Bail can come in many different types and varieties and are often determined by the state or area where the case is being processed. Depending on the situation and amount of bail required, a defendant might have choices as to how the bail will be paid. When paying York County bail bonds, here are some options that may be available.
Secured or Unsecured Bond
A secured bond, or property bond, is one in which the bond payer relinquishes a piece of property as a promise to appear in court. If the defendant doesn’t appear, the court can pay the unpaid bill with the seized property. The property must be equal to the total bail amount and is given to the court as a security interest, which is the right to possess property. An unsecured bond, or signature bond, is a signed agreement that the defendant will be required to pay the bail amount if he or she doesn’t appear in court.
Cash Bond
Sometimes a defendant will be released after the police give a citation, but other times, a cash bond will have to be paid to allow release. After the bail hearing, the state determines the bail amount. If the amount is paid, the defendant will be released from custody. Either the defendant can pay, or someone else can offer payment for the defendant.
Surety Bond
Bail bond companies are businesses that will pay bond on a defendant’s behalf. They typically require collateral and a fee to complete the service. As with a property bond, the collateral is used to ensure the defendant’s presence in ordered court appointments. After the defendant provides the bond agent with everything required, the agent promises to pay the full bond if the defendant doesn’t appear in court.
Although bail is simply payment required to release a defendant, the details can be complex. Any defendant should be educated in the various ways to submit payment while they comply with standard protocol.