Collateral Requirements For the bail bond process to be successful with a secured bail bond, the defendant is required to provide collateral to secure their release. For an unsecured bond, no collateral is required, and the defendant is released based on their promise to show up for all court appearances.
Unsecured bail: the defendant is released after agreeing to be financially liable for a fixed amount for failing to appear in court or violating bail conditions. Nominal bail: the defendant is released after a 3rd party posts a small sum ($1.00)
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bail is set in almost all cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, except murder cases punishable with a life sentence or the death penalty. Also, a court may deny bail if that is the only possible way to make sure the defendant appears in court.
Unsecured bail: the defendant is released after agreeing to be financially liable for a fixed amount for failing to appear in court or violating bail conditions. Nominal bail: the defendant is released after a 3rd party posts a small sum ($1.00)
An unsecured bond represents an obligation not backed by any assets. If you receive an unsecured bond, you can sign an agreement that you will appear in court following your arrest. If you do not appear in court per your bond agreement, you will be fined. Unsecured bonds are considered “good faith” agreements.
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bail is set in almost all cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, except murder cases punishable with a life sentence or the death penalty. Also, a court may deny bail if that is the only possible way to make sure the defendant appears in court.
Most bond agreements include travel restrictions, confining you to a specific geographic area such as your county or state. These limitations are designed to ensure your availability for court dates. If travel is necessary, you must seek prior approval from the court or your bail bondsman.
In California, a bail bondsman typically has six months to find and return the defendant. If the defendant is not found in the timeframe, you will be responsible for paying not only the full amount of the bond, but also any additional expenses and any unpaid premiums.
Factors that will be considered in deciding what amount to set bail at (and whether or not to grant bail in the first place) include the following: Whether you have ties to the local community. Whether you are a flight risk. The nature and severity of the alleged crime.