Bail is a financial arrangement that a bail bonding agency makes to the court on behalf of the accused criminal defendant. Acting for the defendant, a bail bonding agency will arrange with the court to have a suspect released from jail pending the trial in exchange for money and/or collateral, which may be cash, assets, or insurance surety bond. The court accepts the monetary value of the bail.

The bail agency is then responsible for ensuring that the individual arrives in court on the day of his or her trial. If the individual does not appear in court, the court may issue a bench warrant for failure to appear. At that time, the bail agency will be required to search for and re-incarcerate the defendant.

In its simplest form, a surety bail bond is a surety to the court system that the full bail amount will be paid should the defendant fail to appear as required. In some instances, the court will allow “real” property (i.e., home or land) of equal value to the used for bail amount, or the court may allow the full cash amount of the bail to be paid to the court to secure the defendant’s release.

If the case is closed without Failure to Appear (FTA), cash and/or property will be returned in full when paid to the court. Based on our experience, only the excess of the 10-15% bail fee may be retained by a bail entity.

The excess cash over the fee or deed held as “collateral” will be returned from a bail bonding entity at the successful close of a case without loss. However, when there is a financial loss to the bail entity, they will file a claim in the appropriate court to recover their loss from the held collateral if no other payment terms are made.

Contact Giggie’s Bonding LLC for a surety bail bond in Greenville, SC.

Yes. While the defendant is physically out of jail, the bail bonding agency is responsible for ensuring they appear in court. If the defendant fails to appear, the agency must locate and return them to custody.

The cost typically involves a non-refundable fee of about 10–15% of the total bail amount. This fee is paid to the bail agency for arranging the bond, while the full bail amount is guaranteed to the court.

Some agencies offer flexible payment options, including 0% down promotions. However, the full bail fee is still owed and may be collected through payment plans or secured with collateral.

Collateral is sometimes required, especially for higher bail amounts or increased risk. It helps secure the bond and protects the bail agency in case the defendant fails to appear.

Collateral can include cash, real estate (such as a home or land), or other valuable assets. The court may also accept full cash bail or property equal to the bail amount.

Equity is calculated by subtracting any outstanding mortgage balance from the current market value of the home. The remaining value represents the usable equity for collateral.

If the defendant fails to appear in court, a bench warrant may be issued. The bail agency is then responsible for locating and returning the individual to custody. If there is a financial loss, the agency may file a claim against any collateral to recover damages.