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What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond is a three party contract between the State, the defendant and a Surety (Bail Agent) that allows the defendant to be released from custody during the pendency of criminal charges. If the defendant does not appear in court then the Surety agrees to pay the court the amount stated on the bail bond.


How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?

The cost of a bail bond, the premium, is usually 10% of the bail amount. For example, if the bail amount is $10,000 then the premium would be $1,000. Romelli Bail Bonds is one of the few bail agencies that can offer an 8% premium rate in certain circumstances. 1) If the defendant is a union member or 2) the defendant is represented by a private attorney than the 8% rate can apply.*

*Note: Proof of either of the above conditions is required prior to the posting of bail in order to qualify for the 8% rate.


What am I Agreeing to if I Co-Sign?

A co-signor (indemnitor) of a bail bond agreement is generally required in order to post a bail bond. The co-signor is guaranteeing the Surety that the defendant will make all of his or her court appearances. If the defendant does not live up to his or her obligation to the court than the co-signor is responsible for any financial losses the Surety may incur. This may be the costs involved in returning the defendant to custody, filing fees, attorney's fees and in the worst case, the full amount of the bond.


How is the Bail Amount Determined?

The bail amount is set by the judge or panel of judges in the county where the alleged offense occurred.


Do I Get My Money Back?

If collateral was pledged for securing the bail bond and the defendant successfully met all of his or her obligations and there are no monies owed to the Bail Agency, than the collateral is returned to the person who pledged it. The premium is the fee for service and therefore is not returned.


What If the Defendant Doesn't Go To Court?

If the defendant does not appear in court when required to do so, the court will forfeit the bond. Unless the defendant is returned to the jurisdiction of the court within a specified time the full amount of the bond must be paid. In cases where the defendant's non-appearance was a mistake and the defendant cooperates with the Bail Agent to correct the mistake, the matter can be cleared up relatively easily with little or no costs involved. If, on the other hand, the defendant does not cooperate, than the Bail Agent and co-signor must take immediate steps to "cure" the forfeiture. This can include the hiring of bail investigators. The co-signor is responsible for all the costs involved.