Bail bonds in Louisiana let a person get out of jail by paying a small percentage of the full bail instead of the entire amount. A licensed bail bond agent posts the full bond with the jail, and in return you pay a premium set by state law. Here is how the process works from arrest to release.

The bail bond process, step by step

1. Arrest and booking. After an arrest, the person is booked at the parish jail. This includes fingerprints, photos, and a records check.

2. Bail is set. A bail amount is set by a bond schedule or by a judge, based on the charge and other factors.

3. Call a bail bond agent. Rather than paying the full bail to the court, you contact a licensed agent. Call or text Troy’s Bail Bonds at (504) 610-3099, any hour of the day.

4. Pay the premium. Under Louisiana law (LA R.S. 22:1443), the premium is 12 percent of the bail, or a 120 dollar minimum, whichever is greater. See our full breakdown of how much a bail bond costs in Louisiana.

5. The bond is posted. The agent posts the full bond with the jail. For larger bonds, collateral or a cosigner may be required.

6. Release. Once the jail processes the bond, the defendant is released. Release time varies by jail and can take a few hours.

7. Court appearances. The defendant must attend every court date. If they do, the bond is closed out when the case ends. If they miss court, the bond can be forfeited and the person who signed for it becomes responsible for the full amount.

Who is responsible for the bond?

The person who signs for the bond is the indemnitor, often a family member or friend. They agree to make sure the defendant appears in court and to cover the bail amount if the defendant does not. This is why it helps to work with an agent who explains every step clearly.

Talk to a licensed Louisiana agent

Troy’s Bail Bonds is a 24 hour bail bond company serving all of Louisiana, with offices in Metairie, Chalmette, Covington, Amite City, and Livingston. Call or text (504) 610-3099 and a licensed agent will walk you through the bond from start to finish. Learn more about the bail process or our 24 hour bail bonds.