phoenix bail bonds

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If a bond is going to be offered by the judge at Maricopa County Jail, there is a choice to be made between cash or surety bonds. Other options include pre-trial services, O.R. releases and third-party releases.

Cash bonds equal the amount you must post in order to get out of jail. As an example, a $50,000 cash bond equals $50,000 you must post to leave jail. When you have showed up for case proceedings as directed, your $50,000 is returned at the end of the case. If you fail to show up as ordered, you forfeit your bond amount.

Surety bonds are more common than cash bonds. As part of a surety bond, a judge ordering $50,000 requires you to provide $5,000 to a bondsman. The bondsman then posts a paper for your bail. For the bondsman’s services, you are essentially paying him the $5,000 as a ten percent fee for posting your bail. This is a better option for many who cannot tie up $50,000 all at once, although they will never be returned any of the $5,000.

Pre-trial services, also called PTS, may be ordered by the judge. This means that there will not be a set bond, but electronic ankle monitoring will likely be required. These monitors use GPS for geo-location or a SCRAM unit to monitor alcohol through skin perspiration. SCRAM units are most common in felony DUI cases.

“O.R.” means to be released on your own recognizance. O.R. release is usually provided when you have not had other problems through the courts or criminal justice system in the past. But if you do not appear as ordered, you suffer major consequences.

Third-party release requires a third party, such as a parent to be held accountable for your future court appearances.