Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bail?
Bail is the conditional release of a defendant with the promise to appear in court when required.The State of Tennessee regulates the bail bond business through the TAPBA(Tennessee Association of Professional Bail Agents)
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What are Bail Bonds?
A Bail Bond is a surety bond, which is posted by a bail bond company to the court as a guarantee for an arrestee's appearance at all court dates. The court will release an arrestee from detention upon posting of the bail bond. Bail Bonds are underwritten and issued by licensed bail agents which act as the appointed representatives of licensed surety companies.
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What is the Purpose of a Bail Bond?
More often then not Bonds are set at an amount that is usually staggering to the average citizen and some defendants are not financially equipped to post bail by themselves. So the main purpose is to provide a financial support for defendants and assurance for the court that said defendant will make it to their trial after they are released from jail.
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Posting a bond.
Bonds can be posted by the defendant (over the phone) or by a friend or family member. If you are unwilling or unable to post the entire bond you may use a bonding agency to post the bond for you. Ten percent of the amount of the bond must be payed with cash or card. In the case of exceptionally large bonds or the possibility of flight risk; property or some form of asset can be provided as collateral
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Release from Jail
After a defendant has made bail they will be required to keep in contact with the bondsman until the ending of their court proceedings over the entire case. The defendant could also be subject to extra guidelines and stipulations depending on their personal charge set by the clerks office. This could include but is not limited to prohibited actions like drinking alcohol, carrying a weapon, driving, proximity to other individuals, or even state supervision(ankle monitors)
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The Responsibilities of Cosigners
If a friend or family member posts a bond for a defendant then this person is called a cosigner and also becomes responsible for insuring the defendant makes it to all court dates. The cosigner is also responsible for making sure the defendant stays in compliance with all guidelines given during release. If the defendant decides to flee or breaks the law again the cosigner becomes financially responsible for the bond.
To Elaborate: The individual who pays the bond has essentially signed for a "person" in the same way someone can cosign for a car. Signing a contract agreeing to be held financially responsible for the defendant's bond.