What can a bail licensee NOT charge for in a bail transaction?

In bail transactions, a bail licensee is prohibited from charging post-release guard fees after a specified period, such as 12 hours. This restriction is in place to ensure that bail practices remain fair and that the costs associated with securing a defendant's release do not become burdensome or exploitative.

Charging for post-release guard services can lead to additional financial strains on the defendant or their families, which contradicts the purpose of bail—to provide a mechanism for pre-trial release that does not put undue pressure on the accused. Regulations are designed to maintain transparency and affordability in the bail system, ensuring that all fees are justifiable and necessary for the bail process itself. Therefore, what a bail licensee can charge for is primarily limited to established premium fees based on insurer rates, permissible collateral fees, and other reasonable costs directly related to securing the bail.

This understanding helps to clarify why certain charges are deemed unacceptable in the context of bail transactions, promoting equitable treatment of defendants while they navigate the pre-trial process.