Navigating the Bail Process & Frequently Asked Questions about bail, bail bonds, bondsmen, fees, and posting bail in Western, Central & Northern New York. For comprehensive assistance and further inquiries, reach out to Citi Bail Bonds at 716-799-7277. Your understanding is our priority.
FAQs
Navigating Bail Bonds
Navigating the unfamiliar terrain of bail bonds? Count on Citi Bail Bonds to bring clarity and guide you through the process. Explore commonly asked questions to deepen your understanding of how bail works. For personalized assistance or more information on the bail bonds process, don't hesitate to reach out to our office at 716-799-7277.
Trust in the expertise of our licensed bondsmen, George Osei Gyamfi and Gifty Osei Gyamfi, to secure a smooth and efficient resolution to your legal challenges. Proudly serving Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and surrounding areas, we extend our support to various jails, including Niagara County Jail, Erie County Jail Holding Center, Genesee County Jail, Livingston County Jail, & Monroe County Jail.
We get you our of Jail Quick & Easy. Bail Bonds Services in Western New York.
What is Bail?
When a defendant lacks the financial means to cover the entire bail amount, they can seek assistance from a bail bondsman. Typically falling between 8% and 15% of the total bail, this fee varies from state to state. For example, for bail amounts up to $3,000, the fee is 10%, and for amounts up to $10,000, it's 8%. Beyond $10,000, the percentage decreases to 6%. The fee is paid to the bail agent, who then issues the Bail Bond, serving as insurance that the defendant will attend all court dates. In the event of the defendant's failure to appear, the agent becomes responsible for the entire bond amount.
Collateral serves as an added guarantee that the defendant will fulfill their court obligations and can be in the form of property, investment accounts, or other valuable items. Once the Bail Bond is exonerated and all obligations are satisfied, the collateral is returned. However, in the event that the defendant does not fulfill their legal obligations, the collateral may be liquidated to cover the bail amount.
Bail functions as a type of property submitted to the court to secure the release of a defendant from jail. It serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the defendant's dedication to attending court for trial; failure to do so leads to the forfeiture of the bail.
What is a Bail Bond?
What is Collateral?
Do I Get My Money Back When the Case is Over?
The premium paid to a bail agent is non-refundable as it encompasses the cost of the agent's services and is not reimbursed.
If you have additional questions or need personalized guidance, our team of experienced bail bondsmen, including George Osei Gyamfi and Gifty Osei Gyamfi, is ready to assist you. Contact Citi Bail Agency at 716-799-7277 for the support you need during this challenging time.
When reaching out to a bail agent, ensure you are ready to furnish information about the defendant, such as the city and state of the jail, the defendant's full name and booking number, and the bail amount.
What Information Should I Have for the Bail Agent?
Are Some Bail Agents Less Expensive Than Others?
Why Work With A Bail Agent?
Although some agents may charge 8% instead of the usual 10-15%, offering discounted premiums is illegal for agencies, as the premium amount is regulated by the department of insurance.
Collaborating with a bail agent not only proves more cost-effective than paying the entire cash amount to the court but also offers crucial support during challenging times. Bail agents aid in navigating the process, ensuring a prompt release, and facilitating court appearances. An experienced, professional bail agent becomes an invaluable resource during this stressful period.
How is Bail Determined and Set?
Upon arrest, the immediate booking process begins, typically involving the recording of essential information, a sobriety test, and the impounding of personal items. Subsequently, a hearing is usually scheduled within 48 hours, during which the judge determines the bail amount. While many jurisdictions adhere to a preset schedule for bail amounts, judges retain the discretion to consider external factors. For example, a judge may reduce bail for a first-time offender with stable employment and local ties, potentially even waiving it altogether. Conversely, if a defendant has a history of offenses and is considered a flight risk, the judge may increase bail or restrict the ability to post bail. In some jurisdictions, bail may be assigned at the time of booking, particularly for low-level offenses. A police officer will then inform you of available payment options, which may include immediate posting or the use of a credit card.