Bail laws and regulations can vary widely between states, leading to very different bail bond processes coast to coast. Understanding these key differences can help if you ever need to assist someone with bail in an unfamiliar state.
State-by-State Factors:
Licensing – Some states like Alaska and Illinois prohibit commercial bail bonding altogether while Texas requires licenses for each agent.
Bail Schedules – Bail amounts for specific crimes are set in a schedule or left to judges’ discretion. This affects bond costs.
Percentage Allowed – States limit the percentage bondsmen can charge clients, often 10% of bail but just 5% in Kentucky.
Forfeiture Rules – Timelines for when unpaid bail is forfeited by a fugitive differ by state. In Texas bondsmen have nine months to find a skip.
Bond Types – Not all states allow certain bonds like celebrity bonds using a star’s influence rather than money.
Monitoring – Additional bond requirements like electronic monitoring and drug testing vary based on the state’s laws.
Understanding if a state regulates bail, sets bail schedules, limits percentages, has strict forfeiture timelines, allows unique bond types, or requires monitoring helps navigate the bail system no matter where defendants find themselves needing bail assistance.
Article by:
AA Best Bail Bonds
2501 Airport Fwy.
Fort Worth, TX 76111
Phone: 817-831-3700