Not everyone is familiar with how bail bonds work. While the bail bonds procedure may seem straightforward in movies, it is more complex than you think. When choosing a bail bond service, make sure the following myths regarding bail bonds don't mislead you.

Bail Bondsmen Exploit Desperate People

Many people classify bail bond services in the same category as pay-day lenders. They believe like predatory cash lending services; bail bond agencies make their money off unfortunate people who have no one to turn to. Therefore, bail bond services demand exorbitant fees and seek higher sentences to earn huge profits.

The truth is, bail bond services are regulated. This means they should have specific licenses and abide by certain industry standards. Moreover, bail bond companies have no control over how bail is set. 

In fact, a bail bond service provides an accused party with the opportunity to prepare their defense before they appear in court. If you are likely to be acquitted in court, the bail bondsman makes sure your life isn't disrupted by an offense you didn't commit.

Everyone Is Eligible for Bail

The common notion is that everyone who is arrested can be released on bail. However, the court may deny bail based on certain factors. Defendants with a history of skipping court dates or violating the terms of their parole or probation are less likely to be released on bail.

The court will also determine whether a person is a risk to the community when setting bail. In most cases, persons accused of misdemeanors are eligible for bail. In other cases, defendants must remain in custody until they satisfy specific conditions set by the judge.

Bail and Bonds Are the Same

Many people use bail and bond interchangeably, which is wrong. Bail is the amount a defendant must pay to be released from jail. A bond is what a bail bond service issues the court to represent the bail payment.

Some main types of bonds are personal recognizance, surety, and cash bonds. A personal recognizance bond is where a judge releases the accused because they believe they aren't a danger to the community. In this case, the defendant doesn't have to pay any money; however, they should appear at their court date.

A surety bond is the money paid by the bond company on behalf of an accused party. The accused can pay the entire bail amount if they are financially secure. This is what is referred to as a cash bond. All of these funds are refunded when the court process is complete.