Bail Bond FAQs

Below are some common questions and answers that we receive regarding bail bonds. If you have a specific quesion that isn’t addressed here, please feel free to call us at (855) 711-2245 or email us at mitchsbailbonds@gmail.com.

• What is a Bail Bond?

  A bail bond is a financial guarantee made by a surety bail bonds agent to the courts that enables pre-trial release of a criminally accused. In exchange for the release from police custody or imprisonment, the criminally accused must acknowledge any bail conditions established by the “bail authority” (judge with jurisdiction). The financial guarantee of the bail bond is attached to the criminally accused’s promise to appear at all future-court proceedings scheduled in his/her criminal case.

  A bail bond agent will assume liability for an individual by executing a bail bond in exchange for the following:

  1. a premium payment or fee (calculated as a percentage of the full-amount of bail);
  2. an agreement of performance and indemnity from the criminally accused and interested third party(s).
• Are there other options for posting bail other than cash?

  Pennsylvania counties may create local rules that dictate permissible forms of payment. Generally, most counties permit bail bonds or collateral in the form of real property. In certain instances, a combination of the two is permissible as an alternative to posting straight cash. When attempting to post real property as collateral, the county clerk of courts or prothonotary dictates procedure. Typically, a process involving a title search, assessment and tax certification is involved before real property will be accepted as collateral.

• How long will a defendant be 'on bond?'

  Rule 600 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure dictates that a defendant, not subjected to pretrial incarceration, must be brought to trial (or enter a plea) within 365 days from the date on which the case is filed. This time frame can be delayed when a defendant requests delay or postponement in the proceedings or waives his/her Rule 600 rights for any other reason. A bail bondsman and a defendant make representation to the court that the defendant will appear at all required court proceedings. If the defendant is held to be responsible for any of his/her charges, after being called to trial or entering a plea, there will be a sentencing hearing. At the time of sentencing, the defendant transitions into the post-sentencing phase of the criminal case and is effectively “off bond.”

• Is a bail bond premium refundable once the case concludes?

  Regardless of the outcome of the criminal case, guilty or not guilty, the premium paid to a surety bail bondsman is nonrefundable once bail is formally posted with the county court. Cash bail, paid in full to the court without a surety bail bondsman’s assistance, can be partially refundable at the conclusion of a criminal case. However, be sure to check local rules or consult with our office on specific county procedures for retaining deposited bail funds.

• Can I post bail from a distance?

  At Mitch’s Bail Bonds, client convenience is one of our core values. We understand that helpful family and friends are sometimes situated far away from the location where our services are needed. Through the use of electronic means, we are more than happy to entertain necessary accommodations to assist in a time of need. Contact Mitch’s Bail Bonds for more information.