Stepping on the wrong side of the law is not as rare or complicated as the law-abiding citizens would like to believe. Since one-in-twenty people will find themselves in the lockup or correctional facilities during their lifetime, you might know someone who is right now in need of a bail bond.
Bail bonds help get people out of the lock-up and back in their normal lives. However, only the right type and the proper bail bonds companies can make that possible within a couple of days. While you are hunting for the right bail bonds company to help your loved one, here are the ten things you must know –
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What types of bail bonds are there?
There are seven different types of bail bonds, but most people have to deal with either surety bonds or cash bonds. Cash bonds involve paying cash upfront for the release and surety bonds require collateral like real estate, automobiles or jewelry. Visit Remedy Bail to find out which bond type should work for you.
How does a bail bond work?
When you are trying to post bail for someone, you will typically require a large amount of cash. If you don’t have some money, you can approach a bail bond’s company to post the bail on your behalf at the service charge of 10% of the bail amount. The bail bondsman signs the agreement that ensures that the person in question will show up in court on the specific date.
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Is real estate the only collateral you can use?
When working with a bail bond company, their representatives should guide you regarding the best collateral choices. Most bail bond companies only accept real estate and automobiles, but others also accept savings accounts, jewelry and credit cards are collateral.
What will be the bail amount?
The bail amount depends on the crime, severity of the offense and a few other situations. The presence of a criminal record can increase the bail amount. The judge can also increase the amount if the person has a history of not showing up on court dates. The amount is typically negotiable for lesser offenses and choosing the right bail bonds company can help you reduce the cost.
Is the bail money refundable?
When you are working with a bail bonds company, you will not receive money back. The 10% of the bail amount you pay to the company is for their services, and the risk they are taking. On the other hand, if you handle your own cash bond, you have high chances of seeing your money back after sentencing.
What are the requisites of posing bail?
To bail a friend or family member out, you need to know the following details –
- Their full name
- Booking number
- The exact amount of bail
Always remember, if you sign any paperwork, the court can hold you responsible in case the defendant fails to appear in court.
It can be tricky to choose the right bail bond company since all of them charge the same price for their services. However, check their reviews and client satisfaction rates before making your call.
