In some criminal cases, a defendant is typically required to secure a surety bond. Want to learn more about how and when a surety bond in Houston is necessary? We’ve got the information you need.
What is a surety bond?
A surety bond serves as both a contract and a form of insurance. It works a little differently than your standard cash, collateral, or property bail bonds. In circumstances requiring a surety bond, three separate parties are involved.
- Principal: The person or entity who needs the bond. In a criminal case, this would be the defendant.
- Insurer: This would be the guarantor of the bond. In criminal court situations, this is typically the bondsman.
- Obligee: Generally, this is the government agency that requires the bond to ensure the government and its citizens are safeguarded.
In criminal cases, basically, the surety bond is like an insurance policy to ensure the defendant will fulfill his or her obligations as ordered by the court. The insurer is saying the defendant is good for the money if any claims are pursued.
When are surety bonds needed?
In The Lone Star State, there are various common types of surety bonds required by law for different industries. Some examples include Alcoholic Beverage Commission Bond, Conduct Surety Bond, Business Service Bond, Sales Tax Bond, Freight Broker Bond, Notary Bond, and the Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond, to name a few. There are others required for commercial businesses, but these are the most popular.
In criminal cases, surety bonds are the primary type of bail bond. It ensures the sponsor of the bond (the bondsman) will pay the full cost of the bond if the principal (a.k.a. the defendant) skips bail or otherwise does not meet his or her financial obligation to the court. People who obtain surety bonds are expected to accept the terms and are indebted to pay back any money owed. They also carry the responsibility for any legal costs incurred if the deal is broken and claims are pursued.
Where can I get a surety bond?
Texas state law requires counties have a Bail Bond Board tasked with the responsibility of posting a notice in each criminal court. The notice lists currently licensed bail bond surety agents, and the Bail Bond Board provides a copy of this list to local officials charged with the detention of prisoners. This notice is required to be displayed at every location where prisoners are processed, examined, or confined.
Surety bonds can be complex and confusing. If you contact a surety bond in Houston agency, they can help you to understand how it works, how much it costs, and how to secure the type of surety bond you need. In a situation where a person is sent to jail awaiting bail, agents are typically available any time of the day or night.
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sources: https://www.tabc.state.tx.us/licensing/bonds.asp, https://www.suretybonds.com/states/texas.html, https://www.suretybonds.org/​faqs​, https://bailbond.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/default.aspx/, https://www.jwsuretybonds.com/court-bonds/
