Premium payments represent the bail bondsman's fee for securing your release from confinement. This fee is normally restricted by law to a certain percentage of the bail amount. For example, if bail is 10 thousand dollars then the premium fee of ten to fifteen percent would be 1 thousand or 15 hundred dollars. Depending on the charges and the duration of the trial, another premium payment may be required. Generally, the premium paid is only valid for one year. The remaining amount of the bail bond is covered by collateral. The premium amount is not refundable, regardless of the disposition of the charges against the accused. The collateral will be released, assuming the court has come a decision and bail terms were satisfied. If you flee the court, or 'jump bail', the entire premium payment and collateral will be seized by the bonding agency. Paying premium payments to bond agents can save you money and allow you to manage your money instead of paying a cash bond to the court for the entire bail amount. A bail bondsman can provide additional information on premium payments.
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