Both lawyers and bondsmen work to secure your freedom but take on different roles during a legal case. Rocket Bail Bonds team of bondsmen specialize in getting clients out of jail while awaiting trial. Here’s more information about how bondsman and lawyer services differ:
Types of Services
A bail bondsman is a financial professional who posts bail for a person charged with a crime. Bail is money paid to the court as insurance that a defendant will come to trial. Once paid, the jail releases the defendant until their next court date. Defendants who attend all their court dates receive most or all of their bail money back.
Posting Bail
Because posting bail is often expensive, bondsmen act as intermediaries between you and the bail system. At Rocket Bail Bonds, we negotiate contracts in which you pay us a percentage of the set bail in exchange for our company covering the rest. This allows clients with various incomes to participate in the bail program.
A lawyer represents your best interest while in court. Their work begins before your trial when they plan your defense strategy and handle the necessary paperwork. During courtroom proceedings, they use their expertise to navigate the legal system. Lawyers plead your case, interact with the judge and prosecution, and guide you in making legal decisions. They also negotiate on your behalf when making bargains like plea deals.
Paying for Services
A judge sets the size of bail in each case, assigning a cost within legal limits. The dollar amount reflects the alleged crimes and the risk of the defendant fleeing. A more serious charge generally receives higher bail.
After bail is set, defendants or their representatives can secure a bond. Clients agree to pay a percentage of set bail and attend the trial in exchange for help covering the majority of the cost. The state regulates the cost of the initial payment, which is usually 10% of bail. At the end of the trial, the court returns bail money to the defendant minus any applicable fees. An amount equal to the 10% initial payment is then due to our bondsmen for their services. Defendants who do not attend their court dates forfeit their bail and are responsible for paying the entire balance to the bondsman.
Attorney Services
Unlike bondsmen, many lawyers work as contractors and earn by charging hourly rates. Some people, often business owners, pay a regular fee for an attorney to be available when needed, which is called keeping a lawyer on retainer. Prosecuting attorneys, like those who litigate injury lawsuits, may work on contingency, meaning they receive part of any damages won in the case instead of charging for services. Court-appointed attorneys, called public defenders, do not charge clients because they provide fair representation to people who cannot afford lawyers. Public defenders are employed by the state or federal government.
Get Help Understanding Bail Bonds
Rocket Bail Bonds support defendants by offering educational materials about bail bonds and the judicial system. Each of our bondsmen has at least five years of experience and can guide you through getting out of jail. Contact us today for a free consultation with a member of our knowledgeable staff.
