Harford County Criminal Case
After you are arrested, you will be taken before a District Court commissioner who determines if probable cause exists to charge you. The commissioner:
- Ensures that you understand the charges against you and the possible penalties
- Advises you of your right to an attorney,
- Advises you of your responsibilities in obtaining an attorney,
- Decides whether you should be detained or released pending trial,
- Determines whether bail should be set.
How can I post bail?
1. Cash Bail
A percentage may be posted for cash bonds. All bonds that are set at two thousand, five hundred dollars ($2,500.) or less 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) in Maryland may be used to post bail, provided that the net equity in the property meets or exceeds the amount of bail. To determine net equity deduct any liens, mortgages or deeds of trust, and ground rent, capitalized at 6 percent, from the assessed value of the property. When posting property, you need to present tax bills, assessment notices, copies of a recorded deed or other public records. Each person whose name appears on the tax bill must sign the form, unless a power of
attorney has been executed by one or both parties authorizing another signature.
3. Intangible Assets
Acceptable intangible assets include:
- Bankbooks and certificates of deposit accepted at 100 percent of stated value,
- Letters of credit from a bank,
- Certificates for stocks listed on the American or New York Stock Exchange, accepted at 75 percent of the present exchange quotation.
Only a clerk of the court may accept intangible assets; a commissioner may not. Present the required documents to a clerk at the Maryland court location where the case is pending.
4. Credit and Debit Cards
Bail may be charged on certain credit and debit cards. Although a commissioner or 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 Harford County District Court commissioner or clerk for information on cards accepted and the fees charged.)
5. Professional Bail Bondsman
A bail bondsman charges a non refundable 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 to bondsman and/or the Harford County court.