When someone is charged with a crime most often they are entitled to bail. The amount of bail is set by The Superior Court Judges. An individual contacts a bail agent and enters into a contractual agreement for release of a defendant.  The defendant must appear in court each and every time the judge requires them to do so.  For this service, there is a premium charged.  The person entering into the contract with the bonding company is not released of their responsibility until all obligations have been met and the bond is exonerated. In some cases, collateral may be necessary to secure a bail bond.