Depend on Our Years of Experience in Bail Bonds
With over 28 years of experience in the bail bonds industry, we’ve seen everything. Let our knowledge and professionalism serve you in a confident, confidential manner.
Trust in Our Bail Bond Expertise
Because we’ve been providing discount bail bonds for over 28 years, we are incredibly familiar with this area of the law. That experience goes a long way in the Middle Tennessee area, and it’s one of the reasons our 24/7 bail bonds service remains at the top of the list. When you speak with an affordable bondsman, he or she will always be honest and professional with you—and we are always willing to work through difficult or unique situations.
Around-the-Clock Bail Bond Availability
The jail bond industry is certainly unique, and anything can happen at any time. Because of this unpredictable nature, our staff is available around the clock to serve you. Whether you need someone to meet you at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s office or you need more information on what to do regarding bailing out a family member, we’re here to answer your questions in order to get you the resolution you need. Let us meet you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter the time of day or night, we can meet you at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s office. Depend on a reliable bail bondsman who will be there when you need him.
Discover the Difference With Our Bail Bonds
When you’re in an already difficult situation, lean on us. A 24/7 bondsman representative is ready to take your call right now at 615-895-7711. Regardless of where you are in the Murfreesboro area, we will come to you and help you move forward with your life.
Key Aspects of Bail Bonds in Tennessee
In Tennessee, bail bonds are an essential part of the criminal justice system, allowing individuals charged with crimes to be released from jail while awaiting trial. Here’s a summary of key points you should know about bail bonds in Tennessee.
Types of Bail Bonds Available
In Tennessee, bail can be set as cash, property, or a bail bond. A bail bond involves a third party, usually a bail bondsman, who guarantees the court that the defendant will appear for their scheduled court dates.
The Bail Bond Process Explained
Arrest and Booking: After an individual is arrested, they are booked, and the court sets a bail amount.
Obtaining a Bail Bond: If the bail amount is too high for the defendant or their family to pay in cash, they can contact a bail bondsman. The bondsman typically charges a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the total bail amount. Fees may vary in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Woodbury, LaVergne, Winchester, Decherd, Estill Springs, and Sewanee.
Bail Bond Fees in Tennessee
The fee charged by a bail bondsman in Tennessee is generally 10% of the total bail amount. This fee is nonrefundable, even if the defendant appears for all court dates.
Responsibilities in the Bail Bond Agreement
- Defendant’s Responsibilities: The defendant must attend all required court appearances. Failure to do so can result in the bail being forfeited and additional legal consequences.
- Bondsman’s Responsibilities: The bail bondsman ensures that the defendant appears in court. If the defendant fails to appear, the bondsman may hire a bounty hunter to locate and return the defendant to court.
Forfeiture and Liability for Bail Bonds
If a defendant does not appear in court, the bail amount may be forfeited, and the bondsman may seek reimbursement from the defendant or their co-signer. The court may issue a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
Bail Bond Laws and Regulations in Tennessee
Tennessee has specific regulations governing the bail bond industry, including licensing requirements for bail bondsmen. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance oversees the licensing and regulation of bail bondsmen in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bail Bonds in Tennessee
What is a bail bond, and when might I need one?
A bail bond is a financial guarantee provided by a licensed bondsman to the court, allowing a defendant to be released from jail while awaiting trial. You might need one in a common scenario like after an arrest for a misdemeanor, such as a DUI in Murfreesboro, where the bail amount is set high (e.g., $5,000 or more) and paying the full amount in cash isn't feasible. Instead of paying the entire bail, you pay a non-refundable fee (typically 10%) to the bondsman, who posts the bond on your behalf. This helps you return home quickly to prepare for your case.
How does the bail bond process work step by step?
The process starts with an arrest and booking at a local jail, like the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. Bail is then set by a judge during arraignment. If bail is $10,000, for example, contact A-Affordable Bail Bonds at (615) 895-7711. We'll review the case, complete paperwork, and collect the 10% fee ($1,000). We post the bond, and the defendant is released, often within a few hours. Throughout, the defendant must attend all court dates—we provide reminders to ensure compliance. In a scenario like a family member arrested late at night, our 24/7 service means we can meet you at the jail immediately.
What happens if the defendant misses a court date after posting bail?
If a defendant fails to appear (FTA) in court, the bond is forfeited, and the court issues a bench warrant for their arrest. The bondsman may then hire a recovery agent (bounty hunter) to locate and return the defendant. In Tennessee, the co-signer (often a family member) could be liable for the full bail amount if not recovered. For instance, in a common situation where someone forgets a hearing due to work conflicts, we recommend setting reminders. Contact us right away if issues arise—we can sometimes help resolve minor FTAs before escalation.
Are bail bonds available for all types of charges, and what if the bail is very high?
Bail bonds are available for most charges in Tennessee, from misdemeanors like petty theft to felonies such as assault, but not for capital offenses where bail may be denied. If bail is set extremely high, like $50,000 for a serious charge in Franklin County, the 10% fee ($5,000) might still be challenging. In such scenarios, we work honestly to assess options, though state law limits flexibility on payments for certain amounts. Always consult a licensed bondsman early—call A-Affordable Bail Bonds at (931) 915-8069 to discuss your specific case.
How long does it take to get released on a bail bond, and what should I do while waiting?
Release typically takes 2-6 hours after the bond is posted, depending on the jail's processing time (e.g., busier facilities like in Winchester may take longer). In a weekend arrest scenario, where courts are closed, we can still post bond 24/7. While waiting, gather ID, collateral if needed, and contact information. Stay calm and avoid discussing the case. Once released, focus on court preparation. If delays occur, our team monitors the process and updates you—reach out to us anytime for support.
If you or someone you know needs to deal with a bail bond in Rutherford, Cannon, or Franklin County, Tennessee, it’s important to consult with a licensed bail bondsman and understand both your legal and financial responsibilities. Contact A-Affordable Bail Bonds today at (615) 895-7711 or (931) 915-8069 for expert assistance.
