FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bail Bond?
Basically, a bail bond is a guarantee that the defendant will attend all scheduled court dates requested by the court.
How much do bail bonds cost?
State Laws Governing Premiums and Fees on Louisiana Bail Bonds
$25 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY FEE
R.S. 22:855(B)(2)(b)
The policy fee collected by the agent under this subsection shall not exceed twenty-five dollars for any criminal bail bond or homeowners or personal automobile insurance, other than surplus line insurance or risks which are not normal and not insurable at standard rates.
12% BAIL BOND PREMIUM FEE
R.S. 22:1443
The premium rate set for commercial surety underwriting criminal bail bonds in the various courts throughout the state of Louisiana shall not be subject to the Louisiana Insurance Rating Commission’s rates, but shall be set and adjusted by the legislature. The rate for all commercial surety underwriters writing criminal bail bonds in the state of Louisiana shall be twelve percent of the face amount of the bond, or one hundred and twenty dollars, whichever is greater. The fee on premium as provided for by R.S. 13:718(I)(2) shall be exclusive of the limit set by this Section. All other provisions of the code relating to enforcement of the rate shall be effective and enforced in accordance with all parts of this section.
$30.00 JAIL FEE
R.S. 15:85.1(A)(C) – ACT 942
There shall be a fee in the amount of fifteen dollars assessed in connection with the issuance of every criminal bond posted within each parish. The fee shall be collected by the sheriff of each parish from every person seeking release by mean of a criminal bond, or their designated representative. Any person who claims to be incapable of paying the fee to secure his release from jail may petition the district court for a waiver or refund of the fee assessed pursuant to the provisions of this section. Any person found not guilty or any person against whom criminal charges are brought and thereafter dismissed may petition the district court for a refund of the fee assessed pursuant to the provisions of this section.
How long does it take to get out of jail?
The paperwork generally takes 15 minutes to complete. The release time varies from about four to an upwards of twenty four hours, however the average time is four to six hours. It’s safe to say that the busier the facility holding your loved one, the longer it will take to be released.
What do I do if the defendant gets re-arrested while on bond?
Contact our office immediately; in most cases we can re-bond them on the new charges.
Why don’t I get my premium back?
The bond company posts a bond for the full amount of your loved one’s bail. They are responsible for the defendant going to court. Bail premium is kept by the bonding agency for performing this service.
SURRENDER FOR NON-PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS
R.S. 22:1585 – ACT 119 (2003)
Before a breach of an undertaking occurs, a surety or bail bond producer may surrender a defendant, or the defendant may surrender himself, to the official to whose custody the defendant was committed at the time the bail was given. The defendant may be surrendered without a return of the premium if he changes addresses without notifying his bail bond producer or surety, conceals himself, leaves the jurisdiction of the court without the permission of his bail bond producer or surety, fails to appear in any court at any time, or if the Indemnitor seeks to relieve himself of his obligation on the bond. A bail bond producer shall not surrender a client for non-payment of premium until thirty days after the date the bond is posted.
Why can’t I do a cash bond myself?
In some circumstances you can post cash bail. This depends upon your loved one’s charge, and sometimes what jurisdiction is holding him or her. In most cases however, you may need to utilize a bail bond company.
When is collateral used?
Although, most often not required, collateral is sometimes used to underwrite our larger bail bonds. Examples of collateral include equity in a house, cabin, piece of land, or cash. We hold the collateral until the defendant is done with their court appearances. After the defendant makes all of their court appearances, the collateral is returned.
Is collateral needed?
No. In most cases, collateral is not needed. Some paperwork and the fee is all that is required. Since each case is unique, we ask that you call our office and speak with a licensed bondsman to further discuss whether collateral is needed for your bail bond.
What is collateral?
Items that are considered good collateral:
Unencumbered Real Estate
Collateral is what is used by the bail bond agency to secure the bond posted for your loved one. Sometimes this may be just the signature of a good credited family member. On larger bonds, real estate, car title or cash collateral may be required. In the case of real estate, a lien will be placed on the property by the bail bond company.
When do I get my collateral back?
Upon completion of the defendant’s court case, and the bond being discharged by the court. A copy of the discharge must be provided to the surety company by either the defendant of any of the signers.
What happens if a person misses their court date?
What should I do?
The first thing you should do is contact the bail bond company. Let us know and we will immediately call the court and get the necessary details. Procedurally what happens is very simple. The court issues a warrant for the defendant’s arrest. A failure to appear notice is sent to the bail bond agency, and the case is assigned to a fugitive recovery agent. It is very important that you work with the private investigators that are assigned to handle your loved one’s case.
Remember, that as a signer, you are responsible for the defendant’s appearance in court. So your cooperation is very important. In the case where the defendant is not apprehended, then the bonding company has to pay the full amount of the bond to the court. At this point, you will be contacted by the bonding company to pay for the bond in full.
Can a bond be used for fines and or court costs?
No! A bail bond only guarantees that the defendant makes all court appearances. Fines, restitution, court costs, etc., are the responsibility of the defendant. A bail bond CANNOT be taken to satisfy these costs.
What is an indemnitor?
The indemnitor is the person taking financial responsibility for the defendant released from jail and can be held FINANCIALLY liable if the defendant does not appear for court dates. The Indemnitor can be held liable for repaying any court costs, recovery costs or bond costs back to the bondsman. The agreement the Indemnitor signs with the bail bond company is a civil contract and has no criminal liability at all, but can subject them to being sued in a civil court
PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes, we offer very easy to obtain financing with monthly installments.
All you need to have is the following:
- A full time job
- Live in the state of Louisiana
- Bring proof of address – not your grandma’s or aunt’s – YOUR address…..
What if I miss court?
The first thing you should do is contact the bail bond company. Let us know and we will immediately call the court and get the necessary details. Procedurally what happens is very simple. The court issues a warrant for the defendant’s arrest. A failure to appear notice is sent to the bail bond agency, and the case is assigned to a fugitive recovery agent. It is very important that you work with the private investigators that are assigned to handle your loved one’s case.
Remember, that as a signer, you are responsible for the defendant’s appearance in court. So your cooperation is very important. In the case where the defendant is not apprehended, then the bonding company has to pay the full amount of the bond to the court. At this point, you will be contacted by the bonding company to pay for the bond in full.
