Bail bond collateral is an asset that can be offered to a bail bond agent to help secure a bail bond. A bail bond is needed when the arrested individual's friends and family don't have enough cash to post the entire bail amount; in Florida, bail bonds are 10% of the total bail amount.

From potentially lengthy court times to raised bail amounts, it can be extremely daunting to find yourself in jail. This is where a bail bondsman comes in handy to secure the release of the accused through a bail bond.

Nobody wants to end up in jail, but the fact is that people make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes can lead to trouble with the law. Dealing with a friend or loved one who has been arrested is a tough experience that requires quick action. 

When the need for legal representation arises, the choice between working with a public defender or a private lawyer is an important one for those facing criminal charges. Understanding the pros and cons of each approach can guide individuals to the best possible option for their situation.

It's unfortunate, but law enforcement officers at all levels sometimes use excessive force or arrest individuals unlawfully. People who feel or know that they are being arrested without cause often immediately become angry, resistant, or even combative. Here are a few examples of unlawful arrests, as well as tips for those being arrested illegally.

While some folks are given the okay to go back to their everyday lives soon after an arrest—assuming they show up to their court hearings—others aren’t eligible for that “get out of jail free” card.

After a defendant posts bail, he or she must show up for court dates and follow rules laid out by a judge. Here's what happens after a defendant posts bail.