Arranging For A Bail Bond: What To Know
When a loved one is in jail and needs to be bonded out, there are a few steps you can take to secure their release.
Find out the bail amount: The first step is to find out the bail amount, which is the amount of money the court requires in exchange for the defendant's release. You can obtain this information from the jail or the court.
Contact a bail bond agent: If you don't have the full amount of bail money available, you can contact a bail bond agent who can post bail on your behalf. The agent will typically charge a non-refundable fee (usually a percentage of the total bail amount) and may require collateral such as property or a vehicle. It's important to know what a bail bond involves, so plan to ask the bail agent the questions below when you call or meet with them:
- What is your fee and what is included in that fee? The bail fee is usually referred to as a premium and is commonly a percentage of the full bail cost.
- What is your experience and how long have you been in business?
- What is your reputation, and can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
- What is the process for posting bail and how long does it usually take?
- What collateral do you require and what happens if the defendant fails to appear in court?
- Can you explain the terms and conditions of the bail bond agreement in detail?
- Are there any restrictions or conditions for posting bail, such as certain types of charges or geographic limitations?
- Can you provide assistance with any other aspects of the legal process, such as finding an attorney or navigating court procedures?
- Do you have any special qualifications or certifications that set you apart from other bail bond agents?
Complete the paperwork: Once you've decided to use a bail bond agent, you'll need to complete the necessary paperwork and provide any required collateral. The agent will also need to verify the defendant's identity and obtain information about their case.
Post bail: Once the paperwork is completed and the bail bond agent has received payment and any required collateral, they will post bail on behalf of the defendant. This process can take several hours, depending on the jail's policies and procedures.
It's important to remember that posting bail does not absolve the defendant of their legal obligations. They will still need to attend all scheduled court appearances and comply with any conditions of their release, such as attending counseling or refraining from contacting certain individuals. Speak to a bail bond agent to find out more.