If you or a loved one are jailed, bail bond services can help. These services stand up for those incarcerated and ensure that the defendant will return to court. While bail is a process in every state, specific regional services can differ. Here are some key differences you may come across in bond services across the country.

Services Are Not Available in Every State

Seven states have outlawed bail bond services using a bail bond company. In these states, the court itself acts as the bail agent. In other words, you still have to pay to get out of jail but, instead of paying fees to the bail bond agent, you pay those fees directly to the court. Even if you keep every court appointment, you don't get those fees returned

.For example, in Illinois you pay 10% of the face value of the bond directly to the clerk or court, according to Illinois Legal Aid Online. If your bond is $15,000, you pay $1,500 to the court clerk (or someone else pays on your behalf), and the county keeps that money.

There May Be a Bail Commissioner

Some states, like Maine, have a bail commissioner. The bail commissioner decides bail for low-level crimes. You don't pay anything upfront, but if you miss a court date, you go to jail and must pay the full bail amount. Note that certain violent felonies may be ineligible for bail.

The Amount You Pay May Vary

In most states that allow bail bond services, there is a cap on how much those services can charge. In most cases, the cap is a small percentage of the total bond. There may be other caveats to being out on bail that can differ from state to state. For example, in some states, if you incur another criminal charge while out on bail, your bail bond is then revoked.

Are Bail Bond Services Necessary?

Bail bond services are highly necessary for many reasons. Without them, bail would be cost-prohibitive for many incarcerated people. According to the Civil Rights Corps, people that remain in jail are more likely to commit a crime. Those detained for two to three days are 17% more likely to become repeat offenders, and those who stay in jail for seven days are 35% more likely to achieve that same outcome. These statistics demonstrate the importance of ensuring that people get out of jail as quickly as possible.

It's important to be aware of how these services work in your state. If you're in need of experienced bail bond services in Texas, contact Texoma Bail Bonds today.