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Bail Bonds And Minors: What Parents Should Know

24 July 2023 by Gregory Hall

Minors can be eligible for a bail bond in certain situations. When a minor is arrested and charged with a crime, they can go through the same bail process as an adult. However, there are some key differences in how bail bonds for minors are handled compared to those for adults:

Key Differences to Know

• Bail eligibility: Minors are typically eligible for bail unless they are charged with very severe crimes or in exceptional circumstances where the court deems it necessary to detain them for public safety reasons. For example, serious felonies like kidnapping and murder are not considered bailable offenses in most circumstances.
• Parental involvement: When a minor is arrested and seeks bail, their parents or legal guardians are usually involved in the process. A parent or guardian may need to co-sign the bail bond, taking legal responsibility for ensuring the minor's appearance in court. In most cases, minors are not valid signers of contracts, such as the bail agreement, and must have the involvement of a custodial adult.
• Lower bail amounts: Bail amounts for minors are often lower than those set for adult defendants. This is because the court takes into account the defendant's age and the fact that they may not have a steady income or significant assets.
• Juvenile court system: If a minor is released on bail, their case will be heard in the juvenile court system. The procedures and rules in juvenile court are different from those in adult court, and the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
• Bail conditions: Like adult defendants, minors released on bail must comply with certain conditions. These conditions may include regular check-ins with probation officers, attending school, adhering to curfews, or avoiding contact with certain individuals. Obeying bail conditions can result in incarceration in a juvenile facility until the case is heard before a judge. 
• Bail bond agents: Bail bond companies may also provide services for minors, just as they do for adults. However, some states have restrictions on the involvement of bail bond agents in cases involving minors, and the process may be subject to additional regulations.

It's important to note that the bail process for minors can vary by state and the specific details of the case. The goal in cases involving minors is to protect their rights, ensure their well-being, and provide them with the necessary support and resources to prevent future delinquency. Speak to a bail bonding agency in your area for information on 24-hour bail bonds, localized information about your minor's arrest, release, bail conditions, and more. 

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