Understanding New Mexico Bail Bonds

In New Mexico, bail bonds may be purchased and used to guarantee that an individual will appear in court if they are allowed to leave holding or jail until that time. In most cases, except in those cases such as murder or serious felony, the criminal defendant will be allowed bail. This is determined by the judge at an arraignment hearing. Once the amount of bail is determined, the defendant can post bail which means to pay for bail or release or they can remain in jail through their court date. In New Mexico, bail bonds can be purchased through the jail themselves or they can be secured through a bail bondsman.

Should the defendant wish to obtain a bail bond, they will be providing a sum of money to the court system that will guarantee that the individual will appear in court as directed by the bail agreement. If they do not appear, they are in violation and the amount of the bail bond will be forfeited unless they return to the court or jail as instructed.

But, understanding how to purchase a bail bond is very important. First, the defendant will likely need to contact a bail bondsman. These commercial bonding agencies provide the bond to the individual at a much lower price than if they would pay for the bail themselves at the jail. In most cases, the charge is a fee of ten percent (as directed by law in the state of New Mexico) and is a non refundable fee. Once this is paid to the bondsmen, they will post the other 90% of bail (or will reassure the court system of coverage of the bond should the defendant skip bail.) The defendant is then released.

Bail bonds can be obtained in this manner in most areas of the state including in Curry County, Los Alamos County, Dona Ana County, Santa Fe County, San Juan County, and throughout most of the cities within these counties as well. Bondsmen can be easily contacted, in most cases even 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. They can provide some of the fastest service of getting an individual out of jail.