How Do Bail Bonds Work in Michigan
When it comes to bail bonds, Michigan residents operate under the same basic system as found in the rest of the US. While each bail bonds company may have their own set of rules when it comes to their bail services in working with clients, the overall laws as governed by the state are remarkably similar to that of the rest of the country. This means that understanding how bail bonds work in Michigan, residents will need to be familiar with the general practices as seen around the US.
The Bail Bond System in Michigan
The process begins after the person has been arrested and placed in jail. Over the next hour or two they will undergo a booking process until they see a judge who will then set a court date. Once the court date is set, the person will then qualify for bail to be released from jail depending on the severity of the crime. There are cases in which the judge will release the defendant under the own recognizance which means there is no bail requirements.
Bail is essentially a cash guarantee that the person will appear for court on the day that it set by the arraignment judge. A person can stay in jail until the court date, pay a pre-designated cash amount to the court or go to a bail bond company. Most people will go to a bail bond company because it generally cost just 10% of the bail itself which means less money out of their pocket. The laws in Michigan mirror those of most other states when it comes to how the system works.
Michigan Bail Bond Charges & Fees
Under Michigan rules, the bail bond company cannot charge more than a 10% non-refundable fee to put up the bail for the client. For example, if the bail is set at $10,000, then the bail bond company can charge the client $1,000 which is non-refundable. In addition, the bail bond company may ask for collateral to help cover the total amount of the bail as well.
There may be additional administrative fees, though they generally do not add up to much in terms of actually money. Also, many bail bond companies offer lending services for clients who do not have the 10% ready to pay. In this case, collateral in the form of property is usually offered to cover the loan.
If the client shows up for their court date, then the bail bond company will be released by the court for the bail amount. However, if the client does not show up for court, then the bail bond company will usually send a bounty hunter to retrieve the client. Once the client shows up for court, then the bail bond company is released from its obligation.
Video: How Bail Bonds Work in Michigan
Michigan Bail Bonds Information
How does bail bonds work in Michigan? A defendant’s bail amount is set after arraignment. A Michigan bail bondsman posts the bond once the 10 percent premium is paid by the defendant or co-signor. If the defendant doesn’t appear in court the indemnitor owes the bondsman 100% of the bond.
Understanding how bail bonds work in Michigan defendant or family member needing to get bail (in Detroit, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Pontiac or other city) should always take a few moments to weigh their options when it comes to bail bonds companies. Visit this site and get more information about the licensing of bail bonds Michigan companies, bail bond agents and bounty hunters: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.