A surety bond for jail is a financial guarantee that a defendant will honor their commitment to appear in court. It involves several parties, including the defendant, the bail bond agent, the surety company, and the co-signer, all working together to make sure the defendant shows up for their court date. A surety bond is not as simple, fast, or straightforward as a cash bond. To obtain a surety bond, at least three parties are typically involved: a friend or family member of the accused who is trying to get them out of jail, a bail bondsman, and a surety bond company. The person requesting the bail pays only a low percentage of the full bail amount in cash. However, posting any bond carries a risk of loss. If you get a surety bond for someone, you risk losing the 10% that you put down as well as your collateral if the defendant does not appear for court.

In summary, a surety bond is a type of bond that can be used to secure the release of someone from jail. It involves several parties and is not as straightforward as a cash bond. While it can be a good option for those who cannot afford to pay the full bail amount upfront, it does carry a risk of loss if the defendant does not appear for court.