Everyone makes mistakes, and these mistakes sometimes could take you to jail. Finding yourself in police custody, especially for the first time, can be scary because you are new to the pretrial release procedures. You will hear references like bail and bail bonds, which are usually confusing as people assume the two terms have the same meaning.
In Ohio, bail and bail bonds have different meanings, and you should understand this if you wish to leave police custody early. At 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, we know Toledo bail bonds and the criminal justice system. Our Toledo bail bondsmen will explain the differences and secure your release while waiting for arranged court hearings.
Toledo Bail Legal Definition
When you are apprehended and the file submitted to the prosecutor by the investigative authorities has enough proof that you have a case to answer, the prosecutor files formal charges. While this happens, the police hold you in custody awaiting court arraignment, where your charges are read. Even though you are in jail, the law presumes you are innocent until proven otherwise. So, you are entitled to a temporary release pending court proceedings. However, as much as you have a right to a pretrial release, the court needs assurances that you will follow their instructions after release, including attending court proceedings when requested.
Bail is the contract between you, the arrestee, and the court, where the court outlines its monetary terms for your early discharge. The presiding fact finder usually sets the bail conditions initially, although they can adjust these terms as the case proceeds.
Sometimes, the judge can release you with any monetary commitment, mainly during your first arrest and minor charges. All they require from you is to promise to appear for your hearings and adhere to the imposed conditions. The court can assign a dollar value to the signature so that when you break your promise, you can pay the amount attached to the signature. However, these incidents rarely happen. Most detainees must spend cash to leave jail. After the conclusion of the case, the funds are refunded regardless of the trial outcome.
Toledo Bail Bonds at a Glance
Bail bonds refer to contracts individuals sign with the court for pretrial discharge. A bond is like an assurance or insurance policy made by anyone, the arrestee, a loved one, or a Toledo bail bonds service to guarantee the court of future appearances and adherence to court conditions. Bonds can take the form of words, cash, or property.
Toledo Bail Bond Types
In Ohio, you can secure a bail bond through the justice system or with the help of a Toledo bail bond service. The judge is the one who decides the type of bond you will deposit after an interview or evaluation by court staff.
Bail laws have seen many changes in recent years, with some states eliminating cash bail unless in exceptional circumstances. The common bond types include:
A Recognizance or Personal Bond
A recognizance bond is acquired through the court system, as you, the defendant, sign a promissory document, assuring the court you will show up upon their request and maintain peace. The bond is available for parties charged with non-violent violations with clean criminal records and is not deemed a flight risk by the court. The advantage of this Toledo bond is that you do not have to deposit any funds with the court for release. Nevertheless, the court attaches dollar value to your signature bond. So, when you skip court or contravene the pretrial discharge terms, the court issues a judgment against the dollar value, usually the bail amount, meaning that you will owe them funds.
Other times, violating release conditions can result in an arrest and placement in custody or stricter bail conditions.
Appearance or 10% Bail Bond
You secure an appearance bond through the court by depositing ten percent of the bail. Only the court can order this arrangement, which benefits many defendants. Many arrestees stay behind bars because they lack the funds to pay bail. However, when the court orders you or a defendant to pay ten percent of the bail, one can consolidate the funds with few challenges and, therefore, secure liberty awaiting scheduled proceedings.
You will receive a refund when you attend all proceedings as instructed and the case concludes. However, the court does not refund the full appearance bond. The law allows them to refund 90% of the bond, and the balance goes towards payment of court fines and fees. Your refund usually depends on the case’s verdict, unlike in jurisdictions like California, where the bail refund is unaffected by the trial outcome.
A violation of bail conditions could mean forfeiture of the appearance bond. Additionally, the fact finder can issue an arrest warrant. If arrested, you will be presented in court to face extra charges for jumping bail.
Surety Bond
You secure a surety or cash bond through the help of a Toledo bail bonds service. A Toledo bail bond is a promise you make to the court that someone else, like a bail bondsman, makes for you with the court for your release. The licensed company agrees to assume responsibility for your court appearances. However, the bondsman offers these services at a fee.
Usually, when the court sets bail, and you cannot raise the amount, you can speak to a Toledo bail bonds firm. You sign a contract with the company where you agree to pay a 10% non-refundable fee plus other administrative costs. In return, the bail bondsman issues you an insurance policy that involves depositing a fraction of the total bail with the court clerk for your release. Once you are out on bail, the company is responsible for your appearances. When you skip court, the bondsman pays the full. However, based on the risk involved when issuing the insurance policy, the company will require some collateral to recoup its debt in the event of forfeiture.
You should know that after the close of the case, regardless of the verdict, you will not receive the premium fee back like you do when you deposit an appearance bond. The fees are nonrefundable and are usually the cost of the insurance policy the firm sells you.
Court and Jail Info
Toledo Municipal Court
555 N, Erie St,
Toledo, OH 43604
Lucas County Sheriff’s Office
1622 Spielbusch Avenue
Toledo, OH 43604
Find a Proficient Bail Bondsman Near Me
Formal criminal charges do not make you guilty, even in jail. The law presumes you are innocent, so you are entitled to bail. If you seek a prompt release from prison in Toledo, Ohio, call 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds at 800-930-8999. Our bail bondsmen will explain bail and bail bonds and your bail options to facilitate your early discharge.