Bonds

The law imposes a $25.00 surcharge whenever a person is charged with any offense (other than a non-moving traffic offense) and posts bail.

POSTING A BOND

Bonds may be posted in the Clerk of Courts office Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Property bonds may only be posted during regular business hours.

Personal Recognizance Bond (P.R. Bond):

If a defendant, who has been released on a P.R. Bond, does not appear in court, a new felony charge may be filed.

Once the final judgment is filed in a criminal case, the conditions of a P.R. bond are considered met and the bond is released.

Insurance Bonds:

An insurance bond must be posted by a surety agent who is certified by the Ohio Department of Insurance and registered in the Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts office.

Property Bond:

The following qualifications must be met to post a property bond:

• The property must be located in Ashtabula County.
• All property owners must be present to sign the bond.
• The property must be free of all liens and judgments.
• The property's value must be at least twice the bond amount, over and above all encumbrances.
• An attorney must file a notarized affidavit stating that the sufficiency for the property bond has been met.
• A copy of the deed to the property from the Ashtabula County Recorder must be filed.
• A copy of the last tax statement from the Ashtabula County Treasurer must be filed.
• A lien will be immediately filed against the property in the Ashtabula County Recorder's Office. The property may be forfeited if the defendant fails to appear for ALL court appearances.

When the final judgment is filed, the Clerk of Courts office will send notice to the Recorder's Office to release the lien from the property.

Cash Bond:

Cash or a cashier's check are required tender for posting a cash bond.

When the final judgment is filed, the amount of a cash bond will be refunded to the depositor by ordinary mail.

Ten Percent Bond:

A 10% bond allows the defendant to be released by posting cash equal to 10% of the bond amount set by the court.

When the final judgment is filed, 90% of the deposit shall be returned upon compliance with all conditions of the bond.

Insurance Bond:

When the final judgment is filed, the bond's conditions are fulfilled and the bond is considered released.