A bail amount is set by a magistrate or judge. This amount varies but factors they consider are the likelihood of a person returning for their case, their prior record of missing court in the past, and the seriousness of the charge(s). There will be a bail amount set for each case that is pending. The bail amount can be paid in full in cash that would be returned upon closing the case, or through a bail bondsman that would only require a percentage of the total bail amount. Usually these percentages range from 5%-10% and will sometimes require one or more co-signers.