FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a legally enforceable contract between three parties: the principal (the state of Arkansas), the bondee (you) and the surety (us). The purpose of this contract is to allow the surety to 'bond' the bondee out of jail for a specified fee. In return, the surety guarantees the principal that the bondee will attend all of his or her court dates until the bondee's matter is adjudicated or the bond is surrendered. If the bondee skips the court date, the bond is forfeited and the surety must pay the principal the total amount of the bond.
How much is the fee on a bail bond?
Under Arkansas law, every bail bond company must charge a premium of 10% of the total amount of the bond. Therefore, if the bond is $10,000, the premium would be $1,000. Certain mandatory fees issued by the state and the local jail, a minimum of $80.00 will also be added to the premium to arrive at the total cost of the bond.
Does the premium have to be paid all at once?
No. Although the state mandates we charge a 10% premium on the bond and fees we understand that it can be difficult to come up with a large sum of money at a moment's notice. Therefore, our agents will often work with you regarding payment arrangements that will satisfy all parties involved.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. We accept all major credit cards.
What is a 'cosigner' on a bail bond?
Bonding companies often add cosigners on a bail bond to minimize the risk of the bond. A cosigner is contractually liable to the bonding company in the same manner as the bondee. If the bondee should fail to pay the premium on the bond or skip his court date, causing the bond to be forfeited, the bonding company may collect payment from the cosigner.
How do I remove myself as a cosigner?
Once you have validly cosigned on the bond, you may not be removed until the bondee's matter has been fully adjudicated in court or the bond has been surrendered.
What does the term 'surrender' mean?
A bond is surrendered when the bonding company places the bondee back in jail, often for breaking a condition of the bond. Once the bondee is back in jail, the bonding company asks the court to be relieved of their obligation on the bond. Once granted, the bond is officially considered surrendered and no more contractual liability exists.
What responsibilities does the bondee have?
Although some responsibilities differ from bond to bond, certain conditions always apply. The bondee must always make his or her court date and stay in contact with his or her bondsman. Other conditions, such as ankle monitoring and daily check-ins might be necessary if the bond amount is substantial. Your bail bond agent wil let you know of your specific responsibilities when the bond is written.
What happens if the bondee misses court?
When you are out on bond, making your court date is of utmost importance. However, we realize that sometimes circumstances beyond your control will cause you to be late to court or miss it altogether. If you think this might happen to you, call your bondsman immediately so that they may help you schedule another court date. Bail bond agents work with the courts on a daily basis, so they can often get you another court date without any negative consequences.