What Is a Secure Bond?

A secure bond, sometimes called a secured bond, is a type of bail where the defendant must provide money or property as collateral in order to be released from jail. The bond is considered “secured” because the court holds a financial guarantee that the defendant will appear for all court dates.

If the defendant attends every required hearing, the collateral or money is returned (minus any fees). If they fail to appear, the court keeps the bond and may issue a warrant for arrest.

How Does a Secure Bond Work?

1. Arrest and Bail Set – After an arrest, the judge sets a bail amount based on the charges, criminal history, and flight risk.
2. Collateral or Payment Provided – The defendant or their family provides cash, property, or other assets to secure release.
3. Release From Custody – Once the bond is posted, the defendant is released under the condition they appear for all hearings.
4. Return of Collateral – If the defendant complies with all court requirements, the collateral or money is returned once the case concludes.

Types of Secure Bonds

• Cash Bond – The full bail amount is paid in cash directly to the court.
• Property Bond – Real estate or other valuable property is used as collateral.
• Surety Bond – A bail bond company guarantees the bail amount in exchange for a fee (usually 10%).

All of these fall under the umbrella of secured bonds because they require some form of financial backing.

Benefits of a Secure Bond

• Ensures accountability – Collateral gives defendants strong incentive to appear in court.
• Offers multiple options – Cash, property, or surety bonds may be used depending on resources.
• Faster release – With a bail bondsman’s help, release can often be secured within hours.

Risks of a Secure Bond

• Loss of collateral if the defendant fails to appear.
• Financial strain on families who must gather large amounts of money or risk valuable property.
• Not always affordable, especially if bail is set very high.

How a Bail Bond Agency Helps

For many families, paying the full bail amount or risking property isn’t realistic. A bail bond agency provides a more affordable solution:

• The agency posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
• You only pay a non-refundable fee—typically 10% of the bail.
• The agency explains the conditions and helps you navigate the process.

Need Help Posting a Secure Bond?

If you or a loved one has been arrested and bail is set as a secure bond, our licensed bail agents are available 24/7 to help. We’ll explain your options, post bail quickly, and guide you through every step so you can return home as soon as possible.

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