Do I always have to provide collateral?

Not always. Many bonds are written on the indemnitor's signature alone. Collateral such as a vehicle title or property is more common on larger bonds and is returned after the case ends and all obligations are satisfied.

What happens if the defendant misses court?

The surety becomes liable to the court for the full bond. The agent may pursue the indemnitor, claim pledged collateral, and take lawful steps to locate and surrender the defendant. Contacting the agent immediately is the best first step.

Why are surety bonds common for larger bail amounts?

Because posting the entire amount in cash is impractical for most families. A surety bond requires only the premium up front, so it is often the only realistic way to secure release on a high bond.

What is bail and how does it work?

Bail is a set amount of money that acts as insurance between the court and the person in custody. A bail bond allows the defendant to be released while guaranteeing they will appear at all future court dates. We post the bond on your behalf so your loved one can come home while awaiting trial.

How much does a bail bond cost?

In Michigan, the standard fee is 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if bail is set at $5,000, the bond fee is $500. This fee is non-refundable and is the cost of the bail bond service. We also offer flexible payment plans for qualifying clients.

What information do I need to post bail?

You'll need the defendant's full legal name, date of birth, the jail or facility where they are being held, the booking number (if available), and the charges. Our team will help you gather any missing information.

How quickly can someone be released?

Release times vary by facility but typically range from 2 to 6 hours after the bond is posted. Some facilities may take longer depending on processing volume. We work to expedite the process as much as possible.

What happens if someone misses a court date?

If a court date is missed, a bench warrant may be issued for the defendant's arrest, and the bail bond could be forfeited. Contact us immediately if a date is missed — we can often help resolve the situation and get a new court date set.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we understand that bail can be an unexpected financial burden. We offer flexible payment plans to help families during difficult times. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and we'll work with you to find a solution.

What types of bonds do you handle?

We handle all types of bail bonds including felony bonds, misdemeanor bonds, traffic bonds, immigration bonds, and federal bonds. We also assist with cash-only bonds and property bonds when applicable.

Can I get a bail bond at night or on weekends?

Absolutely. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — including all holidays. Arrests don't follow a schedule, and neither do we. Call us anytime.

What Is a Surety Bail Bond?

A surety bail bond lets a licensed bail agent pledge the full bond to the court for a 10% premium. Learn the parties, costs, and collateral.

A surety bail bond is an arrangement in which a licensed bail agent, backed by a surety, pledges the full bail amount to the court so a defendant can be released. In exchange you pay a premium (commonly 10% of the bond), which is non-refundable because it is the agent's fee for taking on the risk.

What a Surety Bail Bond Is

When a court sets bail, that figure is the full amount the defendant must guarantee to be released while the case is pending. Many families cannot pay the entire sum in cash. A surety bail bond solves this: a licensed bail agent, backed by an insurance company called a surety, posts a written guarantee for the full bail amount with the court. In return, the agent charges a premium, commonly 10% of the bond. That premium is the agent's fee for accepting the financial risk and is non-refundable, even if the case is dismissed. The court accepts the surety's promise in place of the full cash amount, so the defendant can be released. In Michigan, bail agents and the premiums they charge are overseen by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS). This is general information, not legal advice. To get help understanding a specific bond, call Bail My Tail at 877-869-8245 — family-owned since 1982, serving Michigan 24/7.

The Three Parties Involved

A surety bond involves three roles. First is the defendant, the person who has been arrested and whose release is being secured. Second is the indemnitor, often called the co-signer, a family member or friend who signs the bail agreement and accepts financial responsibility if the defendant fails to meet the court's conditions. The indemnitor's promise is what allows the agent to extend the bond, and it is a serious obligation, not a formality. Third is the surety, the licensed agent and the insurance company standing behind them, which pledges the full bail amount to the court. Each party has distinct duties. The defendant must appear at every required court date. The indemnitor must ensure the defendant complies and may have to cover losses or collateral if the defendant disappears. The surety must answer to the court for the bond and has the legal standing to take action if the agreement is broken.

How It Differs From Cash Bail and the Agent's Recourse

With cash bail, you or your family must pay the entire bail amount directly to the court. If the defendant attends all court dates, that money is generally returned at the end of the case, though the court may deduct fees. The trade-off is that the full sum is tied up, sometimes for months. A surety bond requires only the premium, freeing you from posting the whole amount, but the premium is never refunded. Because of this, surety bonds are the common path for larger bonds, where paying full cash is impractical. The agent's guarantee carries real consequences. If the defendant skips court, the surety is liable to the court for the full bond. The agent then has recourse: they may pursue the indemnitor for the amount, claim any collateral pledged, and take lawful steps to locate and surrender the defendant. Collateral, such as a vehicle title or property, can be required on higher bonds to secure the agent's risk and is returned once the case concludes and obligations are met.

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FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No. The premium is the bail agent's fee for assuming the financial risk of the bond. It is earned once the defendant is released and is not returned, even if charges are later dropped or the case is dismissed.

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