I want to understand the bail bonds process in Las Vegas. Can a real bail bondsman explain it to me?

Question

I have a family member with about $10,000 bail, and I want to know what (..if any) collateral is needed or how this works. This is my 1st time doing this and the 1st time my family member has been in touble. She's in CCDC or the city jail I think (never new there was a difference).

Answer 1

You're thinking to yourself:  How does this whole Las Vegas bail bond process work anyway?  We've tried to answer some frequently asked questions:

What is bail exactly?  You receive "bail" when one deposits or has a 3rd party deposit security (also know as collateral) to ensure a defendant/prisoner surrendering to legal authorities at required times.  Surrendering can mean simply attending court dates or obeying the judge's instruction.  That security is actually considered the "bail."  A bail bonds company, through the use of its insurance company, puts up that bail on a defendant's behalf.

Nevada law requires a 15% premium paid to a licensed bail bonds agency. That premium is the payment for the bail bonds agency's services in posting the bail.  Also, by hiring a bail bonds agent, you avoid paying the full bail amount upfront to the detention center.  For example, if the judge sets a defendant's bail at $10,000, the jail will require you to pay the full $10,000 for release of the prisoner.  If you hire a bail bonds company, you would pay them $1500 and leave them collateral (can be cash, credit card payment, property, or anything of solid material value) in good faith to help ensure the defendant's compliance with the court.  On approved credit, many customers don't need to leave collateral at all!

You might ask yourself:  Do I get that 15% premium back if the case is dropped and/or the defendant fully complies with all court instructions?  No, the 15% premium is the bail agency's fee for service.  Remember.... The bail bonds company is putting up the full bail amount to get your friend/loved one released.  That is a hefty risk as they are "on the hook" for that full amount should the defendant flee, skip court, or fail to comply with the courts.

Do you get your collateral/security back?  Yes...Assuming the defendant attends all applicable court dates, and follows all court instructions, you are entitled to your collateral once the bail agency's liability is exonerated (excused) by the court.  The refund or return of this collateral can generally take at least 21 days after the bail bond is "exonerated."

When you co-sign to bail someone out, what other factors should you consider?  When you sign the bail agency's paperwork to bail someone out, you are in essence vouching that the defendant will comply with the court fully.  Should the defendant miss a court date, flee, or behave in such a way that the bail agency must work to apprehend him/her, you will be responsible for all related costs the agency incurs.  This includes but is not limited to paying bail enforecment agent ("bounty hunter") costs, investigation fees, and related expenses.  You run the risk of forfeiting your collateral and being billed for the added fees.  HOWEVER, as long as the defendant follows-through with all court dates and instructions, you will have nothing more to fear!  

What if someone you care about has warrants out?  How can you avoid being stopped by law enforcement for even a routine violation and then arrested? ...Many times a bail agency can post new bonds on your behalf for many types of warrants.  This is especially helpful if you cannot fully afford to pay the entire warrant, but can afford the bail agency's 15% premium.  This will help to ensure that if you get pulled over for a simple violation, you will avoid arrest.



Is that 15% premium negotiable?  No...That is a government regulated rate effective since 2003.  You can't charge more, and you can't charge less.  However, a select-few offices can find creative ways to help such as offering payment plans on approved credit.

What if you have to bail someone out in the middle of the night?  Good news!...Some companies are open 24 hours a day and staffed with live agents to assist you at a moments notice!

After you sign all the paperwork, how soon will the defendant be released?  Release times vary at the jails depending on many factors out of the bail agency's control (i.e. jail staff levels, detention center paperwork, inmate capacity, etc.).  Generally, you can expect release within 4-12 hours of completing our paperwork.  Release can occur in as little as 2 hours and on some occassions, longer than 12.  This is the same for the Las Vegas City Jail, Clark County Detention Center, North Las Vegas Detention Center, and Henderson Detention Center.  In any case, it's in the bondsman's best interest to post that bail ASAP!  

What if it's not easy for you to come down to the office in person right away?  No worries......"bail by phone" can be done on approved credit at select offices, or paperwork can be faxed to have you fill it out and send it back!  Mobile service may also be available depending on the company you use.