Understanding Bail Bonds in Indiana

What is a bail bond in Indiana? Bond refers to the amount of money you need to pay to the court system to be released from jail before your trial. If you or someone close to you is arrested for a crime, it’s crucial to understand your options for posting bail and getting them back home as soon as possible. 

Cash Bond 

A Cash bond is the most straightforward type of bond, but it is also the most frequently difficult for defendants to meet. Cash bonds require a defendant (or a friend or family member on their behalf) to pay the full bail amount to the court. This type of bond is refundable to the payor after the case (minus any court fees or fines). 

Surety Bond 

Unfortunately, for many people, a cash bond isn’t an affordable option. Surety bonds don’t require a defendant to pay the court using their own money upfront, which makes it the best and most pursued option in Indiana. Getting a surety bond in Indiana requires working with a professional bail bondsman. Selecting a reputable bail bondsman is important to protect defendants from scams or unreasonable terms. 

Working with a bail bondsman requires the defendant to pay a non-refundable fee, generally 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, to the bondsman, who will pass the fee on to the court. The bail bondsman is responsible for paying the court the full bail amount if the defendant doesn’t show up in court. But the defendant won’t be off the hook; they will face serious consequences for violating the terms of their bond agreement, including paying the bail bondsman back for the full bond amount, plus interest and other fees. 

Hybrid Bond 

Hybrid bonds are a mix of cash and surety bonds. They work by the defendant paying a portion of the bond directly to the court, with a percentage of the remaining bond being put forth by a bail bondsman. If the defendant appears in court, the amount the defendant paid to the court is refundable (minus court fees or fines). The amount the defendant paid to the bail bondsman is not refundable. 

Personal or Own Recognizance (OR) Bond 

Own Recognizance bonds aren’t really bonds at all. With OR bonds, the defendant isn’t required to pay any money, but promises the court that if they are released from jail, they will still appear in all court appearances. This type of bail is generally reserved for defendants accused of low-level criminal offenses, first-time offenders, and those who do not pose a flight risk or threat to the safety of themselves or others. 

Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond 

Personal recognizance bonds require that a family or friend post 10% of a defendant’s bail in the event the defendant is unable to do so. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the court will keep the deposit. If the defendant appears after the case, the court may refund the deposit (minus court fees or fines). 

Need Help with Navigating the Bail Bond Process? Razumich & Associates Can Help

It can be challenging to understand the ins and outs of the bail process in your Indiana county. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney from Razumich & Associates, PLLC, in your corner can make all the difference. Our attorneys work to get the court to issue a fair bail amount in your case, protect you from predatory bail bondsmen, and determine which bail bond option is best for you. Call Razumich & Associates, PLLC, today at 317-983-5333 or use our online form to schedule your consultation.