Bail may include a cash bail for an amount set by the court, or a surety bond (usually called a bail bond) provided by a third party to ensure the accused person will appear for trial. You may even be unsure how to distinguish between the terms cash bail and bail bond. Lucky for you, we are here to explain the difference and help you decide which option to pick.

What is Cash Bail?

The most straightforward option is cash bail—the full bail amount delivered directly to the court. Once paid, the defendant is released from jail but must follow a set schedule for attending all court hearings and other legal requirements.

Pros of Cash Bail:

Fastest way to get out of jail because you work directly with the court.
At the conclusion of the case, if all hearings are attended, the court refunds the full amount.

Cons of Cash Bail:

High cost, ranging from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars, which can burden families.
Your money is locked into court payments until the case is fully resolved—sometimes for months or years.
If the defendant fails to appear in court, you forfeit the entire amount.

What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond is a more affordable alternative to cash bail, designed for those who can’t pay the full bail amount upfront. Instead of paying the court directly, you work with a licensed bail bond company (like eBail). The company posts bail on your behalf in exchange for a non-refundable fee (15% of the total bail amount in Nevada plus a court fee).

Pros of Bail Bonds:

You only pay a fraction of the bail amount upfront, reducing the financial burden.
A bail bond company navigates the court process for you.
Some companies, like eBail, offer payment plans to make the process more manageable.

Cons of Bail Bonds:

The bail bond fee is non-refundable, even if the defendant attends every court date.
If the defendant fails to appear in court, you may have to pay the remaining bail amount or provide collateral.

The Main Difference: Cash Bail vs. Bail Bond

The main difference lies in cost and responsibility.

Cash bail requires the full amount upfront but is fully refundable if the defendant complies with all court requirements.
Bail bonds, however, require only a 15% fee upfront, but that fee is non-refundable and involves working with a third party.

Which Option is Best for You?

The choice depends on your financial situation and your ability to handle risk:

If you can pay the entire bail amount upfront and want to avoid fees, cash bail might be the best choice.
If the amount is too high to manage, a bail bond offers a quicker, more affordable solution.

Why Choose eBail?

When you need a bail bond, eBail offers:

24/7 availability to assist you anytime, day or night.
Flexible payment plans to reduce financial stress.
A team of Nevada bail experts to guide you through the process.

No matter the jail, we got your bail. Contact us now to get your loved one out of jail quickly and easily. We got you!

Heads Up! This info is just to keep you in the loop and isn’t meant to be legal advice. If you’re dealing with a Domestic Battery charge or any legal situation, make sure to reach out to a qualified attorney who knows the ropes and can help you out.