The bail process could be an overwhelming task for someone, especially if it’s their first time to post bail for a loved one. You might encounter some of the terminologies that can confuse you. To get familiar with these terminologies, here is the list of the ten basic bail bonds in Greeley related terms.
1. PRETRIAL RELEASE
It is a legal process wherein incarcerated people can be released from jail before trial by posting bail. However, not all crimes such as murder are subject to a pretrial release.
2.BAIL
It is the amount set by the court in exchange for the temporary release of the defendant while awaiting trial. The defendant needs to pay the bail amount through cash, a bail bonds company in Greeley, or collateral. It is essential to know that the bail amount doesn’t serve as a fine but guarantees that the defendant will attend all of his trial proceedings.
3. BAIL BOND
It is a written document that stipulates the agreement between the defendant and the bail bondsman in Greeley in which the company will act as a surety to release the defendant from jail. Typically, the defendant only needs to pay 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount to the bail bond company.
4. BAIL CONDITION
While in the temporary release, the defendant needs to follow certain conditions such as restriction from traveling outside the city, they are prohibited from communicating with the victim or other particular people and from entering a rehabilitation program. Failure to do so will lead to your re-arrest and forfeiture of the money you paid for bail.
5. DEFENDANT
It is a term used for individuals who are incarcerated and accused of a crime by the court. The defendant may obtain a pretrial release depending on the gravity of the crime.
6. FELONIES
A crime involves major criminal offenses and is usually punishable by imprisonment of more than one year. Depending on the gravity of the felony charge, the judge may set a higher bail amount or, even worse – denial of bail. Some felony charges include burglary, kidnapping, arson, rape, and murder.
7. BAIL SCHEDULE
It is a list wherein courts and prisons follow in determining the appropriate bail amount. It is based on the nature of the committed offense. However, the judge has the discretion to either lower the bail amount or not.
8. IMDEMNITOR / COSIGNER
It could be a family member, a loved one, or a friend who will pose a guarantor of the defendant. The indemnitor pays for the bail amount of the defendant. Also, he plays a part in ensuring that the defendant will attend his court proceedings.
9. BAIL BONDSMAN
It is a licensed agent who will provide financial services to meet court demands for the defendant to get released. In other words, the bail bonds company in Greeley acts as a surety for the defendant during pretrial release until the conclusion of the case.
10. PREMIUM
It is a fee charged by the bail bondsman for the services he provides to the defendant. It is usually 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and generally not refundable.