Bail Bond Resources

What is a bail bond?

A bail bond is a guarantee to the court that a defendant will appear at every scheduled court date after being released from jail. When bail is set, the defendant or their family can contact a licensed bail bondsman to post the bond on their behalf. The bondsman charges a nonrefundable premium (up to 15% of the bail amount in North Carolina) and guarantees the full bail amount to the court.

How does the bail process work?

• Arrest and booking: After an arrest, the defendant is taken to jail and booked. Personal information and charges are recorded.
• Bail is set: A magistrate or judge sets a bail amount based on the charges, criminal history and flight risk.
• Contacting a bondsman: The defendant or a family member contacts a bail bond company like Bust Out Bail Bonds. We’re available 24/7.
• Posting the bond: Once the paperwork is done and the premium is arranged, the bondsman posts the bond with the jail.
• Release: The defendant is released from custody, typically within a few hours depending on the facility.
• Court appearances: The defendant must appear at every scheduled court date. Missing court can make the full bail amount due and lead to an arrest warrant.

What does a bail bond cost?

In North Carolina, a bondsman can charge up to 15% of the bail amount set by the court. This fee is nonrefundable and is the cost of the bail bond service. For example, if bail is $10,000, the premium is at most $1,500. Bust Out Bail Bonds offers flexible payment plans to make this manageable, including very low down payments and interest-free installments. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Apple Pay, Cash App and Zelle.

Types of bail in North Carolina

• Written promise: The defendant signs a promise to appear in court without paying any money. This is usually reserved for minor offenses.
• Unsecured bond: The defendant pays nothing up front but agrees to pay the full bail amount if they fail to appear.
• Secured bond: Requires payment or collateral. This is where a bail bondsman usually becomes involved.
• Cash bond: The full bail amount is paid in cash directly to the court.

What happens after bail is posted?

After bail is posted, the defendant is released and must follow every condition the court sets. This may include travel restrictions, regular check-ins, drug testing or other requirements. Going to every court date is critical. If the defendant fails to appear, the co-signer becomes responsible for the full bail amount and a warrant is issued for the defendant’s arrest.