Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bail bond?
A bail bond, technically called a “surety bond,” is a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a licensed bail bondsman who is backed by an insurance company. The bail agent guarantees to the court payment of the full amount of the bond if the defendant fails to appear for their scheduled court appearances.
How do I pay for the Bail Bond?
We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal. Most of our clients pay using credit card. Payments can be made through the website on the Payment Page.
What is the difference between a bail and a bond?
When the defendant is initially arraigned the judge will typically set a bail and a bond. These amounts can be different. The bail can be paid directly to the jail in order to ensure the defendant’s release. The bond is done through Briggs Bail Bond, in which case we only require a percentage of the bond amount in order to post the bond.
What is the procedure for bailing someone out of jail?
Generally, a bail bond company will be contacted by phone to begin the bail procedure. During the initial phone consultation, most companies will ask for information about your situation in order to determine the risk involved in the bond and begin the approval process. Once the bail bond is approved, the customer will need to sign basic bail bond documents including an application, Indemnity Agreement, and receipt. After the paperwork is finalized and payment has been made, a licensed bondsman will “post” the bail bond at the jail.
How Do Judges Decide on the Amount of the Bail?
- The Seriousness of the Charges
- Defendant’s Ties to the Community
- Prior Criminal History
- Prior Warrants
What should I bring?
- TWO forms of PHOTO ID – current and valid
- TWO current pay stubs
- Proof of address (utility or electric bill or recent tax return)
Make sure to check with one of our bail administrators that you have all the necessary documentation for your specific case.
What is collateral?
Collateral is something of value used to secure your debt obligation and certify that the defendant will appear in court as required.
What are the types of acceptable collateral?
- CASH – How much? Depends on the bail amount. Certified Check and/or Money Order.
- PROPERTY – The DEED to a home, along with supporting documents to prove equity and good standing.
- BUSINESS – A business certificate, financial statement and recent bank statement are needed.
- SAVINGS – Passbooks, CD and Stock Options.
I posted the bond, and now the case is over. How do I go about getting my collateral back?
After a case is over, and the bond is exonerated, you must go to the court in which the case was pending and acquire a certificate of disposition. Bring that certificate of disposition into the Briggs Bail Bond office location that you initially posted the bond in, and within approximately 30 business days the collateral check will be ready to be picked up. Any other form of collateral will be returned to the owner a week after certificate of disposition is brought into the Briggs Bail Bond location. Only the person who pledged the collateral can pick up the collateral and they must show a valid form of photo ID.