It was a quite evening when John got a surprise phone call. His cousin Mark had been arrested for a felony in Durham County. As the family’s go to problem solver John knew he had to act fast. After all Mark’s fate was now in his hands to get a bail bond ASAP to avoid being behind bars until trial. But with no experience with felony bail bondsman Durham John had no idea where to start. If you’ve ever been in a similar situation this guide is for you. Navigating the legal world of getting a bail bond for felony charges in Durham County can be overwhelming but with the right steps and a reliable cash only bondsman like JC Bail Bondsman the process is much easier.
In this article we’ll go over the process of getting a bail bond for felony charges in Durham County, how the bond amount is determined and a step by step guide so you’re prepared when the time comes.
What is a Bail Bond for Felony Charges?
When someone is charged with a felony in Durham County the court sets a bail amount so the defendant can be free while awaiting trial. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and as such felony bail amounts are higher and come with stricter conditions. A defendant or their family can either pay the full amount or get a bail bond by contacting a licensed bail bondsman.
How Bail Works in Felony Cases
Bail is a financial guarantee the defendant will show up to future court dates. If the defendant doesn’t show up the bail is forfeited and legal consequences like re-arrest may follow. For felony charges the process is more complicated than for lower level offenses. The court looks at the defendant’s criminal history, the severity of the crime and if the person is a flight risk. These factors determine the bail amount.
How JC Bail Bondsman Can Help
At JC Bail Bondsman we know facing felony charges is a very stressful situation. We want to make the bail bond process as easy as possible. Whether you’re dealing with high bail amounts or felony bail we’re here to walk you through each step. If you need a bondsman Durham services JC Bail Bondsman is available 24/7 for fast and professional help.
Bail Amount for Felonies
The amount of bail for felony charges is not a fixed figure and varies based on several factors. Here’s a look at the most common considerations:
Severity of the Crime
Felony charges can be non-violent (embezzlement) or violent (assault or homicide). The more severe the crime, the higher the bail. For example, someone charged with a violent crime will have higher bail than someone charged with a non-violent felony.
Criminal History
A defendant’s criminal history also comes into play. If the accused has prior convictions, especially felonies, the judge will set higher bail to reflect the risk of re-offending or not showing up in court.
Flight Risk
Another is flight risk. If the defendant is a flight risk — meaning the court thinks they might leave the area to avoid prosecution — bail will be higher.
Public Safety
For really dangerous felonies, the judge will consider public safety. If the defendant’s release is a threat to the community, the court may deny bail or set bail really high.
Felony Bail Bonds
When it comes to posting bail for a felony, you need to know the types of bail bonds:
Cash Bail
The defendant or their family can pay the full bail amount in cash. This is simple but often impossible due to the high bail amounts for felonies. If the defendant shows up to all court dates, the money is refunded.
Surety Bond
A more common option is a surety bond through a bail bondsman. In this case, the bondsman pays the bail for the defendant, usually for a non-refundable fee which is around 10% of the total bail amount. At JC Bail Bondsman, we offer surety bonds for felony charges, get released fast and have flexible payment plans.
Property Bond
A property bond uses real estate as collateral. This option involves using the value of the property to cover the bail, which can be risky if the defendant doesn’t show up to court. The court can take the property if the bail is forfeited.
Release on Own Recognizance (ROR)
In rare cases, a defendant may be released on their own recognizance, meaning they don’t have to post bail but will sign an agreement to appear in court. But this is uncommon for felonies.
Where to Find a Bail Bondsman in Durham County
When posting bail for a felony, choosing a licensed and bonded bail bondsman is key. Here’s how:
Check Licensing and Credentials
In Durham County, bail bondsmen must be licensed by the state. Make sure the bail bondsman you choose is licensed and has a good standing.
Fees
Before you hire a bondsman, you need to know the fees. As I mentioned earlier, most charge 10% of the bail. Some may also offer payment plans so ask about your options. At JC Bail Bondsman we have clear and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We want to help you get your loved one out without financial stress.
Check Reviews and Ask Around
You can find a reliable bail bondsman by checking online reviews or asking your lawyer or community members for recommendations. Someone with experience in felony bail bonds is key to a smooth process.
Availability
Emergencies don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Make sure the bondsman you hire is available 24/7 for urgent cases. JC Bail Bondsman is open 24/7 so when you need to find a bondsman Durham services we’re always here to help.
Securing the Bail Bond: Required Paperwork and Fees
Once you’ve chosen a bondsman, the next step is to fill out the necessary paperwork and understand the financial commitment.
Co-Signer Responsibilities
In many cases a family member or friend will act as a co-signer for the bail bond. This person agrees to take responsibility if the defendant doesn’t show up in court. Be aware of the gravity of this role as the co-signer will be financially liable for the full bail amount if the defendant skips court.
Documents
To secure a bail bond you’ll need to provide basic documents such as ID, proof of income and information about the defendant. At JC Bail Bondsman we make the paperwork process as quick as possible.
The Bail Premium
The standard fee for a bail bond is 10% of the total bail. For example if the bail is $50,000 the premium will be $5,000. This fee is non-refundable but the bondsman will cover the full bail on behalf of the defendant.
What Happens After Posting Bail?
Once the bail bond is posted the defendant will be released from custody but the process doesn’t stop there. The defendant must follow all bail conditions which usually include attending all court hearings and not get into any more legal trouble. Failure to comply with these conditions can result to bail forfeiture and the defendant may be re-arrested.
At JC Bail Bondsman we make sure our clients understand every step of the post-bail process from release to court obligations to avoid complications.
Consequences of Skipping Court
Missing a court date after a bail bond for felony charges can be serious. If the defendant doesn’t show up the court will issue a bench warrant for their arrest and the bail bond will be forfeited. The bondsman may also hire bounty hunters to find and bring the defendant back to custody.
Avoiding these issues is crucial, and staying in contact with your legal team and bail bondsman can help ensure no court dates are missed.
Conclusion: Let JC Bail Bondsman Help You Today
Securing a bail bond for felony charges in Durham County can be a stressful and complicated process, but you don’t have to face it alone. JC Bail Bondsman is here to help every step of the way, offering reliable, professional service whenever you need it. Whether you’re dealing with high bail amounts or navigating the intricacies of felony bail, we provide the find the bondsman Durham services that can make all the difference.
Don’t hesitate—reach out to JC Bail Bondsman today to get your loved one back home where they belong.
