There are generally four types of bonds:

• Personal Recognizance
• Cash
• Property
• Surety

Recognizance Bond

A recognizance bond is a bond where the judge/magistrate will allow the defendant to be released from jail by personally & financially guaranteeing that they will promise to appear in court by signing court document.  This type of bond is rarely issued and is usually for minor criminal charges, and individuals w/little to no criminal history.  If the defendant misses court, there will be a warrant issued for his/her arrest, and the defendant maybe financially liable to pay the full bond amount to the court.

Cash Bond

A cash bond is a bond that a third party (family member or friend) will pay the full bond amount upfront to the magistrate to secure the full bond, and release the defendant from custody.  Payment accepted for cash bonds are cash and cashier’s checks.  If the defendant misses court, there will be a warrant issued for the defendant’s arrest, and the person that paid the full bond amount will forfeit that full amount to the court.

Property Bond

A property bond is a bond that a third party (family member or friend) will use the equity in their property to secure the full bond, and release the defendant from custody.  In order to do a property bond, individuals will need to present the title, deed or deed of trust for real property (real estate or vehicle) to the magistrate.  The property must have enough equity to cover the full amount of the bond to secure release by property bond.  To determine the equity in real property, take the current fair market value or recent county/city assessment, and then deduct the amount owed on the property. If the defendant misses court, there will be a warrant issued for the defendant’s arrest, and the real property will be forfeited to the court.

Surety Bond

A surety bond is bond where a licensed bail bondsman is used to secure the release of the defendant on bond from jail.  In a surety bond, we require that a third party (family member or friend) indemnify (co-sign) the bail bond contract making that person(s) financially responsible for the defendant’s appearances in court.  If the defendant misses court, there will be a warrant issued for the defendant’s arrest, and the person that indemnified the contract will be liable to pay the full bond amount to the court, plus any fugitive recovery fees associated w/arresting the defendant.

Area Bonding Times

Richmond City Jail: every even hour between 12pm – 10pm
Richmond City Lockup: 24 hours
Henrico County Jail West (Parham Road): 24 hours
Henrico Regional Jail East (houses for Henrico County & New Kent County)
Chesterfield County Jail: 24 hours
Pamunkey Regional Jail (holds for the Town of Ashland, Caroline County, & Hanover County): 24 hours
Riverside Regional Jail (holds for Prince George County, Hopewell City, Colonial Heights County Surry County, Essex County, Petersburg City Women Only) : 24 hours
Petersburg City Jail (Men Only): 24 hours