Explaining the 7 Types of Bail Bonds

Here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there are 7 different types of bail bonds available to defendants. Bail bonds are a financial guarantee allowing a criminal defendant to be released from jail while awaiting trial. A bail bond agent co-signs the agreement in exchange for a fee paid by the defendant. Each bail type has unique rules, regulations, and uses. Here’s a useful guide to help you understand the different types of bail bonds available here in PA.

Cash Bail Bonds

The most common and simple bail type, cash bail bonds are when the defendant pays their full bail amount directly to the court with cash, credit card, or certified check.  While any bail type can be paid with cash, depending on the defendant’s previous record and current situation, it might be the only type allowed.  In cases where the defendant has a high flight risk, like in violent crime cases, the judge can set a very high cash bail that would be difficult for most defendants to pay.  

Surety Bail Bonds

If a defendant can’t raise the bail amount set by the judge, a surety bail bond can be used.  This bail type is an agreement between the bail bonds company and the defendant.  The bail company will pay the required bail amount for a fee, usually 10%.  As part of the agreement, once the surety bond is paid, the defendant must appear in court as required and pay the bail bond fee.  If the fee isn’t paid, the bail bond company reserves the right to take ownership of any collateral put up, and if there isn’t any collateral, the bail bond company can take the defendant to court.  

Federal Bail Bonds

Federal offenses require federal bail bonds.  This bail type is typically more complex than state or local bail bonds.  This type of bail requires the help of bond agents with the necessary expertise in federal regulations and procedures.

Property Bail Bonds

Sometimes a court bail agreement uses property, such as a house, land, or a vehicle, owned by the defendant, as collateral.  If the defendant does not appear in court as required, the court can seize the collateral, but will return the property if all appearances are upheld.   Property bonds are more complicated than other types of bail such as cash bail, due to inspections, evaluations, and paperwork required.  This bail type should be used as a last resort due to the possibility that property could be seized if defendant court appearances are not upheld.

Recognizance Release Bonds

In some situations, a defendant will not have to post bail in the form of cash or property.  A judge may issue a release on the defendant’s “own recognizance” or “OR,” which does not require any bail amount to be paid.  This bail type requires a written agreement in which the defendant agrees to attend all required court sessions and refrain from criminal activity while out on bail. 

A recognizance release bond is more likely to be given if the defendant has no previous criminal record, is employed, and has strong ties to family and the community.  The judge must not perceive the defendant as a flight risk or a threat to the community while out of jail.  If a defendant doesn’t follow the requirements for this bail type, an arrest warrant will likely be issued.

Citation Release Bonds

Another type of “own recognizance” or “OR” bail bond is a citation bond, usually granted for first time or minor offenses, such as traffic violations.  When an arresting officer issues a citation, the accused person is not actually taken into custody but instead released based on their promise to appear in court.  This bail type can’t be requested- only the arresting officer can decide to grant a citation release bond.

Immigration Bail Bonds

Highly complicated immigration bail bonds require the help of a trained bail bond expert.  This bail type is only available to non-U.S. residents who are charged with a crime in the U.S.  Immigration bail bonds come with strict rules and regulations with complex requirements.

Delco Bail Bonds Can Help

If you or a loved one has been arrested and needs help with bail bonds, Delco Bail Bonds is here to assist, day or night, seven days a week.  Located in Media, PA, Delco Band Bonds has a trusted reputation for reliable, top-notch service.  Our professional bail bondsmen understand the ins and outs of the Delaware County legal system and are ready to help you navigate the confusing bail bond process.  Trust us to get you through it.