Reviewing The Bailbond History
Posted by admin on May 27, 2009
There is hope if you have been arrested and a judge has posted a high bond for your release. Most people cannot afford to pay out thousands of dollars just to get out of jail until the court date months away. Enter the bailbond. You need to know about a bail bond and what it can do for you, if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law. A little bit of history and bail information has never hurt anyone, but ignorance can be your worst enemy.
The bailbond has existed for quite some time but it was not until 1898 that the first modern bail agency was established by Tom and Peter P. McDonough. They believed that a person should not have to wait in jail until their hearing. They were also of the firm belief that not all families could afford to bail loved ones out of jail. Clients were supposed to be innocent until proven guilty and not have to wait for a courtroom judge to make a decision on whether or not they could be released.
The need for bail bond agents came about as a direct need by the court system. Keeping prisoners was expensive and dangerous. Most jails had hazardous health conditions, were already understaffed, easily escapable and were a burden on an already overtaxed system that did not have the money to house every single person arrested.
Before there were county bail bonds, family members were responsible for posting bail. The first bail bond agent was likely a friend or relative who put up money or property to get you out of jail. Authorities believed that a person was far less likely to skip out on court if they had a physical and emotional connection to the person who put up the bond. If the person jumped bail, meaning they did not show up for court, then the person would lose their property and/or money. If the person showed up to court, then the money and property would be returned.
A bailbond does not prove innocence or guilt. It is simply a way for the person to gain freedom from jail until the court date. There should always be a presumption of innocence until proven guilty. That is one of the inalienable rights given to each person in this country. However, there are some individuals who cannot receive a bond due to the nature of the crime or if the judge deems them to be a flight risk.
