Stuck in Jail

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

Posting Bail in Orlando: 4 Things to Know

What happens if a defendant fails to show up for all scheduled court hearings after being released from jail in Orlando? Failure to appear is a separate crime, and bail will be set much higher, if it is allowed at all. First, the bail bond agent will try to find and bring the defendant back to court. In Florida, that won't involved a bounty hunters because they are outlawed. Instead, Florida law says that in addition to law enforcement officers, the only person who legally can search for and bring back a defendant who has skipped bail is a licensed bail bond agent. If you are arrested in Orlando, here are 4 things you need to know about posting bail.

Bail process in Orlando. Whether you have been brought to the Orange County Jail or another facility in Orlando, the process of posting bail begins only after you have been booked and processed. Bail schedules cover virtually all misdemeanors and some felonies, so that you can contact a friend or relative for help – or call a bail bond agent directly. The bail process will take longer for a more serious crime because a bail hearing must first be held. It’s a very good idea to hire a criminal defense attorney to argue for the lowest possible bail – or even for a release on recognizance.  .

Types of Bail in Orlando. There are three basic types of bail available in Florida.

  • Release on recognizance. Under an ROR release, a defendant signs an agreement promising to show up for all court hearings and not to break any laws. This is an unsecured release, meaning the defendant doesn’t have to pay any money to the court.

  • Cash bond. If you decided to pay in cash – with or without the help of a co-signer – you must pay the entire amount of the bail. There is no 10 percent option. However, unlike a surety bond, which involves a non-refundable premium, a defendant or co-signer receives most of a cash bond back if all bail obligations have been met.

  • Surety bond. A secured surety bond is similar to a property bond and indicates that a co-signer is posting real estate or property at least equal to twice the value of the bail. If the defendant puts up the property, the bond is referred to as a secured appearance bond and the value of the property or real estate also must be twice the amount of the bail. Courts may also accept partially secured bonds – usually 10 percent of the total amount of the bond – posted either by the defendant or a co-signer.


 

Bail co-signer obligations. In order to qualify as a bail co-signer – also known as an indemnitor – a person must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the U.S. and have a connection to the local community. That connection can vary, but many bail bond companies look for at least 2 years residence in the general Orlando area. A co-signer must have a job, and have held it for some time, and have sufficient credit. Depending on the amount of a bail and a co-signer’s financial situation, bail bond companies may require collateral, such as real estate or personal property.

Bail costs and options. A defendant hiring a bail bond agent should expect to pay a 10 percent premium that is non-refundable. Florida sets the premium at 10 percent and companies are not allowed to offer a discount. Paying bail in cash is a way to avoid the 10 percent premium, but it’s important to have enough money available to hire a criminal defense attorney and take care of other costs, such as towing fees, should they apply.

 

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 Miami: 4 Things to Know

Once you’ve been arrested in Miami, having an expert to guide you through the process of getting released from jail can be invaluable. Some defendants, depending on their background and the crime i...more

Posting Bail in Orlando: 4 Things to Know

What happens if a defendant fails to show up for all scheduled court hearings after being released from jail in Orlando? Failure to appear is a separate crime, and bail will be set much higher, if...more

Posting Bail in Tampa: 4 Things to Know

After getting released from jail on bail, there is nothing more important than showing up for all court hearings and following any conditions of that release. Defendants who jump bail face a separa...more

Stuck in Jail?

Search Jails for nearby Bail Bondsmen NOW!

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