It’s the call that nobody ever wants to get; a friend or loved one has just been arrested and is due to be arraigned in court. You assure them that you’ll do your best to get them out so that they can take care of work obligations while building a solid defense. The normal rule of thumb here is to liaise with the person’s immediate kin and get them to post either a cash bail or collateral bond.
But this is no ideal scenario — your defendant doesn’t seem to have any resources available to that end. Which means they have no option but to stay put till their trial date. Or do they? You’ll be relieved to know that there’s an option you haven’t considered yet: No-collateral bail bonds New Jersey.
What is a No-Collateral Bail Bond?
It’s pretty much what the name suggests; a means for defendants to get out of pre-trial custody without having to put up any cash or assets as bond. Here’s how it works :
- Bail is set by a court of law.
- The defendant demonstrates their inability to meet their obligation for the bond (typically 10% of the specified amount), and thus applies for a no-collateral bond.
- If the bail agent approves the defendant’s request, the latter must present a friend/relative to act as a signatory. The signatory essentially guarantees that the accused will make every scheduled court appearance. Consequently, the no-collateral bond is also commonly known as a signature bond.
- The bond arrangement is approved by a magistrate or judge.
No-Collateral Bonds are Not Open for Everyone
Again, this is rather self-explanatory — an arrangement with such convenient terms cannot be available for all defendants. Eligibility is subject to quite a number of factors, including:
- Criminal Background: You’re much more likely to obtain a no-collateral bond if you have a clean background.
- Prior History with Bail: If you’d previously been arrested and released on bail, the court will want to know whether all conditions where met before approving your request.
- Nature of Offence: Individuals facing severe felony charges are naturally going to have a hard time finding cosigners — that’s if they can find a willing bail agent in the first place.
- Financial & Occupational Status: It’s easier to secure a no-collateral bond with a stellar history in meeting financial obligations along with a solid track record of employment.
- Other Social Factors: Individuals with strong roots in their respective communities tend to stand a better chance. Specifically, living in the same area for a long time suggests a lower flight risk; having people who can vouch for your character will further boost your odds of qualifying.
Get in Touch
There’s no need to worry if your friend or loved one has been arrested and is unable to post bail. Just get in touch with us. Our bail bonds New Jersey will be more than happy to find the most appropriate solution for the situation.
