If you or someone close to you has been arrested and jailed anywhere in Utah, you may be looking into the potential use of bail bonds to secure release. How do bail bonds work in Utah, and what do you need to know about the Utah bail process?

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we’re here to offer 24/7 bail bonds service for clients around Salt Lake County, Summit County, Wasatch County and nearby areas of Utah. We’re entirely familiar with the Utah bail process and regularly walk clients through how it works. Here are some of the basics to know if you or anyone close to you is in a situation where bail bonds may be necessary.

What is Bail?

For those in a bail situation for the first time, it’s important to understand what bail actually is. Bail is a payment made to the court in exchange for temporary release from jail while awaiting trial. This allows individuals to continue their lives outside of jail until their scheduled court date. If the individual appears at all required court dates, the bail money will be returned at the end of the trial process.

However, bail amounts themselves are often set far higher than the average person can afford. This creates a situation where those who are unable to pay the bail must remain in jail until their trial, regardless of whether they are innocent or guilty. But there’s another option, and that’s where bail bonds come in.

What Are Bail Bonds?

Bail bonds, then, are a way for individuals to pay a percentage of their bail amount in order to secure release from jail. This percentage, typically 10%, is paid to a bail bondsman or agency who then guarantees the individual’s appearance at all court dates. In exchange for this guarantee, the bondsman or agency will keep the 10% as a non-refundable fee.

How Do Bail Bonds Work in Utah?

When someone is arrested and charged with a crime, they are given an initial bail amount by the judge. If they are unable to pay this full amount, they can contact a bail bondsman or agency who will act as a surety and post the bond on their behalf. The bondsman will typically charge a non-refundable fee of 10% (or similar) of the total bail amount, which is their profit for taking on the risk of guaranteeing the individual’s appearance in court.

Once the bond is posted, the individual can be released from jail and return home while awaiting their trial. This allows them to continue working and fulfilling other responsibilities instead of being incarcerated until their trial date.

However, if the individual fails to show up for any of their court dates, they will be considered as skipping bail and a warrant may be issued for their arrest. The bondsman or agency who posted the bond will then have to pay the full bail amount to the court. They may also hire a bounty hunter to find and bring the individual back to court.

Bail Bonds and Contracts

This process of securing a bail bond involves a contract between the defendant, the bondsman or agency, and often a co-signer who is responsible for ensuring that the defendant appears in court. In addition to paying a non-refundable fee, the defendant may also have to provide collateral such as property or valuable assets to secure the bond.

The amount of bail set by the court can vary greatly depending on the severity of the crime. In some cases, it may be set at a high amount to ensure that the defendant does not skip town before their trial. The bondsman or agency usually charges a percentage of this amount as their fee for posting the bond.

Payment Formats

Typically, multiple payment options are available when securing a bail bond. The most common methods of payment include cash, credit or debit card, and check. However, some bondsmen may also accept alternative forms of payment such as cryptocurrency or electronic funds transfer.

It is important to note that paying the full amount in cash may not always be possible for those who have been arrested and are in jail. In these situations, using a credit or debit card can be a more viable option.

Payment Plans

In addition to traditional payment methods, some bail bond agencies offer payment plans for those who cannot afford to pay the full amount upfront. These plans allow defendants to make smaller payments over time until the full amount is paid off.

In these situations, the bail bond agency may require collateral, such as property or assets, to secure the remaining amount of the bond. It is important for defendants and their families to carefully consider the terms of these payment plans and make sure they can meet the payments on time.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we’re here to provide simple, effective bail bonds service to people around Summit County, Wasatch County, Salt Lake County and nearby parts of Utah. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you or your loved one during this difficult time.