The Typical Fees With A Bail Bond Company
One of the most common ways people get out of jail prior to their trials is through the help of a bail bond agency. A bail bond agency is a business that helps people who are behind bars get out of jail, and they perform this service in exchange for a fee. If you need a way out of jail and are wondering about the fees they charge, here are several things you should know.
The typical fee is around 10%
In most cases, the fee schedule for hiring a bail bondsman is around 10% of the bail amount. This is the average across the board, but it does not always mean that you will only have to pay 10%. Keep in mind, too, that the amount you must pay is determined not only by the fee percentage but also by the bail amount. If your bail is $10,000, the fee would be $1,000 if the agency charged 10%. If the fee was 15%, though, your fee would be $1,500 to get out of jail.
The fees are higher in certain cases
Some bail bond agencies charge a higher rate than 10% no matter who the person is or what the case involves. Other companies have scales that are based on the severity of the crime and the person's criminal history. If you have a lot of criminal charges in your past or if you are facing really serious charges right now, there is a good chance you will pay a fee that is a lot higher than 10%.
The fee is non-refundable
In all cases and situations, it is vital to know that the fee you pay for this service is always non-refundable. It does not matter if the court drops the charges or finds you innocent of the charges. You will never get the fee back once you pay it.
You can pay the fee in collateral as long as you make payments too
The other thing to know is that you do not necessarily have to pay the fee with cash when you use the bail bond agency's services. You can use collateral instead, if you have to, but you will have to repay the fee through a repayment plan before you get your assets back.
If you need to get bailed out of jail and cannot find a way, call a bail bondsman. This is a definite way out of jail if you can pay the fees.
Contact a bail bond agency to learn more.