Misdemeanor Bail Bonds: Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds
The first hours after a misdemeanor arrest feel rushed, but the steps to release follow a clear order: booking, bail set, bond posted, release. If someone you love is sitting in jail right now, you probably want to know what to do and how fast. A misdemeanor sounds minor, yet it still carries real jail time, and the defendant stays locked up until bail is handled. Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds can help you understand the process after an arrest, so you can make clear choices while the clock runs. Gather the defendant’s full name, booking number and jail location before you call anyone. Key Takeaways How Misdemeanor Bail Bonds Work After an Arrest A bond for a misdemeanor is a promise to the court, backed by a bail bond company, that the defendant will return for every hearing. The company files a financial guarantee so the defendant can leave jail until the case ends. In Colorado, a bail bond company posts the full bail amount for a fee, so you pay only a fraction of it. The order of events is steady. First comes booking, when the jail records the defendant. Next, bail is set, usually by a magistrate at the first appearance within 48 hours of arrest. Then you contact the company, sign paperwork and pay. The company files the bond, and the jail releases the defendant. Every step toward release depends on one promise: the defendant comes back for each court date. There is one exception. A few low-level charges allow release without any payment at all, so ask the jail whether the charge qualifies before you spend money. The bondsman handles the filing with the court, and your job is to supply accurate details and sign. Mistakes in a name or booking number slow everything down. Timing varies by jail, so ask the company how long processing usually takes at that facility. How the Bail Amount Is Set for a Misdemeanor Most misdemeanor bail amounts land between $500 and $5,000 for a first-time defendant. The exact figure depends on the charge level and the defendant’s background. Magistrates generally set bail at first appearance, usually within 48 hours of arrest. Charge level Maximum jail Maximum fine Typical DFW bond, first-time defendant Class B misdemeanor 180 days $2,000 $500-$2,000 Class A misdemeanor 1 year $4,000 $1,000-$5,000 A bail schedule is a county’s list of preset bail amounts for common offenses, used to set bail quickly without waiting for a judge. Several charges change the math. Many counties add the bail for each charge together, while others use only the highest. Enhancements such as domestic violence allegations can push the total bail amount up, and higher bail amounts follow. Ask the jail for the exact charges listed, because each added charge can change the total. Types of Bail You Can Use to Get Out Colorado courts accept several forms of bail, and three of them are the ones most families ever use. Each is a different way to satisfy the court, and each puts a different burden on your wallet. Knowing them lets you use bail in the way that costs you least. Cash and surety bonds A cash bond is refunded when the case concludes, minus fines and fees. A surety bond works differently: the premium you pay the company is never refunded, even if the charges are dropped. The trade is simple, because cash costs more up front and a surety bond costs less now. Personal recognizance and attorney bonds Personal recognizance bonds are most common for Class C and lower-level Class B misdemeanors. The defendant usually needs local ties, no significant criminal history and a nonviolent charge. If the charge is low-level and the defendant has local ties, ask about a personal recognizance bond before you spend anything. What a Misdemeanor Bail Bond Costs In Colorado the premium is is typically 10-15% of the bond amount, so a $3,000 bail costs you $300. A licensed bondsman’s premium is non-refundable and may come with a collateral requirement. A $1,000 bail costs a $100 premium, which also answers how much a $1000 bond costs through a company. Item Cash bail Bail bond Payment Full bail amount 10-15% premium Refund Returned after the case, minus fines and fees Premium never returned Risk Tied-up savings Co-signer liable if defendant skips court Some bail bond companies offer payment plans, which can spread the premium over several payments. Collateral may be requested in some cases, such as a car title or other property, and it is returned when the bond ends without a problem. Cash suits you if you can spare the money for months. A bond suits you if you would rather keep your savings and accept the fee as the cost of release. Ask for a written statement of all charges before signing, since the premium rests on the bail amount for every charge. Get the total premium, any extra charges and the refund terms in writing before you sign. Co-Signers and What to Check Before You Sign Signing as a co-signer makes you financially responsible if the defendant misses court. That is the real weight of the signature. A co-signer may owe the premiums, must make sure the defendant knows each court date, and repays the company if the defendant breaks the agreement. The risk is concrete. A forfeited bond leaves the bail bond company owing the full bail amount to the court, and it then seeks that money from you. A small premium can turn into a large debt. Before you sign with any bond company, check these items: If something is unclear, a lawyer can give legal advice on the contract before you commit. Do not sign until every blank in the contract is filled in and you hold a copy. What Happens If the Defendant Misses Court Missing one court date can turn a misdemeanor case into a new criminal charge. A missed date usually brings an arrest warrant and a bond forfeiture, which hits the