If a friend or family member is in trouble with the law, posting bail gets them back home where they belong. If you don't have the cash, bail bonds will secure their release as quickly as money. Below is an overview of how bail agents work to help reunite defendants with their families.

What Is a Bail Bond?

Bail bonds are like a form of insurance in the justice system. The defendant or their loved ones sign a bond and pay a minor percent of the bail's amount to a bondsman, who secures their release. The justice system accepts bonds with the promise that the defendant appears at all of their subsequent hearings. Bail bond agencies like 3-D Bail Bonds in Connecticut not only provide freedom back to defendants, they also offer accountability to the Judicial process.

Bondsmen rarely need collateral, which will act as a temporary loan. Many choose to use jewelry, stocks, or property as collateral, which the bondsman returns once the court resolves the case. They only keep the nominal percentage of the bail's total. 

However, if the defendant flees or fails to appear, any friends or loved ones who signed for the bond are held financially responsible. They must immediately contact the agency if they know the defendant whereabouts. The defendant must be brought back to court to avoid having to pay the remaining bail amount, usually by forfeiting their collateral, which is seized and sold off. 

Are Bail Bondsmen the Same as Bounty Hunters?

Although bounty hunters are related to bail bondsmen, they aren't the same. If a defendant fails to show up in court, bail bondsmen may hire a bounty hunter to find them and return them to custody. In Connecticut, bounty hunters must be licensed and must renew their license on a yearly basis.

What Should You Know When Hiring a Bail Bondsman?

Experienced bail bondsmen have worked with various law enforcement agencies, which allows them to secure a defendant's release quickly. Even if you have the cash available, hiring a bail agent is less stressful, faster, and more cost-effective than doing it yourself. Bail bond agents must be licensed to post bail and must report to the Department of Insurance through a monthly certification. 

If someone you know needs bail bonds in Hartford or anywhere in Connecticut, 3-D Bail Bonds offers the 24/7 service and personal attention you need. We have offices throughout the state, and have worked with a wide range of law enforcement agencies. We are experts in all local and affordable bail bonds 24 hours a day, seven days a week, contact us today. To find our nearest location, visit our website now or call (860) 247-2245 to reach our main office in Hartford located at 57 Fishfry St 2nd floor. To speak with a bail bondsman in New Britain, call (860) 229-2525, or dial (203) 562-6666 to reach our New Haven location.