FAQ
What is Release on Own Recognizance (ROR)?
Release on Own Recognizance is an unsecured, government backed, release of a defendant on the promise that he/she will return to court at the appointed time and place. To determine if he or she is eligible for an ROR, the review staff at the jail will assess each person to see if they meet the criteria for ROR.
What is Pretrial Release?
Pretrial Release is local government funded form of release. Information on the defendant is gathered for review to determine release of the defendant from custody under certain pretrial conditions. The process often involves meeting periodically with a pretrial release officer and making weekly/monthly payments for certain pretrial conditions, such as urinalysis, and GPS monitoring.
What About a Forfeiture?
This seems to be an area that most people don't fully understand. The action of forfeiture occurs when a person does not make the court appearance: a bench warrant for an arrest will be issued. Although, this incident can compromise the bail agreement, as well as the court's view of the defendant, it can be resolved in most cases.
We know things go wrong; such as, you went to the wrong courtroom, or you sleep-in and don't make your court appearance at all, or maybe, you've got the wrong date for your appearance, and the judge enters a bench warrant against you.
These mishaps can be corrected - if you handle the mishap (of missing court) responsibly and in a timely manner, the bondsman may be able to bond you out again if possible or necessary. Please remember, if you miss your court date, CALL YOUR BONDSMAN!
What is an indemnitor (cosigner)?
An indemnitor is the person signing for the defendant and guaranteeing that the defendant will go to court each and every time until the case is closed or the bond is discharged or exonerated.
Who is the defendant?
The defendant is the person in jail.
What is premium?
Premium is the fee that the indemnitor pays the bondsman to purchase the bail bond. Since the premium is our fee, it is not something that is typically refundable. The premium is regulated by the State of Florida. For any bond that is $1000.00 or less, the premium is $100.00. For any bond that is $1000.00 or greater, the premium is 10% of the bond.
What is collateral?
Collateral is something of value, often a title to a vehicle, a deed to a property, or even cash, pledged by the indemnitor or defendant (in addition to the premium) to help secure the bond. The collateral can be returned once the bond is discharged or exonerated.
What is exoneration?
Exoneration is when the court releases the bond. This can occur when the case is closed or when the judge in the case decides to release the bond. A copy of the original bond is mailed by the Clerk of Court to our office. Once we receive the official copy of the discharge/exonerated bond, collateral can be released.
What is bail?
Bail is a term used for the property or money that an accused person uses to secure their release from custody before trial. If the accused fails to return to the court for trial the bail can be forfeited and seized by the court.
I have enough cash on hand to pay for my loved one’s bail, why should I get a bail bond?
If you choose to pay for your bail yourself you unnecessarily tie up funds that could be used for other purposes, so getting a bail bond allows you the most access to your finances. Also, if the jailed person is accused of a drug trafficking, you must be able to prove that the money came from non-drug sources.
What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a contract that enables people to pay a small amount of the bail cost, usually around 10%, to a bail bond agency. The agency then provides the court with the rest of the bail amount and promises that their client will return for trial.
Are there penalties if I “skip” bail?
Yes, The Court will issue a warrant for your arrest and forfeit the bond. If you pay the bail yourself, you forfeit whatever money or property you used to secure your freedom. If you use a bail bond service to get out of jail then the bail bondsman and/or affiliates will rearrest you to appear before the court in order to not lose their money.
Can I recover the amount of money I use for bail?
Yes, normally. Once the case is exonerated you may recover the money for bail from the court minus any court cost, fines, fees and/or restitution involved.
Can I recover the 10% fee I pay to my bail bondsman?
No, that amount of money is used to pay for the services of the bail bondsman.
Is there a difference between bail bondsmen?
Absolutely. Although many people offer bail bonding services, it takes years of experience to understand the complexities of the legal system, and you don’t want to trust your freedom to someone who doesn’t know the game. If you have a loved one behind bars, contact someone you can trust; someone with a sense of integrity and professionalism. You can trust Boatwright Bail Bonds to do whatever it takes to get your love one out. Don’t waste any more time... Contact Boatwright Bail Bonds right now!
How does bail work?
The process of bail is regulated by the State of Florida. A Judge within the county of arrest sets the bail amount. Once bail is set, a Bail Bondsman charges 10%. (The State of Florida regulates this fee. All Bail Bonds companies in Florida charge the same rate). After meeting with a cosigner that meets our qualifications and after completing the necessary paperwork and payment is made, the bond is then posted, and the defendant is released.
What do I need to bail someone out of jail?
There are four things that a cosigner (Indemnitor) needs to bail someone out of jail:
- Valid ID
- Pay Check Stub (when applicable)
- Utility Bill or other proof of residency (when applicable)
- A cosigner must also be a U.S. citizen and must be 18 or older.
How long does it take for paperwork?
It will take about 5 to 10 minutes.
How can I pay?
Cash, Check, Credit Card, Money Order, Western Union transfer
How long does it take for a person to get out of jail?
It depends on the jail and the county the defendant was arrested in. Most facilities take 30 minutes to four hours.
What are the responsibilities of a cosigner or indemnitor?
A cosigner (indemnitor), is someone willing to sign for the defendant, is responsible for the following three things:
- To make sure the defendant makes all appearances to court.
- To make sure the defendant notifies Boatwright Bail Bonds with next court appearances.
- To make sure the premium is paid in full (if applicable).
What are the responsibilities of a defendant?
The responsibilities of a defendant are the following:
- Upon being released, the defendant will need to immediately contact the local office to complete the necessary paperwork.
- The defendant should contact Boatwright Bail Bonds office weekly to inquire on upcoming court dates. (PLEASE CALL 850-559-2601).
- The defendant must show up to all court dates.
Can Boatwright Bail Bonds service areas outside the vicinity of their office locations?
Boatwright Bail Bonds primarily serves Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Jefferson, Taylor and all surrounding counties. Boatwright Bail Bonds can assist with all bail-related matters in the State of Florida and most other states through surety transfer bonds.
Can I drop off the money and have someone else cosign?
Yes, however, if there is any type of refund, it will be given back to the cosigner.
Do I get my money (premium) back after the defendant goes to court?
No, that money is non-refundable after posting bond. However, if we are unable to post the bond under certain circumstances, we will issue a refund.
Can I take care of a warrant with Boatwright Bail Bonds?
YES! Warrants are issued to a person when a judge wants to see them in court. Bail can be posted through Boatwright Bail Bonds. We can pre-arrange to have your bond posted at the same time you turn yourself in.
Do I need to come back with the defendant to complete paperwork?
No, but the defendant must immediately (upon being released) make arrangements with Boatwright Bail Bonds to complete paperwork.
What are the benefits of bailing someone out of jail?
There are several benefits to consider:
- Defendants can go back to work, school, home, family, and continue with everyday life.
- Allows for the unhampered preparation of a defense and it also allows the defendant to go to court in a dignifying manner. A wise man once said, going to court in chains and shackles kinda says guilty… if you know what I mean.
- Serves to prevent the infliction of punishment prior to conviction.
