The most common question that comes to mind when you or your loved one finds themselves in jail is, how do bail bonds work in Tennessee? In simple terms, bail is the security amount that ensures you will appear in court whenever you are supposed to be there. In Tennessee, the judge sets a bail amount based on factors like the severity of the suspected crime, your connection to the community, and your previous non-appearance.
In case you do not have the money to pay the entire bail, you can have a licensed bail bondsman do it on your behalf, and you can be out of jail without having to drain your bank account. Read along to learn more about how bail bonds work in Tennessee
Bail Bond Hearings in TN
You will be brought before a magistrate or judge within 48 hours after your arrest. In this case, the court determines whether bail will be granted and, if so, the amount. However, bail is not automatic. The judge can refuse bail in extreme cases of capital punishment where the evidence is overwhelming.
More likely, you will be given a bail amount that is not more than is needed so that you do not abscond. At this point, your lawyer can plead to have the bail lowered by mentioning that you have a stable job, family responsibilities, or a deep connection with the community.
In case of setting bail and you cannot pay in cash, you or your family may contact a licensed Tennessee bail bondsman. You will be entering into a legal bail bond agreement that requires you to appear in court on all court dates. The bail bondsman will offer a surety bond to the court in exchange for a non-refundable fee, typically 10% of the bail amount.
If bail is set at $15,000, you will pay $1,500 to use the service. You can also offer collateral like a vehicle or real estate property, depending on your financial situation and the risk that the bail bondsman is taking.
Failure to Appear: Cost of Bail Bonds in TN
Failure to appear in court has severe consequences, including:
- The judge issues a bench warrant, which gives the police the right to arrest you on the spot.
- Your entire bail is forfeited, and the bail bondsman can demand repayment from you or any co-signer. You can be charged with other criminal offenses, like contempt of court, for missing court dates.
- If you provided collateral, the bail bondsman can take it as a way of recovering their losses
Understanding Bail Bond Percentage in Tennessee
The amount you give to a bail bondsman is not a deposit. It is the service fee of the bail bondsman. This cost is capped at 10% of the total bail amount under California law. You do not receive a refund even when your charges are dismissed or you are acquitted.
Some bail bond companies allow payment plans to help defray this fee, but the amount due is not reduced. This system allows bail bondsmen to post surety bonds demanded by the courts and also enables the defendants to secure their release without paying the entire bail themselves.
Step by Step: How Bail Bonds Work in Tennessee
First, the police book you at the county jail. Then you are arraigned before a magistrate in three days, and bail is determined. In case you decide to go the bail bond way, you call a bail bondsman, and they post a surety bond in court after you sign the contract, pay the premium, and give any necessary security. Once the surety bond is accepted, you walk out of jail free, provided that you appear at all future hearings. Each of your appearances strengthens your credibility and avoids the forfeiture of bail.
Find a Tennessee Bail Bonds Service Near Me
Knowing how bail bonds work in Tennessee places you in command when the stakes are high. You do not need to go through this process yourself. To receive personalized advice and quick service, contact Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds at 844-400-2245. We are here to help you secure your freedom.
