Learn About Different Types of Bail Bonds in West Virginia

There are many bail bond companies that can offer you bonds, but only one gives you the professional support and resources you need to make the right choice for your family. Bill's Bail Bonds understands the stress associated with being arrested, or seeing a loved one jailed. That's why we work hard to make the process as stress-free as possible from beginning to end.

About the Bail Bond Process

When a person is arrested, they are usually processed at a local county jail. The jail release process typically takes anywhere from one to two hours to complete. It's a good idea to get in touch with a bail bondsman as soon as possible; either the person in jail or a loved one from outside can contact a bondsman. Be sure to have the first and last name of the person in jail, their date of birth, and the location of the jail.

Types of Bail Bonds in West Virginia

Cash Bonds: A cash bond is just that - a bond that may only be paid with cash. Should you appear for trial, or should the charges be disposed of before trial, the amount posted will be refunded. If you do not appear, all cash posted will be forfeit.

Property Bonds: Property (e.g. land or home) may be used to post bail, provided that the net equity in the property meets or exceeds the amount of bail. To determine net equity, deduct any liens, mortgages, or deeds of trust, as well as ground rent, capitalized at 6%, from the assessed value of the property. When posting property, you need to present tax bills, assessment notices, copies of a recorded deed, or other public records. Each person whose name appears on the tax bill must sign the form, unless a power of attorney has been executed by one or both parties authorizing another signature.

Appeal Bonds: An appeal bond is a quantity of money placed in holding while an appeal is being decided. An appeal bond is provided by an appellant, who appeals the lower court's judgment, and is usually in the sum of the original judgment (though it may be more).

Transfer Bonds: Transfer bail bonds are bonds held for someone being held in a jurisdiction or a state other than the place where their bond was initially written or executed. A transfer bond enables a person to post bond with their local bonding agents, or transfer it to the place where an individual is being held in custody.

Appearance & Own Recognizance Bonds: Appearance bonds are requested by the court and mandate that defendants pay all money directly to the court. Own recognizance bonds are valid when defendants are released on their own, but commit to appearing in court.

Other Types of Bail Bonds We Offer

• Business Crime Bonds
• Assault Bonds
• Traffic Bonds
• Signature Bonds
• Theft & Homicide Bonds
• Domestic Violence Bonds
• Vandalism Bonds
• Nationwide Bail Bonds

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a bail bond?

A. Bail bonds are a financial assurances made to courts meant to ensure defendants appear as directed. If the defendant does not comply with the conditions set by the court, warrants could be issued, and bail bonds forfeited.

Q. How much does a bail bond cost?

A. Most bail bond premiums are 10% of the full bail amount. For instance, if the full bail amount is $20,000, the premium, or fee, for the bail bond is $2,000. These fees are created and managed by the Department of Insurance, as well as local courts.

Q. Where can I get a bail bond?

A. Get in touch with a licensed bail bondsman, with whom you can privately discuss your situation and explore your options.

A. Co-signers are financially liable for bail bonds. Their liability is limited to the value of the bail bond in question.

Q. How long is a bail bond good for?

A. Bonds are valid until cases are closed, or if charges are dropped.

Q. Is the bail bond premium refundable?

A. Once a bond is posted and accepted by a court or jail, liability is taken. At this point the bond premium is fully earned and not refundable.

Q. What hours do bail agencies operate?

A. Arrests happen at all hours. Therefore, most bond agencies are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year - including Bill's Bail Bonds.

Q. Where can a bail bond be posted?

A. A bail bond can be posted at most courts.

Contact us with questions or concerns about different types of bail bonds. We serve clients throughout the state of West Virginia, including Upshur, Monongalia, Marion, Lewis, Preston, and Mason counties.