If you are asked to sign any receipt for money or collateral you did not receive, you should refuse to sign the document. Ethical bonding agents would never ask you to sign such a release or receipt.
There is no limit. A bonding agent may take whatever collateral is believed necessary to cover the bond. The bonding agent may only keep the value of the collateral necessary to pay the defaulted bond, costs and bounty hunting fees. The balance of the collateral must be returned.
The bonding agent may charge up to 10% of the amount of the bond. For example, if your bond amount is $1,000 the bonding agent may charge you a fee (“premium”) of up to $100 plus actual filing fees charged by the jail.
If the bond was posted, the bonding agent acted properly. However, another court or law enforcement agency may have a “hold” of some type on the defendant. Only the court has the authority to order the bonding agent to return the premium. You will need to present your request to the court and request the court to consider a refund of premium.
Contact the bail bonding agent and the insurance company, and request the return of your money. If you do not receive a prompt refund, contact the Division of Insurance.
The bond must be posted within 24 hours of receipt of full payment or a signed contract for payment. If the bond is not posted, all money, premium, and collateral must be refunded, and all liens released within 48 hours of receipt.
If you do not have the agent’s name, you must contact the court clerk who can get the information from the appearance bond.
Contact the bonding agent and request copies of the documents you need. If you are unable to get copies, call the insurance company on your bond. If you still do not receive the documents, call the Division of Insurance.
Maybe. Read the bail agreement carefully to see what bounty hunting fee(s) you have agreed to pay. It is always a good idea to ask for a statement of the costs incurred.
The bonding agent may or may not negotiate a premium installment payment plan with you. If a plan is arranged it must be in writing and must state the amount to be paid and when the payments are due.