So, what’s the difference between federal bail bonds and traditional bonds? Basically, when a defendant is being charged with any type of federal offense, cosigners must obtain this type of bond to secure his or her release.
A key part of our modern bail system was the Statute of Westminster, which was passed in England in 1275. Before then, local sheriffs determined what was or wasn't a bailable offense, which led to a lot of problems, but the statute limited their power.
Did you know that the vast majority of professional bail agents are small business owners? In fact, the companies are usually family owned and a vital part of the community. And while the term "bail bondsman" is common, 45 percent of bail agents are actually women.
The amount of money required for each individual bail bond is set by the court, or by pre-established guidelines. This depends on the severity of the crime as well as how much of a "flight risk" the defendant may be.
If you choose to pay for your bail in cash, you may be unnecessarily using funds that may be needed for other purposes. Going to a bail bondsman allows you to maintain access to your finances.
The American bail system actually began in 1215 England with the Magna Carta. Of the Magna Carta, statesman and former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, said in 1956: “Here is a law which is above the King and which even he must not break.”
