The Role of the County Bail Bondsman: What to Expect

Peek into a bail bondsman’s workday: handling calls, verifying co-signers, managing fees, and navigating county rules to free your loved one.

You’ve probably seen bail bondsmen in movies as tough, mystery-solving heroes ready for action. In real life, it’s a lot quieter, and a lot more about paperwork, phone calls, and helping families in need.

The phone rings in the bail bonds office, with a person over the phone asking, “I don’t know what to do, I want my loved one out on bail, but I can’t afford the bail.”

The bail bondsman listens and asks you which county the loved one is in.

If the loved one is not in the service area, the bail bondsman might recommend a transfer bond. He would then have to call insurance and contact the other area. They would post on behalf of the bail bondsman, but the bail bondsman would be liable.
If the loved one is in a county that he services, he then needs to know the bail amount.

For a bail bondsman at County Bail Bonds, the service areas in PA & NJ have some differences.

County Bail Bonds in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, once you’ve picked the option that fits your budget, the next step is to bring in a co-signer. Here’s what they’ll need:

Employment proof: Pay stubs, an offer letter, or recent bank statements showing at least 40 hours of work per week
Valid ID: Driver’s license, state ID, or passport

Together with the bail bondsman, you’ll:

Review all terms: We’ll walk you through payment details, court dates, and your loved one’s responsibilities – no surprises.
Complete the paperwork: Sign the bond agreement, fill out the application, and hand over necessary IDs and job verification.
Get your receipt: We’ll make copies of everything and give you a detailed receipt.

After that, the exact next steps depend on the county, each Pennsylvania county has its own rules under commonwealth law. Whether you’re filing at the courthouse or heading straight to the jail, we’ll handle the details so your family member can get home as quickly as possible.

Buck County, PA:

During the day, everything can be posted to county courthouse.
During the night, the bail bondsman goes to the jail.

Fun Fact: Bucks County is the only PA county that allows nighttime posting.

Chester County, PA:

If it’s the county jail: go to the courthouse’s bail unit.
If it’s a municipal or township lockup: you must post at that local court.

Delaware County, PA:

Starting at the jail, the bail bondsman handles defendant’s county paperwork.
Then over to the courthouse’s bail unit to post the bond and fax the release order.
Release usually happens within a few hours.

Pro tip: Ask your loved one to come by our office within 48 hours to wrap up any remaining forms.

County Bail Bonds in New Jersey

In New Jersey, once you’ve decided how to cover that fee, whether in one payment or via a plan, the next step is to secure a co-signer. Your co-signer must work at least 40 hours per week, bring a valid ID, and show proof of employment (like pay stubs). Together, you’ll sit down with the bail bondsman to complete all the paperwork. We’ll walk you through every detail, payment terms, responsibilities, and what to expect next, so there are no surprises. After everyone signs the application and related forms, you’ll get a receipt and we’ll make copies of all documents. Then we head to the jail, post the bond, wrap up a bit more paperwork, and your loved one is usually released within a few hours. From that point, they’ll only need to finish any remaining administrative steps, then they’re free to go.

Get Bail Now!

What You Need to Know Before You Call

Have the bail amount ready.
Know the exact county or court.
Line up a co-signer who works full time and can show ID/pay stubs.
Be honest about payment options – you’ll get a clear, written fee agreement.

Why County Bail Bonds

Bail bonds aren’t about mysterious figures in dark alleys, they’re about clear steps, solid paperwork, and getting your loved one home as quickly, and affordably as possible. Whether you’re in PA or NJ, at County Bail Bonds we guide you every step of the way, explain all the fees up front, and answer any questions. That way, you can focus on what really matters: supporting your family member through this stressful time.