Bail Bonds

There are several different types of bonds, but the most common bond is a secured or surety bond. With this type of bond, a co-signer/indemnitor and bail bond agent must complete an application that states the co-signer will assume financial responsibility for the bond if, for any reason, the defendant fails to appear or follow the orders of the court. The fee for the surety bond is state mandated at 10% of the total cost of the bond. A $100,000 bail bond would require a premium of $10,000 to secure the contract. As soon as the application has been approved and the premium received, the bond can be posted and the defendant is released from jail. We accept cash, credit/debit cards, cashier's checks and money orders. We also have convenient payment plans for individuals who qualify.

In order to be a co-signer or indemnitor in the state of Virginia, a person must be 21 years of age, have a valid form of identification and is gainfully employed or owns a business. When a co-signer/indemnitor agrees to assume responsibility for a surety bond, it means they agree to pay the entire bond amount if anything happens that the defendant does not return to court or fails to meet other stipulations put in place by the court. This can be failing to attend drug and alcohol classes or violating a personal protection order.

At County Bail Bonds, we understand the bail bonds business. We have built solid, working relationships with law enforcement agencies and judicial court systems, throughout Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. The 8th Amendment of the United States Constitution provides for the use of bail bonds as a means of early release from jail. Our agents understand the concept behind this amendment and work hard to ensure that every defendant's rights are protected. We offer 100% confidential service to both the co-signer and the defendant. Our agents pride themselves on being reliable and trustworthy.

County Bail Bonds offers the lowest fees and rates available by law. We are available whenever and wherever the defendant needs us. Our agents offer the most courteous and professional service possible to each and every one of our clients. Call our office today at 703-879-8115 and talk to one of our licensed agents. We can help eliminate the stress and frustration that often accompanies an arrest. Don't worry about the things you can't change. Call our office and let us help you create a plan of action that will help get you through the process. We are here to ensure everything works out in your favor.

In the Virginia court system, there are four main types of bail bonds. They include:

• Personal Recognizance of ROR – A personal recognizance bond or Released on Recognizance means that the person's charges are minor and there is little fear of flight. No money is needed for this type of bond.
• Unsecured or Promise to Appear – An unsecured or Promise to Appear bond is offered to a defendant if they meet the criteria put in place by the courts. The bond relies on the defendant's promise to appear at their scheduled court hearings and requires no money to secure it.
• Secured/Surety Bond – A secured or surety bond requires the services of a bail bonds agent. The bail bond agreement is written and secured with a premium that is 10% of the total bail bond amount. The fee is non-refundable and non-negotiable.
• Pledge of Property Bond – A Pledge of Property bond involves the use of personal property as collateral for a surety bond. The property must be owned free and clear with no liens or hold on the title. Vehicles, jewelry, real estate, and CD's, are examples of personal property that can be used to secure a bond.

A defendant's charges and personal history will determine the type of bond that is required to obtain their release. A person who has no criminal history, strong ties to the community and stable employment may be able to use an ROR bond if their charges are minor. An individual who is a flight risk, however, may post bond if they use valuable property as security. They will also be required to turn over their passport and check in with their bail bond agent on a weekly or daily basis.

After an arrest, the defendant is taken into custody and transported to the jail where they are booked and processed into the system. The defendant will be searched and his or her belongings will be inventoried and kept in storage until they are released. The next step is to be photographed and fingerprinted to help verify their identity. The officers will perform a background check to determine if there are any outstanding warrants locally, on the state level or nationally. The defendant may be questioned or interviewed during the booking process.

If the booking process is completed during normal business hours, the defendant will be taken in front of the magistrate or the judge, depending on the severity of their charges. During the arraignment, the magistrate or judge will set the defendant's bail. The amount of bail will depend on the nature of the crime as well as the defendant's prior criminal history. The judge may choose not to remand the defendant and not allow them to post bail. The crime must be severe or the judge has reason to believe the person is a flight risk and will not return for their scheduled court hearing. The judge may also deny bail if they feel that the defendant is a danger to themselves or others in the community.

If the defendant fails to appear to their court hearing, the judge will issue a warrant for their arrest and their bond will be revoked. There are certain circumstances in which the bond will be reinstated, providing that the defendant can provide valid proof behind their absence. Military service that takes them out of the state or an illness where the defendant was hospitalized are two excellent examples. If the defendant does not notify the court of a pending absence or simply fails to appear, the warrant will be issued and the bail bonds agency will have 60 days to return them to the jail for processing.

A defendant's bond can be revoked for other reasons as well. Violating a restraining or personal protection order, committing another crime, or not attending court mandated drug and alcohol counseling may result in the judge or bail bonds agency taking the steps to revoke the defendant's bond. The bond may also be revoked if the co-signer or indemnitor chooses to no longer by financially responsible for the defendant.

As soon as the defendant's bail has been set by either the judge or the magistrate, the bail bonds agent can go to the jail where the defendant is being held and post the bond. Posting the required bond amount will start the release process. During the release process, the defendant will be informed of the terms of their bond. They will be given a court date and they will be asked if they have any questions concerning the stipulations attached to their early release. Their rights and responsibilities will be explained to them in detail. Once the defendant has agreed to the stipulations and completed the rest of the release process, they will be allowed to leave with the bail bond agent.