A bail bondsman is an intermediary between a court and an incarcerated individual who is awaiting a court trial. The bondsman arranges for the release of the incarcerated individual from jail in exchange for a guarantee that the individual will appear in court as required. Bail bondsmen often charge a fee to arrange for a person’s release, typically 10 percent of the bond amount.
In addition to ensuring that the arrested individual appears in court, a bail bondsman plays an invaluable role in the justice system.
One of their primary roles is to assure that a defendant will appear in court when ordered or else be financially liable. By charging a fee for providing this security, a bail bondsman adds an extra layer of protection for the court system. Additionally, the 10 percent fee the bondsman takes from the bond serves as an incentive for the defendant to appear in court and face their charges.
Another important role of a bail bondsman is to provide a source of liquidity for those individuals who cannot afford to pay their entire bail amount. When a bail amount is set, it can be exceedingly difficult for some people to raise the full amount of funds. A bail bondsman can use their discretionary funds to pay for the bail. This is invaluable. But then, the goal is to assist accused individuals.
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