Selecting a Bail Agent
Selecting a bail agent (bail bondsman) is a very important decision. There are many choices and bail bondsmen out there, anticipate what to expect when posting bail, and to help you find the bail bondsman that is best suited to help you, your friend or loved one get out of jail as quickly as possible. Understanding the basic rules regarding posting a bail bond will help you make a more informed decision when time is of the essence. Please call us with any concerns you might have.

• Deal ONLY with a licensed bail agent. Ask to see the bail agent's license and identification prior to any bail transaction.
• The bail agent should charge you only the legal rates. In the state of Colorado, NO more than 15% of the bond amount, plus any jail fees.
• Ask for an itemized receipt for all charges.
• Ask for copies of all signed contracts and agreements.
• You are not only paying for the bond, but you are also paying for service. The bail agent should be available for questions or concerns after the bail bond has been posted.

How Bail Works
Posting of a bail bond involves a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a bail agent and the individual posting bail. The bail agent guarantees to the court that the defendant will appear in court each and every time the judge requires them to.

For this service, the defendant is charged a percentage of the bail amount. Before being released the defendant or a relative or friend of the defendant, typically contacts a bail agent to arrange for the posting of bail. Prior to the posting of a bail bond, the defendant or a co-signer must guarantee that they will pay the full amount of bail if the defendant does not appear in court.

Typically, a family member or a close friend of the defendant will post bail and cosign. Collateral is not always required for a person to be bailed from jail. Often a person can be bailed from jail on the signature of a friend or family member. Cosigners typically need to be working and either own or rent a home in the same area for some time.

After an agreement is reached, the bail agent posts a bond for the amount of the bail, to guarantee the defendant’s return to court.

If the defendant "skips", the cosigner is immediately responsible for the full amount of the bail. If the defendant is located and arrested by the bail agent the cosigner is responsible for all expenses the bail agent incurs while looking for the defendant.