Advocates for bail reform say that the existing system makes being poor a crime. U.S. residents who earn a comfortable living, can put money in savings and can buy real estate have a substantial advantage over those who live paycheck to paycheck. Those low-income men and women usually must rely on a Bail Bond Agency in Cleburne Texas to help them secure their release from jail. Otherwise, they have to stay behind bars even though they have not been convicted of a crime.
A Brief History
The U.S. bail system has been in place since the country’s beginnings since the practice was essentially brought along from the English system. The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits “excessive bail,” but the meaning of excessive appears to be quite subjective. The idea of an individual or business charging a fee to post bail for an arrested person dates back to the late 1800s.
Cash Bail and Bail Bonds
Having a surety bond posted by a Bail Bond Agency in Cleburne Texas requires paying a fee that is a percentage of the cash bail. Cash bail is refundable, which makes paying this way an advantage. The fee for the bond is not because this it pays for a service provided by the agency. Higher-income individuals who have paid cash bail get all their money back once the case is resolved.
Additional Services
Representatives of bail bond companies often do much more than provide the surety bond. Because they have a vested interest in the client making all court appearance, they may supervise this person to a certain extent. For instance, a representative may drive the person to hearings, appointments with the public defender and other court appointments.
Waiting for Trial
Not all states allow bail bond agencies to do business. This leaves large numbers of men and women in jail waiting for trial or deciding whether they should accept a plea bargain. According to statistics, some 75 percent of people waiting in jail before trial were arrested for nonviolent crimes like drug possession or shoplifting. Texas residents can get help from a company such as Rogers’ Bail Bonds. Contact us to get started.