The process of getting out of jail after an arrest in Washington State involves the payment of bail. Bail bonds are a way of guaranteeing court appearance after an arrest. They are a financial agreement between the accused and a bail bonding company. In this article, we will explore how bail bonds work in Washington State.

What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond is a legal agreement between the accused and a bail bonding company. The bail bonding company agrees to pay the full amount of the bail set by the court if the accused fails to appear for their court hearings. In exchange, the accused pays a percentage of the bail amount to the bail bonding company. The percentage is usually 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of the bail.

What is the Process for Obtaining a Bail Bond?

The process for obtaining a bail bond in Washington State begins with the accused contacting a bail bonding company. The accused will need to provide information such as their name, address, phone number, and the details of the criminal charge. The bail bonding company will then review the case and decide on the bail amount.

Once the bail amount is determined, the accused will need to pay the bail bonding company the required percentage of the bail amount. The bail bonding company will then pay the full amount of the bail to the court. The accused will then be released from jail.

What Happens if the Accused Fails to Appear in Court?

If the accused fails to appear in court, the bail bonding company will be responsible for paying the full amount of the bail to the court. The accused will be considered to have “skipped bail” and will be subject to arrest. The bail bonding company will then attempt to locate and apprehend the accused, and will have the right to pursue legal action against the accused for the full amount of the bond.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Bail Bonding Company?

The main benefit of using a bail bond company is that it can significantly reduce the amount of money needed to pay for bail. Depending on the circumstances, the accused may only have to pay a fraction of the amount of the bail. This can provide financial relief for those accused of a crime who may not have the resources to pay the full amount of the bail.

Conclusion

Bail bonds are a way of guaranteeing court appearance after an arrest in Washington State. They are a financial agreement between the accused and a bail bonding company. The bail bonding company agrees to pay the full amount of the bail set by the court if the accused fails to appear for their court hearings. In exchange, the accused pays a percentage of the bail amount to the bail bonding company. The main benefit of using a bail bond company is that it can significantly reduce the amount of money needed to pay for bail.