An Explanation of the 7 Types of Bail Bonds

Not all bonds and types are created equal when it comes to bail. Seven different types of bail bonds are available to defendants in this state. The seven different types of bail are:

• Surety Bonds
• Property Bonds
• Citation Release
• Recognizance Release
• Cash Bail
• Federal Bail Bonds
• Immigration Bail Bonds

Each is different and has various requirements that the defendant must meet. So let’s break those requirements down.

Surety Bonds

A surety bond is your most standard form of bail bond. A surety bond is almost always given through a bail bonds company (like at The Bail Bonds Doctor). It will cost the defendant 10% of the total bail amount^*.

*The bail amount is always set by a judge who uses the circumstances of the criminal act to determine the amount to charge.

Many defendants select surety bonds as their preferred bail bond type because bail is often set at a dollar value that exceeds the average person’s budget. Since most cannot afford the cost of bail on their own, they turn to a bail bonds company, purchase a surety bond, and then pay it back over time.

The process of acquiring a surety bond from us here at The Bail Bonds Doctor is usually as follows:

• You get arrested
• A judge sets your bail amount during a hearing regarding your crime
• Next, you contact The Bail Bonds Doctor
• The Bail Bonds Doctor will inform you of your financial obligations
• The Bail Bonds Doctor pays your bail, in total, after you provide us with collateral or our 10% fee (or both)
• Then you’re free to go about your business. But make sure you meet all your court dates and appointments. Otherwise, you “skipped bail,” and a warrant will be placed for your arrest.

Property Bonds

A property bond^* is exactly what it sounds like: a bond in which property is used as collateral.

*Property bonds are not legal or accepted in every single state in the United States of America.

For property bonds, the full rights of any property must be used (no partials). The most commonly accepted type of property bond uses real estate as collateral. Still, it is not the only acceptable type of property for these bonds.

Besides the noticeable differences from surety bonds (using a property instead of cash), the most significant difference is the time it takes to secure a property bond. It can take weeks for all the inspections and paperwork to go through.

Citation Release

A citation release occurs when the defendant was given a citation (usually for traffic offenses) and is never taken into custody. This type of discharge is up to the discretion of the citing officer (you cannot apply or appeal for a citation release bond on your own).

Recognizance Release

A recognizance release (or released on your recognizance) is probably the second most agreeable type of bond (as far as the defendant’s role is concerned). With a recognizance release, the defendant does not have to pay a dime upfront to be released.

Like citation releases, recognizance releases are up to the arresting officer’s discretion. The primary difference (other than the criminal offense that warranted the arrest) is that the defendant may have to fight for freedom in a court of law.

Cash Bail

This is probably the most accessible type of bail to explain. Cash bail is precisely what it sounds like: a bail bond paid in full with cash. If you (the defendant) have the extra scratch, then this is, by far, the best option available to you. The reason is that your trial has ended once you appear for all your court dates and appointments. The court will return you the entire cost of the bond. So with cash bail, you don’t lose any money (long term)!

Federal Bail Bonds

These are pretty self-explanatory. Federal bail bonds are just that: bail bonds for federal offenses. Unfortunately, these are often very expensive and difficult to obtain. If you need help with a federal bail bond, please do not hesitate to contact the bail professionals at The Bail Bonds Doctor!

Immigration Bail Bonds

Another distinct type of bond is an immigration bail bond. Immigration bail bonds only exist for offenses committed by individuals not from the United States (immigrants).

Immigration bail bonds have very, very strict requirements. They are very complicated and often take a long period to complete. Never attempt to handle immigration bail bonds on your own. Always hire a professional PBUS bail bonds company member of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States, like us here at The Bail Bonds Doctor.

Call The Bail Bonds Doctor if You Still Need Help

The bail bonds professionals here at The Bail Bonds Doctor always stand by to help you with your bail bonds needs. From immigration bonds to surety bonds, we have you covered! So, if you need bail help, contact us immediately at (612) 332-3030!

Learn more about our bail bond services in the following cities today:

• • Anoka bail bonds
• • Bemidji bail bonds
• • Brainerd bail bonds
• • Chaska bail bonds
• • Elk River bail bonds
• • Hastings bail bonds
• • Minneapolis bail bonds
• • Rochester bail bonds
• • Shakopee bail bonds
• • St. Paul bail bonds
• • St. Cloud bail bonds
• • Stillwater bail bonds
• • Walker bail bonds
• • Buffalo bail bonds
• • Albert Lea bail bonds
• • Mankato bail bonds
• • St. Peter bail bonds

Leave us a review or learn more about our Minneapolis bail bond services below:

• • Anoka bail bonds
• • St. Cloud bail bonds
• • St. Paul bail bonds
• • Hastings bail bonds
• • Shakopee bail bonds
• • Minneapolis bail bonds

We are a member of the PBUS and like to support other companies which follow the association’s bylaws. If you would like to learn more about San Bernardino bail bonds, please visit Bad Boys Bail Bonds.