When you’re arrested under suspicion of committing a crime, the court will set your bail. You will have to pay this monetary fee to be released from jail while awaiting trial. Depending on your financial situation, a loved one may work with a bail bond agent to secure the total amount. The guide below looks at the history of this practice.

What Are the Origins of Bail?

The concept of bail dates back to medieval times. Between roughly 410 and 1066, Anglo-Saxons established a criminal justice system to eliminate blood feuds and citizens personally avenging wrongdoings.

Since prisons were considered problematic and costly, an individual accused of a crime could be set free if they found a loved one to pay a surety or a financial pledge and thus agreed to appear in court for judgment. Should a defendant fail to appear, the individual who paid the surety would be obligated to pay a larger total sum to the private accuser to put an end to the dispute. 

How Have Bail & Bail Bonds Evolved in the U.S.?

Bail protocols were established as part of the United States Constitution with the eighth amendment's ratification in 1791. Among the rules specified in this document is that the courts weren't allowed to charge criminal defendants excessively, as it hinders the justice system.

By outlawing unreasonable bail amounts, individuals accused of a crime have the ability to sufficiently prepare for their day in court with their legal team. They also can work and provide for their families in the interim period between their arrest and court date. This system also reduces strain and expenses incurred by local jails. However, in some cases where the person in question is seen as particularly dangerous or a flight risk, bail can be denied altogether.

Today, the courts determine bail for a defendant. To secure release, the defendant can pay the amount in full themselves; this fee will then be returned to them after they successfully show up to court. Alternatively, individuals can work with a bail bondsman. In exchange for 10% of the bail amount, this agent will pay the court on your behalf. The bondsman will then keep the 10% as payment for the service and your quick release.

Should you fail to appear in court, this individual will attempt to locate you through a bounty hunter to recover the cost of the loan. In some cases where you used an item or property as collateral, the agent may just take possession of it.

If you need a convenient, friendly bail bond agent to guide you through the process in a compassionate manner, count on Bob Shropshire Bail Bonds. Based in the heart of Cincinnati, OH, this family-owned business with multiple generations of experience is prepared to help with legal situations 24/7. To discuss your bail needs, call today at (513) 721-3915. For more information on their services, visit their website.