When a person is arrested and charged with a crime in Salt Lake City, they may be granted bail by the court. 

Bail is a sum of money paid to the court to guarantee the defendant’s appearance in court. However, many people need help to afford to pay the full bail amount. This is where a bail bondsman comes into the picture. 

What Is A Bail Bond?

You might be wondering how bail bonds work. 

Firstly, the Utah County court will determine the type of bail and the amount set by your state. Some states provide a list of bail amounts that the judge can use to determine the right amount. In addition, some states allow the judge to determine the bail amount based on the flight risk and other factors.

A suspect held in custody awaiting court proceedings may be released upon payment of an agreed sum or bail to the court. The payment is made after arrest but before the court date. The money is returned to the person who paid it once the accused has appeared in court.

Despite being the norm in the US, bail bonds are only a common practice in some countries. And within the United States, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Washington, DC, do not offer a bail bond process.

What Is A Bail Bondsman?

A licensed bail bondsman in Salt Lake City and Utah County—or sometimes called a bail agent—is a professional who can post bail on behalf of a defendant. And while there are benefits to hiring a bail bondsman, there are also potential drawbacks. 

This article will discuss the pros and cons of hiring a bail bondsman.

 

Pros Of Hiring A Licensed Bail Bondsman

 

  • Affordability

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a bail bond agent is affordability. 

Rather than paying the full amount of bail, a defendant only needs to pay a fraction of that amount (usually 10%). This can be helpful for those who cannot afford the full amount of bail.

This system allows you to pay your bail in small amounts instead of trying to save enough money. It would help if you asked about the payment options before deciding which bail bond agency or company to use.

  • Constant Availability

Another major advantage of bail bonds is that they are available 24/7. 

The majority of bail bond services in Utah operate at all hours of the day, which means bail bond services can help you if you have to post bail at night. Also, you won’t need to wait until your bank opens in the morning to bail out a loved one.

  • Quick Release

No one wants to be in jail. So, hiring a bail bond agent can result in a quicker release from jail. 

Instead of waiting for days or weeks for the full amount of bail to be paid, a bail bondsman can usually post bail within hours of being hired. This will ensure that your friend or loved one doesn’t stay in jail longer than needed.

  • Legal Knowledge

Bail bondsmen in Salt Lake City are trained professionals who understand the legal system well. They can help defendants and their families understand the bail process and their legal rights.

  • Expertise in the Bail Process

A benefit to hiring a bail bondsman is that they know the ins and outs of the bail process and can help navigate the system’s complexities. They can also help defendants avoid the potential pitfalls of bad bail bonds that could lead to further legal troubles.

Cons Of Hiring A Bail Bondsman

  • Fees

Of course, like anything, there are some drawbacks to using a bail bonds service. 

The biggest disadvantage is that you won’t get all your money back. In Salt Lake, bail bondsmen charge a fee for their services. This is typically around 10% of the total bail amount. This fee is non-refundable—even if the defendant is found innocent or the charges are dropped.

On the other hand, you will receive your money back if you pay bail yourself. This is because bail is collateral held by the court to ensure the defendant returns to court after being released from jail.

  • Liability

When a bail bondsman posts bail on behalf of a defendant, they become financially liable for the full amount of the bail if the defendant fails to appear in court. If the defendant skips bail, the bail bondsman has the right to pursue legal action to recoup their losses.

  • Collateral

In exchange for posting bail, Utah bail bondsmen often require collateral in exchange. This can include property, vehicles, or other assets. In addition, the bail bond agent may seize the collateral as compensation if the defendant fails to appear in court.

  • Restrictions

Defendants who hire a bail bondsman are often subject to certain restrictions, such as curfews or travel restrictions. Failure to comply with these restrictions can result in revocation of bail.

Still, Considering Hiring A Bail Agent?

Hiring a bail bondsman in Utah can be useful for defendants who cannot afford to pay the full bail amount. However, before hiring a bail bondsman, it’s important to consider these factors and make an informed decision carefully.

Also, remember that not all bail bond agents are the same. Therefore, you must choose a top bail recovery agent or bondsman who you can trust.