Frequently Asked Questions About Bail Bonds

A bail bond is a type of surety bond provided by a bail bond agent that secures the release of a defendant from jail. It is a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear for all their scheduled court dates. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail bond agent is responsible for paying the full bail amount to the court.

When someone is arrested, a judge sets a bail amount. If you cannot afford to pay the full amount, you can contact a bail bond agent. You will pay the agent a non-refundable fee (typically a percentage of the total bail amount). The agent then posts the full bail amount with the court, securing the defendant's release. The defendant must then attend all required court appearances.

In Florida, the fee for a bail bond, known as the premium, is typically set by law. For state bonds, the premium is 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if the bail is set at $10,000, the fee for the bail bond agent would be $1,000. This fee is non-refundable.

A bail bond agent is a licensed professional who is authorized by the state to post bail on behalf of a defendant. They act as a guarantor to the court, ensuring the defendant's appearance. Mr. Clem's Bail Bonds has certified agents ready to assist you 24/7.

To expedite the process, you should have the following information ready:

• The defendant's full name and date of birth.
• The name of the jail where they are being held.
• The booking number, if available.
• The charges against the defendant.
• The total bail amount.

Collateral is property or assets, such as real estate or vehicles, that are used to secure a bail bond. It is a guarantee that you will fulfill your obligation to the bail bond agent. While not always required for smaller bonds, collateral may be necessary for larger bail amounts to protect the agent from financial loss if the defendant fails to appear in court.

The release time can vary depending on the facility and its current workload. After the bail bond agent has posted the bond with the jail, the release process can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Our agents work quickly to file the paperwork to minimize this time as much as possible.

If a defendant misses a court date, the court issues a warrant for their arrest, and the bail bond is forfeited. The bail bond agent is then responsible for paying the full bail amount. The agent will attempt to locate the defendant to have them returned to custody. It is crucial for the defendant to attend every court date.

Bail bonds can be posted for most types of criminal charges, including both misdemeanors and felonies. The ability to get a bond and its amount are determined by the judge based on the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and other factors.

Mr. Clem's Bail Bonds is proud to serve clients throughout several communities in Florida, including Destin, DeFuniak Springs, Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview. If you or a loved one needs assistance in these areas, our bail bond agents are available 24/7.

Once the defendant has attended all court appearances and the case is resolved, the bail bond is dissolved by the court. At this point, the financial obligation to the court is complete. If you provided any collateral to the bail bond agent, it will be returned to you. The initial premium paid to the agent is non-refundable.

Using a bail bond agent allows you to secure a defendant's release for a fraction of the total bail amount. This frees up your personal funds for other needs, such as hiring a lawyer. Furthermore, experienced bail bond agents understand the legal system and can guide you through the process, making it less stressful and more efficient.