Stuck in Jail

  • Attorneys
  • Bail Bonds
Home > Posting Bail in Denver: 4 Things to Know

Posting Bail in Denver: 4 Things to Know

Most states have specific laws that regulate the amount of money that bail bond companies can charge clients. That is often a fixed premium – 10 to 15 percent – of the total amount of the bail. In Colorado, the regulations are a bit different. Bail bond companies can charge no more than 15 percent to clients and many charge less than that. That’s important for individuals that need a surety bond to know because contacting different companies could mean finding a lower rate. Here are 4 things you should know about posting bail after an arrest in Denver.

Bail process in Denver.

The fastest way to post bail from Denver County Jail or another facility in the area is to be arrested for a misdemeanor. The bail is often set automatically by referring to a county bail schedule – though it’s possible for court officials to deviate from the schedule. For more serious crimes, the process of posting bail takes longer because a bond hearing must first be held to determine the amount of bail. A defendant can begin the bail procedure as soon as he or she is booked and processed into a correction facility.

Types of Bail in Denver.

There are four options for posting a bond to be released from jail in Denver. The choice will often have to do with the amount of the bond. The options include:

  • Personal recognizance. PR bond is the best possible option for a defendant because it is both the fastest and the least expensive. In fact, the defendant is not required to pay any money. Instead, a document promising to show up for all schedule court hearings is signed. Generally, only defendants with no previous arrests that have been arrested for non-violent crimes are allowed by judges to be released on a PR bond.

  • Cash bond. This is only an option if a defendant can post the entire amount of the bail or can enlist the assistance of a co-signer to put up the cash.  of the bail be paid in cash. The advantage to a cash bond is that most of the money is returned as long as the defendant shows up for all scheduled court hearings. However, paying a cash bond reduces the amount of money available to hire a lawyer.

  • Surety bond. Many defendants either do not have the cash to pay for a bond – even for a misdemeanor crime – or prefer to keep as much money available for their legal defense. That means a surety bond a popular option. The defendant, or a co-signer – or both – can sign a surety agreement with a bail bond agent. The agent agrees to post the entire amount of the bond to the court – if necessary – and the defendant and co-signer pay a percentage of the bail to the agent. That bail premium – no more than 15 percent in Colorado – is not returned. And if the defendant doesn’t show up for all scheduled court hearings, the defendant and co-signer are legally liable to pay the entire amount of the bail to the agent. Collateral may be required to secure a surety bond agreement.

  • Property bond. When even 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount is too much money for a defendant – or co-signer – to afford, a property bond is the option. This requires a significant amount of paperwork – proving ownership and also establishing the necessary amount of equity in the property.  Colorado law requires the value of the property equal 150 percent of the bond. The complicated process means a defendant will spend more time in jail waiting for a property bond to be completed.


 

Requirements for co-signers.

A co-signer does not have to be a parent or relative of the defendant, only an adult willing and able to pay the bond premium. Many bail bond companies require that co-signers live in the area, show a valid photo ID and establish their financial ability to pay the bond premium – and the entire amount of the bond if the defendant doesn’t show up for all scheduled court hearings.

Bond costs and options.

Other than a PR bond, the most inexpensive way to get bonded out of jail is with a cash bond. Since a bail bond company is not involved, there is not fee of up to 15 percent of the bail amount. Instead, the defendant or co-signer pay the entire amount of the bail in cash. Most of that money, minus some court fees and costs, is then returned as long as the defendant fulfills all bail obligations.

 

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.

Helpful Articles

Posting Bail in Charlotte, N.C.: 4 Things to Know

While North Carolina has a thriving private bail bond industry, the state’s Department of Insurance does not issue licenses to bounty hunters. Instead, the state issues licenses for bail bond runne...more

Posting Bail in Chicago, Ill.: 4 Things to Know

There are other jail facilities in Chicago in addition to Cook County Jail. But there are none larger – either in Chicago or anywhere else in the country. The jail, which takes up 96 acres of land,...more

Posting Bail in Houston: 4 Things to Know

An arrest in Harris County in Texas is not that unusual. Statistics show that more than 84,500 people were arrested in 2014. Whether a defendant is being held in Harris County Jail, Houston City Ja...more

Stuck in Jail?

Search Jails for nearby Bail Bondsmen NOW!

  • Copyright ©2023 Thryv, Inc. All rights reserved. · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy · Sitemap