What Are Cash Bonds?

To be released on cash bail, an individual must post with the court the total amount of the bail, in cash, to secure his or her return to court on an appointed date, and thereafter until the case is concluded. Full cash bonds provide a powerful incentive for defendants to appear at trial. If the defendant shows up for his/her scheduled court appearances, the cash is returned to him/her. If s/he fails to appear, the cash bond is forfeited to the court.

What is a bail bondsman?

A bail bondsman is usually a licensed insurance agent who is registered and regulated by the state that is hired by an indemnitor that presents a surety bond to a court of law to affect the release of a defendant that would otherwise be held in jail until trial. With this agreements the defendant is able to be released from jail with a fee usually 10 percent of the bond rather than having to post the complete face amount of the bond to the court prior to release. In effect, the bail bondsman is making a guarantee that the defendant will return to the court as required or be held responsible for making restitution to the court for the full amount of the original bail.

Sheriff's Office: Bail Bondsman Shoots Suspect In Whitsett

Devetta Blount Justin Quesinberry

Guilford County, NC-- A bondsman allegedly shot a suspect he was trying to arrest early Tuesday morning on Rockcliffe drive in Whitsett.

Sonny Ray Cranford was charged with statutory rape and sex offense in May 2008, according to information provided by the Guilford County Sheriff's Office.

His $100,000 bail was obtained through the bondsmen at the time.

In July 2009, Cranford failed to appear in court on the charges.
So, the bondsmen went to find him, according to Cpt. Tony Caliendo with the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. Read More