Question 1

What happens immediately after an arrest?

Accepted Answer

After an arrest, the person is typically taken to a local detention center or jail for booking. This process involves recording their personal information, taking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprints, and checking for outstanding warrants. A magistrate or judge will then set the conditions of release, which may include a bail amount.

Question 2

What is bail?

Accepted Answer

Bail is a financial guarantee set by the court to ensure that a defendant will appear for all scheduled court dates. If the defendant attends court as required, the bail amount is typically returned (minus any court fees or fines). If they fail to appear, the bail may be forfeited.

Question 3

What is a bail bond?

Accepted Answer

A bail bond is a contract between the court, a bail bondsman, and the defendant (or their co-signer). The bondsman guarantees the full bail amount to the court in exchange for a non-refundable premium paid by the defendant or their family. This allows the defendant to be released without having to pay the full bail amount upfront.

Question 4

How much does a bail bond cost in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

In North Carolina, the premium for a bail bond is typically up to 15% of the total bail amount set by the court. For example, if the bail is set at $10,000, the bond premium could be up to $1,500. This fee is non-refundable.

Question 5

Is the bail bond fee refundable?

Accepted Answer

No. The premium paid to a bail bondsman is a non-refundable fee for their service of guaranteeing the full bail amount to the court and securing the defendant's release. Once the defendant is released, the fee is earned and will not be returned, regardless of the case outcome.

Question 6

What if the bond is denied or "no bond"?

Accepted Answer

Some serious charges (capital offenses, parole/probation violations) may receive a 'no bond' from the magistrate. In that case, only a Superior Court judge can set bond. We can recommend a defense attorney to file a bond motion.

Question 7

Are you really open on holidays and weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Arrests don't take holidays off, and neither do we.

Question 8

What is an indemnitor or co-signer?

Accepted Answer

An indemnitor, often called a co-signer, is a person who signs the bail bond agreement alongside the defendant. They take financial responsibility for the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. They also agree to ensure the defendant meets all court obligations.

Question 9

How old does a co-signer need to be?

Accepted Answer

A co-signer must be a legal adult, which is 18 years of age or older in North Carolina. They must also have a valid form of identification and meet any other requirements set by the bail bond agency.

Question 10

How long does it take to execute a bail bond?

Accepted Answer

The time it takes to execute a bail bond can vary depending on the facility and how busy they are. Once the paperwork is completed and the premium is paid, the bondsman will post the bond at the jail. The release process can then take anywhere from a few hours to several hours.

Question 11

What is collateral?

Accepted Answer

Collateral is property or assets (such as real estate, vehicles, or cash) pledged to the bail bondsman to secure the bond. If the defendant fails to appear in court and the bond is forfeited, the bondsman can claim the collateral to cover the full bail amount. Collateral is returned once the case is resolved and all obligations are met.

Question 12

What other responsibilities can be included in a bail bond agreement?

Accepted Answer

A bail bond agreement may require the defendant to check in regularly with the bondsman, stay within a certain geographic area, maintain employment, or comply with specific court orders (like avoiding contact with certain individuals). The co-signer is responsible for helping ensure these conditions are met.

Question 13

What are conditions of release?

Accepted Answer

Conditions of release are rules set by a judge or magistrate that a defendant must follow while out on bail. These can include travel restrictions, no-contact orders, curfews, or requirements to attend substance abuse programs.

Question 14

What is a secured bond?

Accepted Answer

A secured bond requires the payment of the bail amount (or a portion of it through a bail bondsman) or the pledging of property before the defendant can be released.

Question 15

What is an unsecured bond?

Accepted Answer

An unsecured bond allows the defendant to be released without paying money upfront. However, if they fail to appear in court, they will be liable for the full bond amount.

Question 16

What is custody release?

Accepted Answer

A custody release means the defendant is released into the care and supervision of a specific person or organization, who agrees to ensure the defendant appears in court.

Question 17

What is electronic monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Electronic monitoring involves the defendant wearing an ankle bracelet or similar device that tracks their location to ensure they comply with travel restrictions or house arrest conditions.

Question 18

What is a magistrate?

Accepted Answer

A magistrate is a judicial officer who handles preliminary legal matters, such as setting initial bail and conditions of release shortly after an arrest.

Question 19

What is first appearance or arraignment?

Accepted Answer

The first appearance or arraignment is the initial court hearing where the defendant is formally read their charges, advised of their rights, and has the opportunity to enter a plea. Bail conditions may also be reviewed at this time.

Question 20

What is a domestic violence hold?

Accepted Answer

A domestic violence hold (or 48-hour hold) is a specific rule in North Carolina where a defendant arrested for certain domestic violence charges may be held in jail for up to 48 hours without bail until a judge can review the case and set conditions of release.

Question 21

What happens if the defendant misses court?

Accepted Answer

Missing a court date will typically result in a bond forfeiture and a warrant for the defendant's arrest. The co-signer becomes financially responsible for the full bond amount. Case Closed will work with the defendant and co-signer to surrender and reset the case — call us immediately if a court date is missed.

Question 22

Who is an arrestee?

Accepted Answer

An arrestee is a person who has been taken into custody by law enforcement but has not yet been convicted of the crime they are accused of.

Question 23

What is booking?

Accepted Answer

Booking is the administrative process that follows an arrest. It involves recording the suspect's name, the alleged crime, taking fingerprints and photographs, and confiscating personal property until release.

Question 24

What is the difference between jail and prison in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Jails are typically run by local counties or cities and hold individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences (usually less than a year). Prisons are state or federal facilities that hold individuals convicted of more serious crimes serving longer sentences.

Question 25

Do bail bondsmen have the power to arrest?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under certain circumstances. If a defendant skips court (fails to appear) and the bond is forfeited, the bail bondsman has the legal authority to locate, apprehend, and surrender the defendant to law enforcement.

Question 26

Are bail bondsmen and bounty hunters the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No. A bail bondsman is the licensed professional who writes the bond and guarantees the money to the court. A bounty hunter (or bail recovery agent) is someone hired by the bondsman specifically to track down and apprehend a defendant who has skipped bail. In North Carolina, bondsmen often perform their own recovery work.

Question 27

Are there alternatives to hiring a bail bondsman?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can pay the full cash bail amount directly to the court, which will be refunded after the case is resolved. If the defendant is granted an unsecured bond or released on their own recognizance, no money is required upfront.

Question 28

Who regulates bail bondsmen in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Bail bondsmen in North Carolina are licensed and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

Bail Bonds FAQs in Raleigh, Wake County, Durham County & Orange County

General Bail Bond Questions

Co-Signer, Indemnitor & Collateral Questions

Release Conditions & Court Questions

Booking, Jail & Prison Questions

Bail Bondsman Questions

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