Consumer Tip:
Choosing a bail bonds agency in Kissimmee, FL can be one of the most critical decisions you make when someone has been arrested. The service you’ll receive is vastly different at every bail bonds agency in Kissimmee, FL (Osceola County) despite the set fees regulated by the Florida Department of Insurance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS BAIL?
Bail is a set amount to be paid allowing the accused to be released temporarily. This allows the individual to continue their daily activities while preparing for trial. In criminal circumstances, an amount of money, property, or bail bond must be posted by the defendant or on the defendant’s behalf in order to ensure the defendant attends their court date. Every U.S. citizen is protected by the 8th Amendment, prohibiting the government from issuing excessive bail.
WHAT IS A BAIL BOND?
A bail bond is a monetary agreement made by the defendant or a representative of the defendant. This agreement ensures the defendant appears in court for their trial. If the defendant fails to show up to their court date, the bail will have to be paid in full by the defendant, or the co-signer of the bail bond.
WHO IS A BAIL BOND CO-SIGNER?
A co-signer is someone who signs the bail bonds contract on the defendant’s behalf. This person, therefore, becomes responsible for the defendant appearing in court on the specified date. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the co-signer is accountable for the entire bail bond amount.
HOW DOES A BAIL BOND WORK?
The court system sets the bail amount for the release of the accused. Florida law stipulates that an agency, such as Bail 2 GO, can provide a bail bond. This bail bond agreement is a contract that states the full amount of bail to be paid if the defendant doesn’t attend their court on the specified date. Bail bonds are only offered by licensed bail bond agencies, such as Bail 2 GO. Typically, the premium for this early release service is 10% of the total bail amount. Therefore, if bail is set to $30,000, one can expect to pay $3,000 in addition to other fees. The premium rate is set by the Florida Department of Insurance and is not refunded after the release of the individual.
WHY IS THE PREMIUM NON-REFUNDABLE?
The 10% bail bond premium you pay is a fixed rate provided by the Florida Department of Insurance. The premium you pay is purchasing the contract for the defendant to be released. Even if the defendant attends his court date, the premium is not refunded back to you. Similar to car insurance, if you never have a car accident, your premium that you pay is non-refundable.
WHEN DOES A FORFEITURE TAKE PLACE?
Bond forfeiture occurs when the defendant fails to show up for their court appearance on the date specified. The judge then orders a bench warrant, which is an arrest warrant. In most cases, a bail bond can be reinstated if the defendant communicates with the court, permitting them to set a new date for trial.
IS MY PERSONAL INFORMATION SAFE WITH BAIL 2 GO?
Yes, as safe as technologically possible. We use 256 – bit encypted software to ensure your data is only accessed by the agents that posted your bail bond.
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO COMPLETE EVERYTHING OVER THE PHONE?
YES. MOST BAIL BONDS CAN PROCEED OVER THE TELEPHONE
DO YOU SELL MY INFORMATION OR PROVIDE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT?
Absolutely not! Your information is protected from all parties.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY COLLATERAL BACK?
Typically from the time the bond discharged is received from the clerk of the court. The Bail Bonds Agency has up to 21 days to return any tangible assets that were placed as collateral.
WHAT IS A REINSTATEMENT?
If the defendant was issued a bench warrant, due to not appearing before the court, the defendant can have their bail bond reinstated if they communicate with the court. The defendant will be issued a new trial date during this reinstatement period. Reinstatement will incur additional costs to the defendant and/or the co-signer of the bail bond.
WHAT IS A BOND DISCHARGE?
Bond discharge is when the trial has finished and the court ‘discharges’ the bond obligation from the defendant or co-signer, regardless of the outcome of the trial. Any outstanding amounts to the bail bond agency are still owed.