Bail bond - Definition and Overview

A bail bond is a type of bond used to raise capital to be deposited with a court when bail is imposed. Once a bail bond is issued, the suspect is released from custody. If the suspect does not return for trial, the bail bondsman forfeits the money deposited with the court. Therefore, if the suspect "skips bail," the bail bondsman usually employs a bounty hunter to seek out the suspect so as to avoid forfeiting the bond. Fees charged by bail agents vary, but 10% of the amount of the bond is typical. Bail bonds give arrested individuals who cannot afford the full amount of the bail a means of obtaining the required capital rather than remain in custody until the case goes to trial.