Bail may be posted in any of the five ways:
1. Cash Bail -
A percentage may be posted for cash bonds. All bonds that are set may be posted with a cash deposit of ten percent (10%). However, the person posting cash bail is liable for the full amount. If you appear for trial or the charges are disposed of before trial, the amount posted will be refunded. If you do not appear, all cash posted will be forfeited and the full amount of bail becomes due.
2. Property Bail -
Property (e.g. land or home) may be used to post bail at a Harris County jail, provided that the net equity in the property meets or exceeds the amount of bail.
When posting property, you need to present tax bills, assessment notices, copies of a recorded deed or other public records.
3. Intangible Assets -
Intangible assets may be accepted. Contact the Harris County Clerk's Office.
4. Credit and Debit Cards -
Bail may be charged on certain credit and debit cards. Although a clerk accepts the card, an independent company processes the charge. The charge includes the amount of the bail and a service fee. (These charges will appear on your next credit or debit card statement.) The card and personal identification must be produced in person at the time of posting bail. (Contact a clerk for information on cards accepted and the fees charged.)
5. Professional Bail Bondsman -
A bail bondsman charges a nonrefundable fee to post bail. In addition to the fee, the bondsman may require collateral security or property to secure your release. Collateral will be returned to the person who posted it after disposition of the charges. The service fee and collateral received must be displayed on the bail bond form. Make certain that the information is correct on the form, that you receive a receipt and that you understand the action the bondsman may take if you fail to meet your obligations.
Bail Bondsman or Bail Agents are not available in Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Oregon, the District of Columbia, and Wisconsin. (Contact the Harris County jail, Harris County Sheriff's Department or Clerk's office for information on bail.)
