After getting bail, the defendant may contact a bail bond agent. It is either a company or a person who posts bail for defendants. These for-profit entities make money from the fees they charge for posting bail and offering other bail bond services. Following are five essential things to know before hiring a bail bond agency:
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5% bail bond: a myth
A lot of people consider price to be the most critical factor when choosing a bail bond agent. You will see many advertisements endorsing a 5% bail, promising to be the cheapest in town. However, this is just a marketing technique. Any agent who claims to have the lowest costs is simply trying to get business, as most states stipulate the price of a bond. An agency willing to negotiate bail bond costs is also an alarming signal.
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Collateral is not always compulsory
While the cost of bail bonds is non-negotiable, some agencies offer to help make payments more straightforward and accessible. Many bail bond agents accept payments with credit cards, while others provide a payment plan at no extra cost. Castle Bail Bonds typically supply bonds with a direct signature, without even needing collateral, with a few exceptions. It depends, from case to case, whether one is eligible for a signature bond.
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Bail bondsman’s active license
Most state laws require all bail bond agencies to have an active license. Hence before hiring any bail bondsman, verify their license once.
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Every case does not qualify for bail
A defendant can be released from jail only when the court authorizes their release; someone might have to stay back in custody either because the court denied them bail or nobody posted bail on behalf of the defendant. Their custody period may vary depending on the charges they are holding.
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Avoid hiring a bail bond agent, soliciting work from jail
How state laws stipulate bail bond agents demand new business. For instance, no bail bond agent can provide bail services from behind bars. Despite this law, some bondsmen commit this offense, ignoring the court’s direction. As a result, they could not only get their license revoked but also face felony charges and have to serve jail time.
When selecting a bail bond agent, it is vital to be meticulous as it is easy to fall prey to dupers who benefit from other people’s situations. Consider the available finances and the firm’s reputation, and take time to consider options if possible.
It is wise to research all options and read the information provided by authentically experienced bondsmen before settling upon one final bail bond agency. Make good use of consultation services whenever offered. Referrals from lawyers and references from ex-incarcerated (those who have worked with bail bond agents before) serve as good pointers.
No matter how keen you may be to help a loved one, take the final decision for hiring a bail bond agent with peace, as this decision will directly impact the swiftness of their release process. Get bail without collateral with assistance from a reputed bail bondsman!
