4 Important Questions To Ask A Bail Bondsman
While no one plans to get arrested, it's important that you know what to do if you or a loved one finds themselves behind bars. Working with a bail bond agent will be a crucial part of securing your or a loved one's release after an arrest.
Since finding a reputable bail bond agent isn't something that you think about on a day-to-day basis, you must be prepared with a list of questions that you can ask potential bail bond companies as you search for help following an arrest.
1. How Much Do You Charge?
Most bail amounts are set by statute. The bail amounts for more serious crimes must be determined by a judge.
A bail bond agent doesn't have the ability to change the amount of bail it will take to have an arrestee released, but they do control the service fees they charge for posting bail on a person's behalf.
A reputable bail bond agent will require that you pay a percentage of the total bail to secure the bond. Service fees are assessed in addition to this percentage. You should ask each potential bail bond agent how much they charge.
Some companies are willing to establish a payment plan or waive their service fee after a successful court appearance. By inquiring about charges before you secure a bail bond, you will avoid a bond that creates financial hardship for you in the future.
2. What Areas Do You Serve?
Another important question to ask a bail bond agent is the area that he or she serves.
In order to serve a wide geographic region, a bail bond company must be registered with multiple government entities. Operation costs increase for these bail bond companies, so they must increase their customer base in order to turn a profit.
Many bail bond companies will start out serving a limited region. You will need to work with a bail bond agent who serves the area where you or a loved one is being held following an arrest.
This could mean that you have to reach out to a bail bond company in a different city, county, or state than where you live.
3. How Much Can You Bond?
Just as the bail amounts for various crimes can differ, the amount a bail bond company is willing to pay on an arrestee's behalf can differ as well.
A serious crime usually has a higher bail amount associated with it. These higher bonds represent a greater risk for the bail bond company. Should the arrestee fail to appear in court, the bail bond company will lose the money they posted for the arrestee's bail.
Some bail bond companies don't want to take on the risks associated with costly bail amounts. You will need to ensure that you know the bail amount you need and then ask potential bail bond agents if they are willing to bond that amount.
It could take several tries before you find a bail bond company that is willing to provide a bond in the amount you require.
4. What Are the Terms of the Bond?
Each bail bond company creates its own bond terms. You will need to clarify the terms of the bond before you agree to accept help from a bail bond agent. For example, bond agents typically require arrestees to appear at all court hearings.
If the bond is secured, you will need to understand the terms of the lien placed on the vehicle or home securing the bond.
Failure to understand the bond terms could result in a costly misunderstanding after you or a loved one has been released from jail.