The purchase and posting of a criminal court surety bond (“bail bond”) is a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a bail agent, insurance company, defendant and an indemnitor. The bail agent and insurance company guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear in court each time the judge orders the defendant to appear. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the judge can order the bail agent and insurance company to produce the defendant. If the bail agent and insurance company cannot produce the defendant as ordered, the bail agent and insurance company must pay the full bond amount plus any fees required by law.

Pursuant to Indiana Bail Law, the premium for a bail bond is 10% of the full bond amount. Indiana law requires that the bail bond premium shall be paid in full before the bail agent can post the bail bond. In Indiana, a bail agent commits a felony if the bail agent posts a bond without collecting the full premium. (see “Prohibited Activities“).