Do I Have to Give Up the Title to My Home or Car to Get a Bail Bond?

 Posted on August 17, 2023 in Bail Bonds

If you or a loved one have been arrested, getting released as quickly as possible is likely to be your top priority. Before you can be released, you will usually need to pay bail to the court. Fortunately, a bail bond will allow you to pay this amount, get out of jail, and get back to your life. However, you may be concerned that you will be required to put up certain assets as collateral in order to obtain a bail bond. By understanding how bail bonds work and your options for payment, you can determine the best way to proceed.

The Purpose of a Bail Bond

Before considering payment options, it is important to understand what bail is and why bail bonds may be necessary. When someone is arrested, they are taken into custody by police officers, and they will be held in jail until their court date unless they can post bail. Bail is meant to ensure that after a person is released from custody, they will come to all required court proceedings, including hearings or trials.

A bail bond is essentially an agreement between the defendant, a bail bondsman/surety company, and the court. The surety company agrees to pay bail on the defendant’s behalf, and if the person does not appear in court when required or otherwise violates the conditions of bail, the bail bondsman will be required to pay the full bail amount to the court. In return for this guarantee, the defendant pays a percentage of the total amount of bail set by a judge (usually 10 percent) to the surety company.

Collateral Requirements for Bail Bonds

In some cases, you may be able to use collateral to obtain a bail bond. Collateral acts as security for both you and the bail bondsman. It ensures that if you fail to meet your obligations (such as by not appearing in court), the bail bondsman will be able to recover assets that will cover the costs of posting bail on your behalf. 

Common types of collateral include real estate property titles, vehicle titles, or other valuables. A bail bondsman may hold this collateral until you can make other payment arrangements. When holding property titles as collateral, a bail bond company will typically place a lien on the property. If you fail to meet your obligations, and the bail paid to the court is forfeited, the bail bondsman will have the right to take possession of and sell your property.

Surrendering the title to your home or car is not always necessary when obtaining a bail bond. At Doc’s Bail Bonds, we offer multiple types of payment options. We can hold collateral temporarily until you are able to make other types of payments. We accept cash and credit cards. We also offer affordable monthly payment plans that can be set up without any credit checks. We will work with you to determine the most affordable options that will fit your needs, and we will act quickly to help you get out of jail and avoid disruptions to your life.

Contact Our Dallas Bail Bond Professionals

If you need to determine your options for getting out of jail quickly, or if you are seeking to help a friend or family member post bail, Doc’s Bail Bonds is here to help. We understand the bail procedures that are followed in courts throughout Dallas, Collin County, and the surrounding areas. We can get in touch with the right personnel at police stations, holding facilities, jails, and courthouses, ensuring that bail will be posted as quickly as possible. We are available any time of the day or night, 365 days a year, and can offer compassionate support and assistance as you determine how to get released. Contact our Plano bail agents at 214-747-4110 today.