The United States is one of just two countries – together with the Philippines – that supports a cash bail system. Bail refers to the temporary release of people who have been accused of crimes but are still awaiting trial for their alleged wrongdoings. Getting out on bail can help accused individuals prepare for their court cases – doing so while held in jail is difficult due to a lack of resources; it also gives people who can afford to post bail freedom that their less-fortunate counterparts simply aren’t privy to.

You’re probably not an attorney and most likely don’t know about the different types of bail in the United States justice system. Let’s take a look at them and what sets them apart from each other.

Federal Crimes Don’t Work With Bondsmen

Bail bondsmen effectively loan money to courts of law in exchange for premiums on those loans; in exchange, people awaiting trial are taken out of custody. People accused of federal crimes are only allowed to put forth their own cash and other assets – no bondsmen can legally be involved.

Surety, Arguably The Most Common Bond

Surety bonds are those in which people pay premiums – usually 10 percent – of the bail set by relevant courts of law. These are typically taken by people who don’t have enough cash or other assets to put forward to courts of law to get accused persons out of the slammer.

Immigration

This type of bond is strictly reserved for people who are not legal citizens of the United States. People eligible for immigration bonds are sent directly to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to inquire about potentially being granted bond.

Recognizance

When people are released on their own recognizance, they’re essentially trusted by courts of law to return to court dates that they’ve agreed upon. They don’t have to pay any money – recognizance is typically reserved for low-level accusations.

Most people simply can’t afford to lend their own assets to courts of law to meet bail. Therefore, they seek out bail bonds allentown pa – at least you know about four major types of bonds now!