Here are some important terms to know when understanding bail and the bail bonds process.
bail-jumping- the criminal offense of defaulting on bail
bailee- a person who receives personal property from another as a bailment
bail agent/bail bondsman- someone who provides bail as a surety for the release of a criminal defendant
bail bond- a bond given to a court by a criminal defendant’s surety to guarantee that the defendant will appear in court in the future and to obtain the defendant’s release from confinement
bail commissioner- a judge empowered to hold an emergency hearing to set bail when one cannot be held during regular court hours
excessive bail- bail that is unreasonably high considered the offense the accused is charged with and the risk that they will not appear for trial
personal recognizance- the release of a defendant in a criminal case in which the court takes the defendant’s word that they will appear for a scheduled matter
surety- a person who is primarily liable for the payment of another’s debt, or the performance of another’s obligation
Knowing these terms should help you navigate bail bonds, but we’re here to help answer any questions and get your bail bonds process started. If you need a bail bond in Lafayette, Louisiana please give us a call at (337)466-3533.