Northern Virginia Criminal & Traffic Defense
Serving Fairfax County and Northern Virginia
If you are looking to arrange a bail or bond to help with the release of a loved one or friend, you can contact a bail bondsman directly.
Kyle G. Manikas is a former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense attorney that has handled over 900 felony cases, including murder, robbery, malicious wounding, abduction, drug, theft, larceny, embezzlement, and fraud crimes, among others, and thousands of reckless driving and DWI/DUI cases. You can contact Manikas Law LLC to discuss your case, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, by calling us at 703-873-7473 or 888-503-8075, or contacting us by e-mail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bail Bond
Q: What is a Bail Bond?
A: A bail bond, technically called a "surety bond", is a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a state licensed bail bondsman who is backed by an insurance company. The bail agent guarantees to the court payment of the full amount of the bond if the defendant fails to appear for their scheduled court appearances. For your protection, always deal with licensed bail bond company.
Q: What is the cost of a Bail Bond?
A: In most states, including Virginia, the cost of a bail bond is 10% of the bail.
Q: How do I pay for the Bail Bond?
A: When arranging bail, companies generally need payment in advance of "posting" a bond for the release of a detainee. Most companies accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Some offer other payment options, flexible financing and payment plans.
Q: What happens when a person is arrested?
A: When an individual is arrested, generally, they will be taken to a local law enforcement station for processing and booking. Processing and booking includes fingerprinting, pictures, and nation-wide computer database searches. It can take many hours, but in smaller jails generally happens more quickly. Bail cannot be arranged until the arrest process is complete.
Q: What is a "Cite Out" or "Cite & Release"?
A: A Citation Release involves the issuance of a citation to the arrestee, informing the arrestee that he or she must appear for an appointed court date. This is typical for more minor infractions such as traffic violations. No bail bond is required.
Q: What is "O.R." or "P.R."?
A: Defendants can be released on their Own Recognizance, also known as "OR" or "PR". This is usually reserved for lesser crimes. Only a judge can decide to release a detainee on OR. In such a case, the defendant is released with a written promise to appear in court and no bail is required.
Q: Can I just pay the jail for the full amount of the bail?
A: Yes, you can. To be released on cash bail, an individual must post the full amount of the bail with the court in the form of cash or cashier's check. In order to post cash bail, an individual should check with the bail clerk to verify forms of payment accepted in an individual jurisdiction as different courts may have other options or restrictions. The source of funds for large bail generally must be verified to ensure that funds come from legal sources.
Q: What is the procedure for bailing somebody out of jail?
A: Once the bail bond is approved, the person seeking the bond will need to sign basic bail bond documents including an application, Indemnity Agreement, and receipt. After the paperwork is finalized and payment has been made, a licensed bondsman will "post" the bail bond at the jail.
Q: What happens if the defendant is not bailed out?
A: If the defendant is not bailed out, he or she will generally remain in custody until the matter has been resolved in court.
Q: What is collateral?
A: Collateral is something of value that is used to secure a debt or ensure payment. Sometimes a bail bond company will receive collateral in order to ensure that the defendant appears in court. Most bail bond collateral is in the form of real estate or cash. A bail bond company must return your collateral at the resolution of the case.
Q: Do I always need collateral for a bail bond?
A: Not with Bail Bonds. Some companies negotiate no collateral bail bonds.
Q: If I use collateral for a bail bond, when do I get it back?
A: When the defendant's case has been completed and all financial obligations are satisfied, collateral is returned to the individual who pledged it.
Q: Will the court take my property as bail collateral?
A: Yes, the court will take your property as bail collateral. However, because Property Bonds involve real estate and can be likened to the buying or selling of a home, the process usually takes several weeks. Equity in the property must be equal to 150% of the total bond amount.
Q: If I bail somebody out of jail, what is my responsibility?
A: When you bail someone out of jail, you are called the bail bond indemnitor. You take full responsibility for the defendant to show up in court when you bail someone out of jail.
Contact An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested for any crime in Northern Virginia, contact a former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense lawyer at Manikas Law LLC. Kyle G. Manikas has handled a substantial number of cases including violent crimes (such as murder, aggravated malicious wounding, robbery, and abduction), fraud & theft crimes, drug offenses, and motor vehicle offenses among many others.
To schedule a free consultation or to discuss your case by phone, contact our law office at 703-873-7473 or 888-503-8075, or contact us by e-mail.
