Bail

Many people when they are first arrested are given a court date and released without having to post bail. This is referred to as an “O R”, meaning own recognizance. Essentially you have promised to appear in court.

Some crimes require bail be posted before you can be released from jail. In some instances, although you were release from jail without bail, after the DA reviews and charges the case an arrest warrant will be issued and bail must be posted to allow you to stay out of jail. If you are on probation at the time of arrest, the judge may require you to post bail or go to jail when you go to court.

Whatever the reason bail is required, it can be “posted” in a few ways:

1. 1. You or someone on your behalf can post the full amount of bail. At the end of the case all of your money is returned.
   2. A Bail bond can be posted through a bail bond agency. Most charge you 10% of the bail amount. You will not get back your 10% and you will have to provide the bail bond company someway to collect the rest of the money if you do not show up in court.  If you are represented by a lawyer, many will reduce their fee to 7.5% or 7%.  To to see a few bail bond companies which will give clients a lower rate got to http://www.kimburgess.com/client-resources/. Be sure to tell them I referred you to them for the lower fee.
   3.  Property Bond requires a lien against a home or other property as security for the full amount of bail.