, the co-signer is obligated to remit the full amount of the bond to the bonding company, who pays it in the courts. The bonding company can be reasonably assured that the defendant released on a surety bond will appear for court by involving the friends and family of the defendant. Soon after a friend or a family member of the defendant has co-signed for the defendant, the bail agent will sign the defendants bond.
How Long Does It Take To Have A Defendant Released From Jail?
The defendant will be released after the bail agent posts the bond. However, release times vary from jail to jail. It usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours to be released. Alabama Bail Bonds will do everything possible to expedite the release of your loved one. Unfortunately, however, it is very little that we can do after we sign the bond. The city and county jails, nationwide, each have their own protocol. Rest assured, we are here to answer every question and ease every fear.
Let Alabama Bail Bonds post bonds for your loved ones. Call (205) 339-7109. We accept all methods of payment.