Most people don’t understand what a bail bondsman’s job is in the judicial system besides getting you out of jail. Our job is much more than that. Bondsmen have the duty of being with our clients through the entire court process. This relationship with the defendants and their cosigners is important for the end goal of a bail bond: appearance in court.
Bailing Out of Jail
Our first job is to answer the phone or message about one of our clients being arrested. We receive calls from all different types of people, and there is always an urgency to process a bond and get their loved one out pronto. A good bail bondsman understands this urgency and will not delay the bonding out process.
This is where our job really begins.
I. Once we write a bond for our client that has been arrested, we as an appointed surety agent go on record for that defendant’s case with the clerk of the court.
II. A bond is a guarantee that the defendant will appear for future court dates. If the defendant fails to appear, they will receive a warrant and the courts will forfeit bail and bond. This is a bad scenario for both the bail bond agency and the defendant.
III. The bail bondsman will have 60 days from the date mailed of forfeiture to either fix the failure to appear or pay the full amount of the bail to the courts. Our agents will do everything possible, including going to court with our clients, to fix the failure to appear and help remove the FTA warrant.
Tavares – 24 Hour Bail Bonds Services
Bonding Agency Court Notifications
A service that we provide for our clients is court date notification. It is important for us that our defendants are notified of upcoming court dates. You have to know to go.
Our office will always try to notify our client of hearings that will be important to attend.
Court appearances are not always mandatory for both the defendant and attorney. In many hearings, the defendant’s appearance is waived through a motion from the defense.
I have been contacted many times by the public defender the night before court to relay a message that the defendant is needed there.
Using a Bail Bondsman Is Better Than Cash Bail
We add the benefit of our knowledge of the court system. Bail bondsmen want to protect themselves, the defendant, and the cosigner from the courts demanding payment of the defendant’s bail.
The courts and court process can be very unfamiliar to most people. It is not an easy system to navigate. With the right bond agent, you can get answers and a basic understanding of the next step in the process.
Monetary bail has to be set at high enough amounts to make sure the defendant is held accountable for the crime. We are affordable because we only charge 10% of the full bail amount. Posting cash bail at the jail takes away the ability to have a bondsman guide you through the lengthy court process.
The majority of the calls to my bail bonds office are for updates on our clients’ cases, upcoming court dates, and sometimes just some counseling.
We pride ourselves on being available for calls most hours. We are a direct connection to help and answers starting from the arrest all the way to the trial.
In closing, our job does not end when our client is bailed out of jail. For the courts, our job is to hold our defendant accountable for future court appearances. For the defendant, our job is to be a source of information and someone to rely on for help understanding the court system, making this speed bump in life more bearable.
Bondsman
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary job of a bail bondsman?
A bail bondsman’s job goes far beyond just getting you out of jail. As an appointed surety agent, they guarantee the court that the defendant will appear for future court dates and help guide the client and cosigners through the unfamiliar judicial process until the case concludes.
How long does a bail bondsman have to fix a failure to appear (FTA)?
If a defendant misses court, the bail bondsman generally has 60 days from the date the forfeiture is mailed to fix the failure to appear (FTA) or pay the full bail amount to the courts. A dedicated bondsman will often go to court with the client to help remove the FTA warrant.
Do I have to appear for every court date if I am out on bond?
Not always. While appearance is critical, it is not mandatory for every single hearing for both the defendant and attorney. In many cases, a defense attorney can file a motion to waive the defendant’s appearance. However, you should always consult your attorney or bondsman to be sure.
Why is using a bail bondsman better than paying full cash bail?
Using a bondsman is usually more affordable, costing only 10% of the total bail amount. Additionally, posting cash directly to the jail leaves you to navigate the complex court system entirely alone. A bondsman provides ongoing guidance, case updates, and court notifications.
Will my bail bondsman notify me of upcoming court dates?
Yes, a quality bail bonds agency provides court date notifications as a core service. Because an appearance is required to keep the bond in good standing, agencies work hard to notify clients of important hearings, ensuring you “know to go.”