A bail bond is a type of surety bond provided by a surety bond company through a Bail Bondsman that secures the release of a defendant from jail.

Following an arrest, individuals facing charges must stay behind bars unless they “make bail,” or pay the amount ordered by the court. Rather than waiting in a cell for days or weeks until trial, a bail bond allows the accused to be released from custody until the next hearing. Bail bonds guarantee that the person will appear on the next scheduled court date in exchange for being released from custody. Most people rely on licensed bail agencies to deal with the jail or detention facility (e.g., TGK in Miami) and expedite release. The responsibilities of bail bond agencies include:

Locating the accused

Arranging full payment

Disclosing up-front costs

Ensuring court appearance

Explaining bond agreement

Finding fugitive with warrant

Preparing Nebbia requirements

Collecting non-refundable service fee (premium)

10% of state bond amount in Florida

approximately 15% of federal bond amount

20% in some immigration cases

Safely holding collateral in trust

Used to recover cost if cannot find fugitive

Can be anything of value to ensure full payment

Returned in full once case completed

Can be property, car, bank account, or co-signor’s assets

Some cases require a “Nebbia proffer,” which is designed to show that the payment and collateral are derived from legitimate sources, not criminal activity. Bail bond agents analyze financial assets and show the origin of the funds through documentary evidence. A Nebbia hearing may be necessary if the prosecutor does not accept the proffer. Bail bondsmen are the only means of ensuring that the source of payment remains confidential. Because handling multiple courts, jails, and officials can get tricky, bond agencies must be well-versed in all aspects of the process.

The State Bail Bonds Premium is 10% of the total bond. While the Federal bail bonds premium is 15% of the total bond amount. We also provide pay plans- if you qualify. 

Bail collateral is offered in place of or in addition to bail money in order to secure the release of the person who has been arrested. Collateral will be returned once the case is completed. 

The process usually takes 2-12 hours depending on location. 

1. Location of the person in custody. 
2. Full name and booking number of the person in jail. If you are unable to provide the booking number, the bail agent can get the number for you. 
3. Bail amount. Information about the bail amount will allow the bail bondsman to tell you the amount it will cost to post a bond and requirements to get the person out of jail.