Using Bail Bonds in Philadelphia Criminal Cases

Using Bail Bonds in Philadelphia Criminal Cases

Getting arrested can be scary and overwhelming. You may be worried about getting out of jail, keeping your job, and taking care of your family. Using a bail bond is one way to get out of jail while you wait for your trial in Philadelphia. But how do bail bonds work? And are they a good option for your situation? This article will walk you through the basics so you can make the best choice.

What is Bail and How Does it Work?

When you get arrested, the judge sets an amount of money called “bail” that you must pay to get out of jail. Bail is not a fine or penalty – it’s meant to make sure you come back for your court dates. If you show up like you’re supposed to, you get the bail money back after the case ends.

But what if you can’t afford to pay the full bail amount? This is where bail bonds come in. A bail bond agent will pay the court the full bail amount for you. In exchange, you pay the agent a smaller fee, usually 10% of the bail amount. You also sign an agreement that puts up collateral, like your house or car, in case you miss court dates.

The Pros of Using a Philadelphia Bail Bonds Company

Using a bail bond agent can be a lifesaver if you don’t have thousands of dollars saved up. Paying 10% to a bondsman beats sitting in jail for months waiting for trial! Here are some pros of using a bail bonds service in Philadelphia:

• Get out of jail fast – usually within hours
• Keep your job and take care of family while waiting for trial
• Pay smaller fee compared to full bail amount
• Avoid maxing out credit cards or getting high interest loans
• Get experienced help navigating the bail system

Philadelphia Bail Bonds Require Collateral

While bail bonds provide a valuable service, it comes at a price. Philadelphia bail bonds always require you to put up some kind of collateral. This guarantees that you’ll show up for court, or else the bondsman takes your stuff. Types of collateral include:

• House or property deed
• Car title
• Jewelry, collectibles
• Stocks and bonds

If you miss court, the bail agent gets the right to seize your collateral immediately. They can sell your assets to recover the bail money they fronted to the court. So while you don’t pay the full bail amount upfront, skipping court dates risks losing your valuables!

Common Criminal Charges Requiring Bail in Philadelphia

Lots of charges require posting bail if you want to get out of jail, including:

Assault –

There’s simple assault vs. aggravated assault charges in PA. Bail can range from $5,000-$100,000+. Judges consider factors like:

• Weapon used
• Injuries caused
• Defendant’s past record

Drug possession –

Getting caught with illegal drugs results in misdemeanor or felony charges. Bail typically ranges from $500 to $25,000 depending on:

• Amount of drugs
• Intent to sell vs personal use
• Defendant’s criminal history

DUI –

1st offense DUI bail is usually $500-$5,000. But it increases for repeat DUIs or causing accidents/injuries. Police set bail guidelines according to:

• Number of past DUI convictions
• Severity of injuries caused by accident
• Property damage from crashing

Theft –

Misdemeanor shoplifting under $200 has low bail around $500-$2,000 in Philadelphia. Felony theft over $2,000 requires higher bail, from $5,000 up to $50,000.

Factors Setting Bail Amounts in Philadelphia Courts

Philadelphia judges have a lot of discretion setting bail for criminal charges. They make case-by-case decisions based on:

• Severity of charges – More serious felonies mean higher bail
• Defendant’s criminal history – Repeat offenders get higher bail
• Flight risk – Is the defendant likely to flee town before trial?
• Danger to the community – Will the defendant commit more crimes if released?

Philadelphia bail hearings usually happen by video conference. Prosecutors recommend a bail amount and conditions of release to the judge. Defense lawyers can argue for lower bail or other pretrial release options like house arrest.

How Philadelphia Bail Bonds Agents Get Paid

Bail bondsmen provide a valuable service, but they’re also running a business. Their fee structures and contracts can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of how Philadelphia bail agents make money:

• Non-refundable fee – You pay about 10% of the bail amount upfront and don’t get it back. This fee covers the agent’s risk and services.
• Interest for payment plans – If you can’t afford 10% upfront, some bondsmen let you finance over 12-24 months…with interest. This pays them back for fronting your bail money.
• Taking collateral – Posting a house, car, or valuables as collateral guarantees bail agents get their money back if you skip court. Bondsmen can seize and sell your property to recover losses from forfeited bail bonds.

While bail companies provide a valuable service, it’s wise to read contracts carefully and shop around. Fees, collateral rules, and payment structures can vary between bail bonding agents.

Using Bail Bonds for a Philadelphia Criminal Case

Getting arrested starts an emotional legal journey in Philadelphia’s criminal justice system. Using a bail bond can get you out of jail quickly while fighting your case. But signing away collateral means you risk losing valuables if you miss court dates. Make sure to weigh your options carefully. An experienced criminal lawyer can help you navigate the bail system and advocate for pretrial release without needing a bail bondsman.