Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is a contract guaranteeing to the court that the defendant will appear for all future court dates on the case, and if not, the full amount of the bail will be paid to the court. A bail bond allows the defendant to remain out of jail until the end of the court case.
How do I get out of jail and what is the difference between bail and bond?
A judge may set bail or bond for your release, sometimes a different amount. Bail can only be paid in cash to the jail. A bond is posted by a bail bond company. A bail bond company will charge you a fraction of the total amount of the bond, frequently around ten percent in Minnesota.
What can the court do with the bond once it's posted?
The court cannot use the bond to pay fines or penalties, nor can the court forfeit the bond if the defendant fails to comply with release conditions. The only time the court can touch the bond is if the defendant fails to appear.
How do I clear a warrant?
Some counties in Minnesota allow you to post cash or bond simply by giving it to the jail or court in order to clear your warrant. Once that is done, you will be given a court date. Other counties require a booking before they will accept the cash or bond.
What is a cosigner?
A cosigner is a person who takes financial responsibility for the bail bond if the defendant fails to appear in court, including guarantee of the full bail amount.
How do I make a payment
To make a payment you can always call and pay over the phone, go to our website payments page, or arrange a time to meet us at the office to drop off cash.
What is the advantage of a Bond?
Many people can’t come up with the full amount asked for in cash. A bond allows you to post a fraction of the amount the court has set for release. Even if you can’t afford the ten percent typically charged, bonding companies will provide a payment plan if you qualify.
What is collateral?
For larger bonds, collateral may be required to post a bond. The most common type of collateral is real estate. Collateral is an additional level of security that consists of some sort of property (bank account, retirement account, real estate). This is in addition to the ten percent charged.