As discussed, bail is not obligated to be permitted, but if it is, defendants have a few options: paying it themselves, taking out a personal bond from a third party, or forgoing bail and waiting for their court date in jail. A private bail bondsman will take a fee out of the total bail amount. This is the nonrefundable bond premium (usually 10-15%). Typically, collateral is collected or secured for the remainder. If the defendant fails to appear in court or to meet their contractual obligations, that collateral will be kept, or the defendant may have to pay off the total amount the third party did not recover.