How to Find and Hire a Bail Bonds Company
If you are arrested for the first time and you need to make bail, you might find the whole process to be overwhelming. However, when you know what steps to take when turning to a bail bond service, you'll be able to get out of jail much more easily and get back to your life.
The First Step
After you have been processed and sent to jail, you will immediately want to call a friend or family member who may contact a local bail bond agency. By doing this, you will be able to reduce the amount of time that you might spend in jail.
Do not wait too long when turning to a bail bond company because you might need to wait and taking too long may substantially increase the amount of time you will be in jail before you are ultimately released.
Why You Need to Call
It is illegal for bail bonds companies to solicit from jail. There are some companies that will solicit from jail but you will not want to work with them because they are not as reputable. There are also bail hotlines that are available and you can find bail companies online.
The Cost of Bail
If you want to know how much your bail bond will cost, look up the state law that dictates what the bail bond must be. Some bail bond companies might include in their advertising that they charge a different rate but you will want to clarify exactly what you will be paying.
In some cases, you may need collateral. This will pay for when you do not show up for court and the bail bond company needs to be compensated. However, collateral might not be required and you may be able to use a credit card or participate in a payment plan. If you do need to use collateral, you may be able to use jewelry, a car, or a deed to your house. Make sure to ask
Hire the Right Bail Bondsman
Different bail bondsmen are allowed to handle different types of crimes. For example, some bail bonds services will handle felonies and others handle only misdemeanors. If you are not sure which bail bond agency to hire, an attorney may be able to provide you with advice. A detention officer may also be able to give you advice on which bail bondsman you may want to choose.