If you get arrested and sent to jail, law enforcement will usually offer you bail. In principle, it’s simple: you cough up the money and the police will release you from your jail cell until your trial. Then, when you show up at your court date and fulfill all your obligations, you’ll get your money back. 

But, of course, in reality, it’s not that simple. Bail amounts tend to be extortionate and hardly anyone has the cash just lying around to pay them. Law enforcement could ask you for $100,000 in cash or more. 

That’s where bail bonds come in handy. With these, you pay a small fee, usually around 10 percent of the cost of the bail, and then a bail bondsman pays your bail on your behalf. They get their money back when you show up in court. 

Even so, some people can get a little confused about how bail bonds actually work. The moment you introduce the word “bond” to proceedings, it complicates matters. 

Fortunately, the following infographic is here to help. It explains all of the elements of bail bonds and what you need to do to secure one, either for yourself or someone you know who’s stuck in jail. 

The cost of not getting a bail bond can be exceptionally high. Waiting around for months in a police jail cell is not a lot of fun, particularly if you haven’t actually committed a crime, so it’s always worth applying. 

Curious about bail bonds and what’s involved? Check out the infographic below to learn more. 
Infographic by  Future Bail Bonds