One of the key advantages of posting your bail through a bail bonds company (which is typically done through a surety bond) is that you don't have to put up all the money of a cash bond upfront. The cash bond for even a misdemeanor case can be astronomical, let alone for a felony. If you pay the bond in full with the court and the bond is exonerated, the courts typically take months before they send you back your money. If for any reason a person misses their court date or shows up late, there is a strong likelihood that you will forfeit all of your cash bond. Most cases have a 3-6 month time frame, but some can go on for 2-3 years, and your money will be tied up during that whole time.
Another key benefit of posting a bond through a bail bonds company is asset protection.
How so?
Protection of your money and assets is one of our key focuses at Miss Janie's Bail Bonds. Since we require our clients to check in with us, update us about their court information and personal information, we have an opportunity to better ensure our clients will go to their court hearings. If we see a pattern of a client missing their check-ins or avoiding our calls, we can work to revoke the bond and place the client back in jail, which can result in a return of your collateral minus the cost of the revocation. Since it's often a family member or loved one who puts up their collateral on behalf of the person arrested, that individual is more likely to honor the terms of his/her bond. In this way, your cash or assets will be more protected.