What does a bail bondsman do?

Answer 1

Bail bondmen seem to be nearly unique to the United States. Most all countries ban the practice of allowing someone to profit from posting bail for others. Upon arrest, the judge sets a bond. For lower income people, they often cannot afford the bond amount. Usually located nearby the jails or courts are bail bond companies that remain open 24 hours. For a fee, usually about 10%, they post the bond for you. For example, if the judge sets a $5000 bond, which you cannot afford, you can pay a bail bondsman $500, 10% of the bond as their fee, which you never get back, and they post the bond which allows your release. If you fail to appear at your next court date, the bail bondsman tries to track you down, like a bounty hunter, or he loses the entire $5000 and he will try to collect it from you. Sometimes in addition to the 10% fee, the bail bondman wants some security, such as leaving your vehicle with him. You get the security back when the case is over, but not the 10% fee. The purpose of the bond is to assure that you will appear in court if released.