A bail bondsman is a professional who provides bail services to individuals who have been arrested and need to secure their release from jail. When a person is arrested, a judge sets a bail amount, which is the money required to ensure the individual returns for their court appearances. If the accused cannot afford the bail, they can seek help from a bail bondsman. The bail bondsman typically charges a fee, usually a percentage of the total bail amount, and may require collateral, such as property or valuables. Once the fee is paid, the bondsman posts the bail with the court, allowing the individual to be released until their trial. If the accused fails to appear in court, the bondsman may seek to recover the bail amount by locating the individual.