What are Lancaster county bail bonds and how do they work? A bail bond is an agreement by an individual, organization or company that will agree to guarantee money or property if the arrested individual does not appear in court during his/her trial. These guarantees are usually done through legal bonds, which are a combination of legal and financial obligations. If the criminal doesn’t appear in the court on the date scheduled, his/her bond will be canceled and the legal and financial obligations will be returned to the individual.
Arranging Financial Obligations
There are many ways in which people can arrange for these financial obligations. In most cases, the accused will make his/her own bail bond with a bail bondsman. The bondsman will then make a commitment to legally ensure that the full amount of money or property is provided to the individual if he/she does not appear in court on the specified dates. The person who has made the commitment will need to provide written documentation such as paycheck stubs, identification and bank statements. Other information that may be asked includes the full name and address of the defendant, his/her birth date and social security number.
Bail Hearing
When you go to a bail hearing, the judge will take the evidence that has been presented by the attorney and then make a decision about whether or not to release the defendant. A majority of the cases end with the judge releasing the defendant because it is determined that there is not enough evidence to continue the case. However, if there is not enough evidence to keep a person in jail, then the judge may issue an arrest warrant. If the defendant goes into hiding and no one finds out that he/she has been arrested, then the warrant will remain active until the court proceedings have concluded. Arrest warrants will remain active in the court records for up to seven years.
Considered for Recognizance
To be considered for recognizance during a bail hearing, the defendant will have to answer questions from the court clerk about his/her current financial situation. The clerk will also ask if the defendant has any previous run-ins with the law. If there is any, then the court may require the defendant to disclose any details regarding any convictions. If he/she has none, then the clerk will inform the defendant that they will consider recognizance and allow him/her to enter a guilty plea.
Facing Jail Time
If the defendant violates his/her bail agreement, then he/she will be considered to have been found guilty and must face jail time in accordance with the original sentence. However, the courts have the power to reduce the jail term or provide other means of payment if they choose to do so in accordance with the law. If the defendant violates the terms of his/her bail bond agreement, then his bondsman will petition the court to withdraw the bail. Once the court approves the request, then the bondsman will return the full bail amount back to the defendant.
