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Home > How to Post Bail in Ohio: 5 Things to Know

How to Post Bail in Ohio: 5 Things to Know

Ohio strongly regulates the bail bond industry in the state, from licensing to standards of conduct. For example, even the way that agents solicit business is the subject of a series of regulations approved by Ohio legislators. A bail bond agent on the grounds of a courthouse or detention facility cannot approach someone who is not a client to talk about bail bond services. An agent also cannot give out business, cards, pens or other items to non-clients in those locations. If you are arrested in Ohio, here are 5 things you need to know to post bail.

  1. 5 Ways to Get Out of Jail


Own recognizance – Also known in Ohio as a signature bond. The court may allow a defendant to be released on his or her promise to return for all scheduled court hearings. This usually is allowed when the crime does not involve violence and the defendant does not have any previous criminal convictions. One of the best reasons to hire an experienced criminal attorney is to have someone arguing on your behalf for a signature bond release.

Appearance bond – This type of bond also is known as a 10 Percent Cash Bond. The defendant pays 10 percent of the total amount of bail to the court – this type of bond does not involve a bail bond company. If the defendant shows up for all scheduled court appearances, 90 percent of the amount posted by the defendant is returned. The rest is retained for court costs and administrative fees.

Surety bond – A bail bond agent will enter into a contractual arrangement with a defendant who cannot afford to pay for 10 percent of the bail. The bail bond agent guarantees the entire amount of the bond to the court, and for that service, charges 10 percent of the bail amount to the defendant. The 10 percent premium is nonrefundable.

Cash bond – The defendant can decide to put up the entire amount of the bail in cash. The advantage is that virtually all of that amount is returned, as long as the defendant shows up for all scheduled court hearings. The court only keeps certain fees and costs. Generally, this is used for smaller bail amounts for misdemeanor charges.

Property bond - A defendant can save on the premium paid to a bail bond agent but deciding to post property as bond. Under state law, the value of the property must be 1 1/2 times the amount of bail in the case. This option involves a number of fees - the same type of escrow, appraisal and title search fees use for a property sale or refinancing.

  1. How to Get Bail


A cash bond can be posted directly by the defendant. If a bail bond agent is involved, the bail process can take place over the phone or through emails. The bail bond company will confirm the bail amount and any additional costs and make sure the defendant and/or co-signer is credit-worthy.

  1. What Will Bail Cost


The state has mandated a 10 percent premium for bail bond companies. It is illegal to either charge more than that 10 percent or to offer a discount in order to gain more business. There are some minor additional costs for state charges and court fees for each of the different types of bonds in Ohio. For a $10,000 appearance bond, for example, the defendant or co-signer puts up $1,000. As long as the defendant shows up for all court hearings, $900 is returned, minus those state charges and fees. 

  1. How Long Will I Stay in Jail


For a misdemeanor and an arrest that didn’t occur at night or during the weekend, a defendant could be released from jail within 2 to 8 hours, depending on whether a bail bond agent was involved. Bail bond experts say the process goes more quickly in local jails, where fewer arrests are handled than in county detention center with more people are arrested and processed on a daily basis. For a more serious crime, there will be a delay for an initial appearance, though that usually occurs the next day unless the arrest occurs on the weekend.

  1. What if I Miss a Court Appearance


If the missed appearance was some type of oversight or an emergency that occurred, the first thing to do is to contact your lawyer. The court will issue a bench warrant for your arrest for not appearing as required and you and any co-signer will be required to pay the full amount of bail in the event of a surety bond or an appearance bond. A lawyer may be able to get the bond reinstated. If you don’t also contact your bail bond agent immediately, the company will hire a bounty hunter to bring you back to court. You and any co-signer will be liable for any expenses incurred by a bounty effort in the effort to bring you back to court.

Common Questions

What is a bail hearing?

After a defendant is arrested, a bail hearing is scheduled to determine if the defendant is a flight risk and to set the amount of his or her bail or deny the bail and bonds altogether if the defendant is deemed a flight risk.

How long after an arrest does it take to set bail?

States have laws that specify when a bail hearing must take place after an arrest. For most states, the hearing must be held 48 to 72 hours after the arrest – but weekends and holidays will not count towards this time.

What is a bail bond?

A bail bond is a contractual guarantee, issued by a licensed bail bond agent, between the agent the defendant and the court, that promises the court the full bail payment if the defendant does not show up for his or her scheduled court hearing.

How quickly can a bail bond be issued?

Once defendants have received a bail amount at their bail hearing, and contacted a bail bond service, the bail and bonds are usually accomplished within 24 hours of the bail hearing.

What is the cost of a bail bond?

States set the fee for a bail bond, and in most states, the fee is 10 percent of the total bail. This fee is paid to the bond agent for the bond service, and it is a non-refundable fee.

Are there any alternatives to a bail bond?

Yes. Defendants may pay the full price of the bail, opt for a property bond or try to gain a release through their own recognizance.

What if a defendant cannot afford a bail bond?

Defendants who cannot afford a bail bond can try for a release on their own recognizance, search for a bail bond agent who offers a payment plan, or remain in jail until their court hearing.

What happens if a defendant flees?

If a defendant flees the full amount of the bail is due, the defendant will be charged with costs associated with their recovery and the amount of the bail is forever forfeit even after the defendant is recovered.

What type of collateral can be used for a bail bond?

Almost anything of value can be used as collateral for a bail bond, including retirement or private savings, property, or personal items of value such as jewelry or antique collections that belong to the defendant or to family members or friends who accept responsibility for the collateral.

When does the bail bond end?

The process for bail and bonds ends when defendants appear for their court hearing. Regardless of the outcome of their hearing, as long as they show up, the bonds are terminated.

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