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.