Top 5 Questions to ask a Bail Bond Agency

Bail bond agencies are the last people you want to connect with, but in unfortunate situations, you rely on them the most in times of trouble.

How do you go about getting your family member or loved one out of jail? How will you choose the right bail agent or bond Company?

You may never have to call a bail bonds near me, however, if expectedly stuck in a situation like that, below are a few simple questions to ask the agent you make contact with.

What is a bail bond?

Also known as surety bonds, bail bonds help the arrested individuals securely be released from jail. Whenever an individual gets arrested and taken to jail, they are given a choice to either stay in jail until the scheduled court date or get out of jail on bond. Considering the severity of the crime and previous record, the court asks for a bail amount for the release. Those expected to flee and not going to appear for trial, usually assigned a high bail amount.

How do bail bonds work?

The concept behind bail bonds is that if someone gets arrested, anyone can pay a bail amount to free the arrested individual, given the assurance that they will return to court for the hearings. Those representing the accused will make the financial arrangement as money or collateral, which may be cash, assets, or a bond. Those who do not have enough assets to ensure bail can contact the bail bondsman for financial help. The bail agents usually get the required information from the contact person of the accused, including the personal details, their booking number, the charges, etc.

The entire process of releasing someone may either be really quick or take several hours, depending on the circumstances and the charges against the individual. After the individual has been released, it becomes the responsibility of the agent that the defendant appears for all court proceedings and also makes sure they meet any conditions set by the court.

How much do bail bond companies charge?

Determining the total cost for your bail bonds services is simple. The bail amount owed to a bail bonds agency does not vary. Rather, it is the fixed amount set by the State. Typically, it is 10-20% of the total bail amount determined by the judge. While you may find some agencies that will ask for payment in full upfront for their services, many will also offer some kind of financing options or payment plans.

How to qualify for bail bonds?

Most bail agencies ask for a credit check in order to finance potential clients. A good credit score assures the agent that a client is diligent in managing financial things on time and can afford his or her services. The two prime things that bail agents take into consideration are property ownership and credit history.

What if the accused individual does not show up for court?

In the event, the accused individual fails to appear in the court proceedings, the bail bondsman will be responsible to pay the entire bail amount to the court. In such a situation, where the accused violates any bail conditions, the bondsman may locate the defendant and take them back to jail. All such things will be in the contract that the defendant and co-signer have signed.