Bail Bonds FAQ — Your Questions Answered

Bail Bonds FAQ for Utah and Idaho: Find clear answers to the most common questions about bail costs, co-signers, the release process, and your legal rights.

Bail Bonds FAQ: Understanding Bail, Bonds, and Costs

Looking for bail bond information, that explains the basics? Start here:

Q.) What is a Bail?

A.) The Utah courts set a monetary amount (bail) to guarantee the accused appears on all court dates until the case is resolved.

Q.) What is a Bond?

A.) The accused uses a bond as a financial guarantee to attend all court appearances until the court sentences them, finds them not guilty, or dismisses the case.

Q.) How much does a Bond Cost?

A.)

• Utah: 10%–20% of bail
• Idaho: Flat 10%

Q.) How is the Bail amount determined?

A.)

• Officer’s Probable Cause Statement
• In-state or out-of-state residency
• Utah Bail Schedule (rarely used)

Q.) Is Bail set Immediately?

A.) No, A judge sets bail within 24 hours of booking.

Co-Signer Rules and Bail Bond Conditions in Utah & Idaho

This section of the Bail Bonds FAQ covers co-signers and their responsibilities.

Q.) What is a Co-Signer?

A.) A co-signer is the financially liable party who agrees to pay the full bail amount if the accused fails to appear in court.

Q.) How Long Does the Co-Signer Have to Pay if the Accused Fails to Appear?

A.) In Utah and Idaho, the court allows 180 days (6 months) before enforcing payment.

Q.) Can the Bail Bond Agency Ask for an Extension?

Yes. The agency can request a 90-day extension.

Q.) What are the Terms and Conditions of the Bond?

A.)

UTAH

• The co-signer; or the defendant provided false information on the Utah Bail Bond application.
• The Court increases the bond beyond sound underwriting criteria employed by the Bail Bond Agent; Bail Bond surety.
• The defendant has an address change. Telephone number. Or employer without giving reasonable notice to the Bail Bond Agent; Bail Bond Surety.
• The defendant is arrested for another crime while on bail.
• The defendant is back in jail in any jurisdiction.
• Failure by the defendant to appear in court at any appointed time.
• Finding of guilty against the defendant by a court of competent jurisdiction

IDAHO

• If the principal shall depart the jurisdiction of the court without the written consent of the court and the SURETY or its Agent
• If principal shall move from one address to another without notifying the SURETY or its Agent in writing prior to said move.
• If principal shall commit any act which shall constitute reasonable evidence of principal’s intention to cause a forfeiture of said bond
• If principal is arrested and Incarcerated for any other offense other than a minor traffic violation.
• If principal shall make any material false statement in the application.

Bail Bond Violations and What Co-Signers Should Know

Still have bail bond questions about what happens if someone breaks the terms?

Q.) What If the Bond Terms Are Violated?

A.) The bail bond company can revoke the bond, apprehend the accused, and surrender them to law enforcement.

Q.) What Costs Can the Co-Signer Expect?

A.)

• IRS mileage reimbursement
• Mid-range meals and lodging
• Coach fare transportation
• 10% apprehension fee

Q.) Can a Bond Be Reinstated?

A.) Yes. The co-signer and bail bond agency may choose to reinstate a bond at their discretion.

Bail Bond Eligibility and Exoneration FAQ in Utah & Idaho

Still reviewing the bond process FAQ’s? Let’s look at bond expiration and who qualifies for bail.

Q.) Does a Bond Expire?

A.) If the prosecutor doesn’t file charges or an indictment within 120 days of posting the bond, and the court doesn’t grant an extension, the court automatically exonerates the bail bond.

Q.) Does everyone get Bail?

A.) Most do, but the court may deny bail in these situations:

• Capital felony with substantial evidence.
• Felony while on probation, parole, or another felony bail.
• High flight risk or threat to the community.
• Past violations of bail conditions.
• Serious domestic violence charges.

Q.) Exoneration of Bond Means?

A.) Exoneration means the court releases the co-signer from financial obligation — the court considers their contract fulfilled.

Have more bail bond questions? Contact Massey’s Bail Bonds directly or review the Utah Bail Bond Act and Idaho Bail Bond Act for more details. You can Also check out our Utah Bail Bond Laws & Idaho Bail Bonds Laws page for additional information.