Answering FAQs About Bail Bonds in Concord, NC

At 1st Choice Bonding & Surety, we want our clients and their families to have access to reliable, up-to-date information about their court case and the bail bonds process. In addition to offering affordable bail bonds services, our bail bonds agents and staff are happy to answer any questions you have. We can provide resources that allow you to make an informed decision about how to proceed after your loved one has been arrested. Keep reading for answers to FAQs about bail bonds in Concord, NC, and call us if you need services or have a question that isn’t answered here.

What is the bail bond?

A bail bond is a financial guarantee provided by our company to the court. We secure the defendant’s release from jail in return for guaranteeing that they will appear at all future hearings, trial dates, and court dates.

What is an immigration bail bond?

An immigration bail bond is a financial agreement with the U.S. government. It allows an individual who has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be released from custody while their case is pending. We promise the court that the individual will attend all future hearings and comply with all court orders.

What is the difference between bail vs. bond?

The difference between bail and bond is straightforward. Bail is the amount of money set by the court that must be paid to secure a defendant’s release from jail pending their next court date or trial. Bond is a contract entered into with a bail bonds agent or bail bonds company. You pay a percentage of the bail amount to the company, and may need to put up collateral, and the bail bonds company assures the court that the defendant will appear at all future hearings. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail bond company will be responsible for the full amount of bail, and you may lose your collateral and face other legal and financial ramifications.

How does the bail bond process work?

After your loved one is arrested and booked, they will be held in jail or a detention center until their initial court appearance. At this hearing, a judge will determine if they are eligible for bail, and if so, what the bail amount will be. Your choices are to either allow your loved one to remain in detention until their case is over, pay the full bail amount yourself, or work with a bail bonds company. If you can’t pay the bail in full, you can pay a percentage of the total to the bail bonds agent. They will work with the court and jail to secure your loved one’s release in exchange for their promise to appear at all future court hearings.

What types of collateral are accepted?

Should we require collateral for your bond, we accept real estate, cars, jewelry, stocks, and other forms of real property and assets.

Can property be used as collateral for a bond?

Yes, real property can be used as collateral for a bond. The property’s equity must be higher than the bail amount, and you will need to provide proof of ownership and documentation of the property’s value. A lien will be placed on the property until the court case is resolved.

How long does it take to release someone after bail is posted?

The answer to this depends upon how busy the jail or detention center is, the volume of inmates, administrative staff, other charges or warrants the defendant is facing, and whether it is a weekend or holiday. The process can take between 30 minutes and 24 hours.

What should I look for in a bail bond agency?

You should only work with a fully licensed, bonded, and insured bail bonds agent. You want to choose a local bail bonds service with extensive experience with the local legal system. They should offer 24/7 availability, transparency in fees and communication, and compassion. They should be easy to reach and speak to, and willing to answer all of your questions. Always ask for an agency’s credentials and verify its license with the state Department of Insurance. You should make sure there are no complaints or violations against its license, read online reviews of the company, and check its standing with the local Better Business Bureau.

What if the defendant is found guilty?

If the defendant is found guilty, the court will set a sentencing hearing, at which point a judge will impose a sentence. If the defendant has attended all hearings and complied with all of the terms of his or her release on bail, the bail bond process is concluded. All non-refundable fees will be kept by the court and bail bonds agency. If the full bail amount was posted to the court by the defendant, their family, or a bail bonds company, it will be returned minus any administrative fees. All collateral will also be released.

How do I know if a bail bond agent is licensed?

You can look up a bail bond agent’s license in North Carolina using the NC DOI Bail Bondsman lookup tool on the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. You will need the agent’s name and/or their NPN.

Call Now for 24-Hour Bail Bonds in North Carolina

If you or a loved one has been arrested, you need to act quickly. After hiring an attorney, find out the amount of your loved one’s bail. Then you can determine if you need the services of a bail bonds company. Call 1st Choice Bonding & Surety or contact us online for 24-hour bail bonds in Concord, NC, and the surrounding areas. We are ready to assist you at any one of our six conveniently located offices.