In order to create a financialĀ incentive for those accused of a crime to return to court voluntarily, courts will ask for bail money, the amount based mostly on the seriousness of the crime. For example, a person charged with murder will certainly have a bond much higher than a person who has been charged with trespassing or petty theft. Since there are many people who cannot afford bond, their friends or family members must then contact a bail bonds agency in Grand Haven.
Bail bonds are used as a guarantee that the defendant will appear in court at the scheduledĀ date. If the party accused of the crime fails to appear or otherwise fails to maintain the terms of their release, the courts keep the entire bail amount. Now, typically, a bondsman will charge 10 percent of the total bond, which is not refundable. If you choose not to hire a bail bonds company, you will simply sit behind bars until your court date. The whole idea behind the bonding system is that people can enjoy their freedom while waiting for their court date. But if you hire a bondsman, and skip out on court, there could be a serious consequence.
Anybody can post their own bond, that is, if they have the financial means to do so. If you cannot afford to post bond, you might have a family member or good friend who is willing to post the money for you. But in all likelihood, you will need the services of a bail bonds company.