Understanding posting bail

There are two ways for posting bail for release. The jail will accept cash bail which is the entire bail amount. However most people use a bail bondsman to post the bail due to large bail amounts. When someone hires a bail bondsmen to post bail, the bail agent is the one who puts up the entire bail amount in the form of a bail bond. The bail bond guarantees that the individual will appear in court on each court date. In the state of North Carolina, the department of insurance regulates bail agents to charge no more than 15% of whatever the given bail amount. Once the completed paperwork is filled out the bail agent will turn the bond into the jail and the arrestee will be released shortly there after. After the defendant has appeared to all the court dates and their court matter is resolved, the cosigner will then be no longer held responsible for the bond.

A co-signer is required during the process of posting bail to guarantee that the defendant (your relative or friend), will attend their scheduled court date and pay fines when summoned to do so. A co-signer vouches for the defendant and ensures they have support on the outside in getting back on track and to trial.

This co-signer can theoretically be anyone who knows the defendant. The stronger the relationship, the more likely the bail bondsman will be inclined to accept the co-signer. Family members, spouses, co-workers, and long-term friends are usually a good bet. If you reside in a different state from the defendant, it may still be possible to co-sign; however. It is your duty to stay informed of all court dates. You are essentially singing that if the defendant disappears that you are financially responsible for paying the full face value of their bail.

The one bail bond condition that no bail bondsmen will budge on is that the defendant must appear in court on their court-appointed dates for trial. If the defendant does not appear in court, they may be held in contempt, or an active warrant will be put out for their arrest. You are not allowed to leave the state without permission. If you are required to leave the state, you may be allowed to do so, but you need to reach out to the bail bondsman to get approval. All payments must be made if full on your bond. Any change in residency or vital contact information must be updated with us.
There is a chance that you might be required to wear a GPS monitoring device, and if so, you need to wear it.
You might also be required to refrain from drinking alcohol if your alleged crime involves alcohol or drugs.
You might also be required to surrender your passport as a condition of your release.