The Most Common Bail Types in Austin, TX
While the law maintains justice and a sense of safety, it’s also meant to protect those who are accused of a crime. This is only because their crime is not yet proven. This may seem unfair to some people, but let’s suppose the person has done nothing and the charges are against them have no proof. In that case, wouldn’t it be unjust to keep them in jail? Austin bail bonds protect the accused person as well as the victims so that no one has to experience any trouble until the court makes a decision.
What Are Bail Bonds?
It is a written agreement signed by the accused stating that they will appear in court or at the police station. A bail bond is a type of security that helps authorities ensure that you will not leave the city or country without their permission. It also indicates that you are willing to go through the entire court process. Well, it’s simply a process that you must follow when you are arrested for a charge.
If a person fails to follow the procedure, they will have to stay in jail. The law allows the defendant to opt for different types of bail bonds. Austin bail bonds allow you to give the authorities cash or some other security for bail.
You can choose a bail bond type based on your situation and what you can afford. Of course, whatever option you choose, you’ll have to pay cash or convince the authorities that you haven’t committed a crime. To better understand your options, you can contact an expert who can help you make the best decisions. They will provide you with the best possible solution.
Types of Bail Bonds in Austin
Here are some of the Austin bail bonds that you can opt for.
Cash Bond
As the name suggests, in this case, the defendant needs to deposit money to the authorities. A cash bond acts as a promise to appear in court when you’re called. The court will decide the bail amount depending on the crime you have committed. They will also consider the level of crime and who has been affected by your violation of the law.
The bail amount can range between $500 and $10,000. For instance, if the bail amount is around $10,000, you need to pay it in cash. Only then can you come out of custody. Though the bail bond can cost you a lot of money, you will get it back when your case ends. However, Austin might charge some fees when they refund your money. It is usually less than 5% of the bond amount.
Surety Bond
This is another type of bond that you can opt for. In this scenario, you need to hire a company or bondsman who will assume the responsibility that you will appear in court until the case concludes. They need to complete a process started by the law to give the court full assurance. On top of that, they will also take responsibility for paying the necessary bail amount. This way, you don’t need to pay a bail amount.
Note that you need to pay a fee before a bondsman or company helps you. On top of that, you need to meet their requirements. For instance, they may ask you to make a commitment with them. You’ll find many companies and bondsmen in operation who are willing to help you. Make sure to check their requirements and read the contract thoroughly before hiring them.
PR Bond or Personal Recognized Bond
This bond is primarily a promise to appear in court. You don’t need to pay any cash amount to hire a person or company to sign the agreement for you. The court will only ask you to sign an agreement in which you promise to appear in court every time you’re summoned. Under this, the court will keep a serious watch on you.
Here, it’s important to discuss that if you’re released on a PR bond but don’t appear in court, you need to pay the bail amount. While it’s true that PR bonds are easier on the defendant, not everyone can pick this option. PR bonds are reserved for people who have done something for the community or have strong ties with the community. For instance, someone who has been working in the community for a long period. This way, there is no concern or doubt that they will not show up in the court.
Do I Need Help of a Lawyer to Get Bail?
If you are accused of any charges, getting bail will be challenging for you, whether you have committed the crime or not. When you’re already dealing with excessive stress, it becomes even more challenging to deal with all the requirements of bail. Hiring an expert will not only provide you with support but also help you choose the right bail bond option in Austin.
The lawyers routinely deal with bail bond agents. They know which bondsman will be an ideal option for you if you both decide to choose a security bond. Lawyers can assist you in contacting credible agents. So, if you or your family ever experiences this problem and need to choose between different Austin bail bond options, consult an expert.
Bottom Line
Austin bail bonds allow you to stay out of jail while your case is in progress. This way, you don’t have to worry about staying in jail for a crime that you haven’t committed. There are several bail bonds that you can choose from. Make sure to go for the bond type that you can afford and fulfill. If you are having trouble deciding, talk to an experienced, qualified, skilled lawyer in your town.