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Posting bail in Maryland is a contractual process typically made between a friend or family member of an incarcerated individual and a bail bond professional. By signing this contract, the defendant agrees to appear in court every time the judge calls upon him or her. The defendant is charged a standard 10% of the total bail for this service, and the individual who posts the bail in Maryland agrees to help hold the defendant accountable to appear in court.
Sometimes collateral is required from the person needing bail in Maryland, and sometimes the signature of a cosigner (either a friend or family member owning or renting a home and/or maintaining a steady job) is sufficient.
The Three Types of Bail Bonds in MD
Cash Bail
As the release option with the highest incentive, cash bonds allow the defendant to pay the total bail amount at once and be reimbursed IF and only if they appear at all court hearings until the case is closed. If they do not appear, the court receives the cash.
Surety Bonds
With this type of bail in Maryland, an insurance company may get involved to pay the face value of the bond. The defendant is charged a premium and friends, family, or collateral may be included in the underwriting of the surety bond. Including these factors in the bond further guarantee that the defendant will show up in court for all scheduled dates. If an insurance agreement is reached, a bail bondsman can post the bail in Maryland that ensures the defendant will return to court. Since the bail bondsman becomes financially involved with these types of bail bonds in MD, the court appearance rate is high. Otherwise, the bail bondsman has very efficient ways to get the defendant in court quickly.
Property Bond
By recording a lien on a piece of property to cover bail, the defendant can be released. However, if the defendant fails to appear for scheduled court dates, the court has permission to issue foreclosure to the property recorded to receive the full amount for the bail in Maryland.
Bail bonds in MD vary from other states, so contact a professional bail bondsman for a full explanation of the terms and rules.
