Simple Process
Understanding the bail process helps you act quickly when every hour counts. Here's a clear breakdown of what happens — and how we help.
When a person is arrested, law enforcement takes them to a local jail or detention center for processing — this is called booking. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log the alleged offense.
The person is then held in custody until a bail hearing (arraignment), which is typically held within 24–72 hours of arrest in Mississippi.
At the arraignment, a judge reviews the charges and sets a bail amount. The amount depends on factors like the severity of the offense, criminal history, flight risk, and community ties.
In some cases — particularly for very minor offenses — the defendant may be released on their own recognizance (no bail required). For most charges, however, cash bail must be posted before release is possible.
Most families cannot afford to post the full bail amount — that's where we come in. A bail bondsman (like On Time Bonding LLC) posts the full bail amount on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the total bail.
To get started, call us at 601-900-0487 any time — day or night. We'll ask you for the defendant's name, the facility they're being held in, the charges, and the bail amount (if it's been set). We'll take it from there.
Once the paperwork is signed and the premium is paid (or a payment arrangement is made), we post the full bail amount at the detention facility. The release process then begins on the jail's end — processing times vary by facility but we work as fast as possible.
In some cases, collateral may be required for high-dollar bonds. Collateral can be real property, vehicles, or other assets of value.
Once the bond is posted and processed, your loved one is released from custody. They are free to go home and resume their life while awaiting their court date.
It is critical that the defendant appear at all scheduled court dates. Failure to appear results in the bond being forfeited, meaning we must pay the full bail amount to the court — and we will pursue the defendant and their cosigner for repayment.
Once the case is resolved — whether by dismissal, plea deal, or trial verdict — the bond is exonerated (discharged). At that point, our obligation to the court is fulfilled.
Note: the 10% premium you paid is the fee for our services and is not returned, regardless of the outcome of the case.
Common Questions
The defendant's full legal name, the facility they're being held at, the charges, and the bail amount if it's been set. If bail hasn't been set yet, call us anyway — we can advise you on what to expect.
Release times depend on the facility. After we post the bond, the jail processes the paperwork on their end. This can range from a couple of hours to overnight, depending on how busy the facility is.
No. The premium is the fee for our services and is earned once the bond is posted. It is not refunded regardless of the case outcome.
If the defendant fails to appear in court, a warrant is issued and the bond may be forfeited. We will attempt to locate and return the defendant to custody. The cosigner and defendant are responsible for any losses we incur.
Not everyone qualifies. Cosigners must be employed with verifiable income, Mississippi residents, 18 or older, and able to provide a valid photo ID. See our Payment Plans page for full cosigner requirements.
Call us now — we're available 24/7 and ready to walk you through every step of the process.