People familiar with the bail bonds process already know that there is a difference between bail and bond. Bail is the amount of money that the court says a defendant must pay to be released from jail before trial, while bond is the amount of money that a person needs to pay a surety in order to get the surety to promise to pay the court the full amount of the bail if a defendant fails to appear. Consumers should understand that bail is fully refundable if paid in cash, as long as a defendant appears at trial and complies with other pre-trial conditions, but that the amount paid for a bond is a non-refundable fee to a third-party surety known as a bondsman or bondwoman. However, many may not understand their options if they are unable to pay the full fee for a bond to a Bail Bonds Service in Iowa City, Iowa.
Bail Bonds and Payment Plans
One of the top questions that people have about bail bond services is whether they accept payment plans for the payment of bonds. The answer to that question is a conditional yes. Accepting payments for a bond amount means that the bail bonds service is extending credit to the person obtaining the bond. Like other instances where a business extends credit to a customer, the decision depends on whether the business considers the customer a good risk. Generally, bail bonds services are cash-only businesses, but some, like Wildside Bail Bonds, will offer financing options for reputable repeat customers.
Options to Consider When Bond Is Too Expensive
Those who do not qualify for payment plans may have some options to consider to raise money to post bail or pay for a bond. People have found success using online fundraising sites or social media sites like Facebook to raise bail for people who have a lot of community support. Churches may raise money for active members of the congregation who are in jail and unable to pay for a bond. It is not unusual for family members to pool resources to cover the bond. Finally, defense attorneys may be able to help get the amount of bail reduced. Any combination of these factors may make it possible for a Bail Bonds Service in Iowa City, Iowa to help secure a defendant’s pre-trial release.
