Important Questions To Ask A Bail Bondsman

28 June 2019
 Categories: Business, Blog

Share

Most people have very little experience posting bond to get a loved one released from jail. Between inexperience and the stress that most people experience when they get a call from a loved one saying that he or she has been arrested and in jail, it can be very difficult to figure out what to do without a lot of anxiety and frustration. If you are attempting to get a loved one released from jail, your best option may be to work with a bail bondsman. Bail bonds companies charge a small percentage of the total bail amount and will then facilitate the release of your loved one. If you're interested in using a bail bondsman to have a loved one released from jail, ask the following questions:

Are You a Licensed Bail Bond Company?

Most states require bail bond companies to be licensed, so before you agree to work with a bail bondsman it is in your best interest to ask about licensure. Licensed bail bond companies are required to follow a number of rules, regulations, and laws. When you choose to work with a licensed bail bond company, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that you're working with professionals who abide by all rules and regulations. It is never a good idea to hand over any money to a bail bond company that has not been licensed in the state where your loved one was arrested.

What Are Your Fees?

In basic terms, a bail bondsman will require you to pay a non-refundable amount. This amount is typically a small fraction of the total bail amount, and the amount you pay covers the bail bondsman's services and the risk involved in the event that the person being bailed out of jail does not appear in court, which causes the entire bail amount to be forfeited. Before you agree to work with a bail bondsman, always make sure that you know what fees are charged, and what the fees are for. Most states cap the percentage of the bail amount that bail bond companies can require, so make sure that you know the laws in your state so you can choose a reputable bail bonds company.

How Soon Can My Loved One Be Released From Jail?

Bail bondsman are experts in posting bail and getting people released from jail. However, they can't guarantee a specific release time or say that your loved one will be released in X-amount of hours. Complications can happen, and a reputable bails bondsman will be honest with you and give you both the best-case and worst-case scenario for how long it will take for a person to be released.