Frequently Asked Questions

What is bail?

Bail is an amount of money that a defendant must pay in order to be released from jail while they await trial. If a defendant cannot afford the full bail amount, they can pay a bail bondsman a percentage of the bond and the bondsman will guarantee the bond on your behalf, this fee will not be refunded. If the defendant chooses to pay the full bail amount to the magistrate and appear in court on their scheduled court date, their bail will be refunded. If they do not appear in court, their bail will be forfeited and they may be issued a warrant for their arrest.

How is bail determined?

Bail is determined by a judge or magistrate based on a number of factors, including the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and their ties to the community.

Can I post bail myself?

Yes, you can post bail yourself if you have the money. You can pay bail in cash with the magistrate.

What happens if I can't afford to post bail?

If you cannot afford to post bail yourself, you can contact a bail bondsman. The bail bondsman will pay the bail on your behalf for a fee, which is typically 15% of the bail amount. This fee will not be returned to you regardless of your appearance in court.

What are the benefits of using a bail bondsman?

There are several benefits to using a bail bondsman, including:

• You can be released from jail quickly and efficiently.

• You do not need to have the full amount of the bail money upfront.

What are the risks of using a bail bondsman?

One of the main risks of using a bail bondsman is that you will have to pay a fee that will not be returned to you. Another risk is that you may be required to sign a collateral agreement, which means that you could lose your property if you or your loved one does not appear in court.

How do I choose a bail bondsman?

When choosing a bail bondsman, it is important to do your research. Make sure to choose a bail bondsman who is licensed and bonded. You should also ask about the bail bondsman's fees and collateral requirements.

What happens if I don't appear in court?

If you do not appear in court on your scheduled court date, your bail will be forfeited and you may be issued a warrant for your arrest. If you are arrested on a warrant, you will be held in jail until your trial date.

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If you have any further questions about the bail bonds process in North Carolina, please contact us.