Frequently Asked Bail Bonds Questions

What is cash bail and what is a bail bond?

“Cash bail” is a set amount of money that acts as insurance between the courts and the person in jail (the defendant). If the defendant posts cash bail, they are released from jail, pending the outcome of the court case. Cash bail money is held by the courts in an effort to guarantee the defendant’s appearance in court. If the defendant fails to appear, the defendant’s cash bail money is forfeited. Defendants may pay their bail in cash, but most defendants cannot afford to do this, because cash bail is often set at too high of an amount. Most defendants are financially unable to post cash bail by themselves, so they seek the services of a bail bond company that can post a “bail bond” for them instead. The defendant pays only a small percentage of the cash bail amount to the bail bond company as premium for posting the bail bond. The bail bond company then takes on liability for the entire bail bond amount, payable to the courts if the defendant does not show up for all their scheduled court appearances.

How much does a bail bond cost in Minnesota?

All bail bondsman in the State of Minnesota are required to collect 10% of the bail bond amount, as premium for posting a bail bond. For example, a $10,000 bail bond would cost $1,000 (10% of the bond amount). If a bail bond is setup on a payment plan, there are also regulations as to how the payment plan has to be structured. There are specific regulations (depends on the bond amount) that determine the length of a payment plan, and the percentage of bail bond premium a client needs to pay upfront before posting a bail bond in Minnesota. Going back to our example, on a $10,000 bail bond, a bail bondsman in MN would be required to collect at least $500 before posting that bond. The remaining $500 balance must be paid in installments until the balance is paid in full.

Can I give property collateral instead of paying the bond premium?

No, collateral cannot be accepted in lieu of bail bond premium. You have to pay money to get a bail bond. Bail bond companies can only accept property collateral as security for repayment of a bail bond, to be forfeited in the event of a default. If required, property collateral would be held in trust until the court case has been resolved and all premium and fees have been paid.

Does Northstar Bail Bonds offer payment options?

Yes, we have interest free payment options available for qualified clients. Every situation is unique. We can accommodate most financial situations! Call us for details.

Do I get the bail bond premium money back once the court case has concluded?

No, the money you pay for a bail bond is non-refundable. Bail bonds are a form of insurance. Just as you don’t get you car insurance premium money back if you don’t get in any accidents, you don’t get your bail bond premium money back because you went to court.

The court case has concluded and I still have an outstanding balance on a payment plan. Do I still have to make my payments?

Yes, the bail bond premium money is fully earned once the bond has been posted. Even if the charges are dropped, dismissed, or the defendant goes on the run. The remaining bail bond premium balance must be paid, always.

What is cash bail?

Cash bail is a bail that is paid for with cash (U.S currency). Cash bail is paid directly to the jail where the defendant is incarcerated. It must be paid in the exact amount. They do not give any change back to the payee. The benefit of posting cash bail is, once the court case has concluded, the money you paid is refunded to the defendant, minus any fees and fines imposed by the court. But, this is only if the defendant attended all their scheduled court appearances. You don’t need a bondsman to post a cash bail, but it is always more expensive than using a bail bondsman.

What are my responsibilities as an indemnitor?

All bail bonds require at least one indemnitor. An indemnitor is a person that takes full financial responsibility and assumes liability for any and all costs associated with a bail bond. It is the indemnitor’s responsibility to make sure the defendant appears at every court date. It is also the duty of an indemnitor to insure the bond payments (if applicable ) are paid, and assist the bond company in locating the defendant, if the defendant fails to appear at any of the scheduled court appearances. If the defendant fails to appear for court, the indemnitor may be held responsible to pay the entire amount of the bail bond.