NORTON BAIL BONDS
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How Bail Bonds Work
About Bail Bonds in
Virginia
In Virginia, when someone is arrested, they may be granted bail—an amount of money set by the court to ensure they return for future court dates. If the person can't afford to pay the full bail amount, a licensed bail bondsman can help. The bondsman charges a fee (usually 10% of the total bail) and posts a bond with the court to secure the person’s release. Bail is not a fine and doesn’t mean the person is guilty—it simply allows them to remain free while their case moves through the legal system. If the person fails to appear in court, the full bail amount may be forfeited, and the bondsman may seek to recover the individual. Bail laws in Virginia aim to balance public safety with the rights of the accused.
Surety Bonds
A surety bond is the most common type of bail bond. It involves three parties:
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The defendant (or their representative) – the person seeking release from jail.
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The bail bondsman (the surety) – who promises to pay the full bail amount if the defendant doesn’t appear in court.
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The court – which sets the bail and accepts the bond.
The defendant (or their family) pays the bondsman a non-refundable fee—usually 10% of the total bail—and may also provide collateral to further guarantee the bond.
If the defendant follows all court instructions and appears at every hearing, the bond is released at the end of the case. If not, the bondsman is on the hook for the full bail—and can seize the collateral.
What Is Collateral—and How Can It Help With a Bail Bond?
Collateral is something of value—such as cash or a property through a deed of trust—that a person offers to secure a bail bond. It serves as a guarantee to the bail bondsman that the defendant will show up for all court dates.
If someone doesn’t have enough cash to pay the bondsman’s fee or if the bond amount is high, offering collateral can help qualify for the bond. It lowers the risk for the bondsman and can sometimes make it possible to arrange a bond even if the person can’t pay everything upfront.
As long as the defendant meets all court obligations, the collateral is returned once the case is resolved. If they fail to appear in court, the bondsman has the legal right to claim the collateral to recover the full bail amount.
Bail Bonds: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Arrest and Booking
When someone is arrested, they are taken to jail and “booked.” This includes:
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Recording personal information
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Taking fingerprints and a mugshot
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Checking for outstanding warrants
📌 Note: After booking, the defendant is held in custody until bail is set either by the magistrate or the judge.
Step 2: Bail Is Set by the Court
A judge sets the bail amount based on:
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Severity of the offense
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Criminal history
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Risk of fleeing
📌 Bail can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
Step 3: Choose a Bail Option
You have three choices:
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Pay the full bail amount in cash
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Stay in jail until your court date
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Hire a bail bondsman (most common)
Step 4: Contact a Bail Bondsman
The defendant or someone on their behalf contacts a licensed bondsman.
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The bondsman charges a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the full bail.
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The bondsman may ask for collateral (cash or property deed of trust) if the bail is high or there’s a risk.
📌 At Norton Bail Bonds, we make this step quick and easy—Call any time of day or night; we're available 24/7.
Step 5: Bail Bond Is Posted
The bondsman posts a surety bond with the court.
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This guarantees the defendant’s appearance at future court dates.
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The defendant is then released from custody.
Step 6: Appear in Court
The defendant must attend all court dates.
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If they appear, the bond is dissolved at the end of the case.
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If they fail to appear, the court demands full payment, and the bondsman may use any collateral or take the co-signer to court and also hire a recovery agent.
📌 Skipping court can result in arrest, loss of collateral, and new charges.
Step 7: Case Closed
Once the case is resolved:
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Collateral (if any) is returned.
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No further payment is due, except the initial fee.
Our Commitment
Supporting You Through Every Step
At Norton Bail Bonds, our mission is clear - we are dedicated to providing a better bail experience for our clients. We are a family-owned and operated business, and we're passionate about offering reliable, compassionate, and personalized support to individuals facing challenging situations. Our team is committed to building a better world by being the trustworthy ally you can rely on.
