You've probably have heard about bail bonds before, maybe from watching some bounty hunter episodes on TV or from reading the news. But most people are unfamiliar with how a bail bond actually works. On this website we will attempt to explain the bail process, bonding procedures and options on how to post bond. Typically, when someone is arrested on a criminal charge they maybe held in jail until trial, unless they furnish the required bail as set by the court for the offense they have been charged with. The posting of a bail bond acquired by or on behalf of the incarcerated person is one means of meeting the required bail. When a bond is issued, the bonding company guarantees that the defendant will appear in court at a given time and place. The Government entity (state or federal) in whose court the defendant must appear, is protected by the bond given them by the bonding company. If the defendant fails to appear, the bond becomes forfeited and payable immediately. The bail bondsman issuing the bond usually requires collateral (cash, a deed, or other real property, like a car or boat) to protect the bail bond companies money.

New York bail bonds can only be written by NY State Department of Insurance licensed Bail Agents, who specialize in the underwriting and issuance of NY jail bail bonds. Bail agents act as the appointed representatives of licensed surety insurance companies.