A bond is a promise and an obligation.

In the case of someone who has been arrested and wants to be released from custody while they await trial, a bond is paid as a way to show the court that the arrested person will return for the trial date. It’s a way to show trust because if that person does not show up, the court keeps the money (and then the person has even bigger problems).

A cash bond and a surety bond are two ways to pay the court in order to release someone from jail, but there are differences worth noting.

Cash Bond

A cash bond is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a cash payment to release someone from jail until their trial date. Cash bonds are paid in full, and the money is held by the court. If the person shows up for their trial, the cash is returned. If they do not, the cash is forfeited and remains with the court.

Cash bonds are simple and straightforward. The bail amount is posted. The cash amount is paid. Done.

Surety Bond

While a cash bond is definitely the easiest way to bail someone out of jail, that is not always possible. Many people do not have enough money to pay up front in the first place or cannot afford to have that much cash tied up with the court until the trial date.

In this situation, a surety bond is needed, and this involves the support of a bail bondsman or bail bonds agent. A surety bond means money is provided by another party, and the person arrested is only financially responsible for a certain percentage in the form of a fee.

A bail bondsman receives the full amount of bail money needed to support the arrested person in their time of need from a surety company. In return, the court sees the bail bondsman as trustworthy and responsible for ensuring the arrested person actually returns to court for their trial.

Surety bonds involve a few more steps than cash bonds, and not everyone qualifies for a surety bond, so it’s not a guarantee.

Freedom Is Our Business

If you have a question about bail bonds or are someone who needs a fast jail release, Freedom Bail Bonds is here to help. Our team of professional and dedicated agents supports the residents of Tarrant County 24/7, so give us a call or stop by our office in Arlington.