Bail is the money a defendant must pay in order to get out of jail.

A bail bond is posted on a defendant’s behalf, usually by a bail bond company, to secure his or her release. Defendants with pending warrants are usually not eligible for bail.

Bail is a way of securing a defendant’s agreement to return to court. Bail is like collateral left with the court to ensure that, after the defendant’s release from jail, he or she will return for the remaining parts of the criminal case. If the defendant fails to appear or violates the conditions of the release, he or she might forfeit the amount paid. If the defendant posted a bond, the bail bond company forfeits the money.

Dukes Bail Bonds offers bondsman services for the following types of bonds:

• Surety Bonds

• Cash Bonds

• Citation Release Bonds

• Immigration Bonds

• Recognizance Release Bonds

In order to obtain a bail bond, you will need the following items:

• Bail Bond Fee / Premium

• Gov't Issued Identification - Drivers License or Passport

• Verification of employment such as a pay stub

• Employers Information - name, address and phone number

• Your Full Address

• Date of Birth

• Social Security Number

The indemnitor is financially liable for the bail bond. The indemnitor’s liability is limited to the full face value of the bail bond and any expenses that are accrued if forfeiture occurs. It is very important the indemnitor feels confident the defendant will appear in all his or her court appearances or posting a bail bond is not recommended. It is important that the co-signer maintain a very close relationship with the defendant and an open line of communication during the process.

Most courts or jails will let you post a Bail Bond. Most jails accept Bail Bonds 24 hours a day.

Per Section 903.31, Florida Statutes, bail bonds expire 36 months after they are posted to release a defendant from custody. If 36 months has passed and the court has not ruled on the case, a new bail bond would be necessary.