How Bail Works

Private bail bonding has been a part of our legal system for a very long time. It is, in fact, a right established by the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution forbidding excessive bail.

The surety assures the courts that the full bail amount will be paid, if necessary. The courts trust that surety on the basis of the standards they have established as well as their reputation as a trusted representative of the defendant. Over time, this system has proven itself to be a highly effective tool for both the courts and defendants. Historically, the court appearance rate for Speedy clients approaches 100% – considerably higher than “own recognizance” or other release programs. Courts are more certain that defendants will appear and no tax money is at risk.

When charges are filed, a defendant appears before a judge to begin legal proceedings. The court establishes bail instead of incarcerating the defendant until trial. When a defendant cannot provide the full cash bail amount, Speedy Release Bail Bonds steps in to provide a surety bond for the full amount. Typically they charge the defendant a fee of 10% of the bond’s value, but other fees will be required as well. Speedy gives the court its promise of full repayment if the defendant fails to appear.

Speedy contracts with a friend or family member; a company that guarantees the defendant’s appearance and is responsible for repaying Speedy any losses should the defendant fail to appear. If the court declares that the bond is forfeited due to nonappearance, Speedy immediately pays the state the full bond value. Speedy retains the bond fee paid by the defendant regardless of the trial’s outcome.