Usually, the defendants or the relatives of the defendants make bail bonds prior to a trial. The bond is just to ensure that the defendant appears in court when the judge summons. Professional bondsmen charge a fee, usually 10% of the bond amount, depending on the percentage of the bond set by a judge.

All the surety companies must file their rates with the Department of Insurance. All the bail agents representing a particular company must charge only these filed rates. The rate chart is required to be posted in a visible location in every bail bond office.

When a bail bond is issued, the bonding company has to guarantee the appearance of the defendant in court at a given time and place. The bond protects the Government entity in whose court the defendant has to appear. In the event the defendant fails to appear, the bond amount becomes payable and is forfeited as a penalty by the surety insurer issuing the bond. Hence, bail bonds usually insist on collateral to protect the surety.

Licensed bail agents, who specialize in their underwriting and issuance, must issue these bail bonds. However, bail agents can only be the appointed representatives of licensed surety insurance companies. It is important to deal only with a licensed bail bondsman employed with a licensed company. Please ensure that the agent's license and state identification are checked before committing to any agreement with the agent or the company the agent represents.

A comprehensive list of the bail bond companies available worldwide can be found at the website www.bail.com.

Another website, www.highwayhome.com, also provides information about the companies that deal with bail bonds. The location as well as the contact numbers of the companies are provided on the website.

Bail Bonds provides detailed information about bail bonds, bail bond companies, bail bond license, and more. Bail Bonds is affiliated with Free Criminal Records.