The first step in the process involves the bail agent's guarantee to the judge that a defendant will appear in court at the date they are appointed by the judge.

To be represented by a bail agent, the defendant is charged a percentage of the bail posting. Prior to posting a bail bond, the defendant's cosigner must guarantee that they will pay the full amount of bail if the defendant does not make their court appearance.

One all parties have reached an agreement, the bail agents posts posts a bond for the required amount, guaranteeing the defendant's return to court. The defendant then reports weekly to the bondsman, announcing his or her presence until their court date.