When you’re accused of a crime, you have the choice of staying in jail before your trial or to put up money to get out and fight your case. The decision to use a bail bond agent shouldn’t be that hard to make. After all, you don’t want to stay in jail any longer than you have to. A bail bondsman is ideal for all kinds of reasons, including the four listed below: As you read keep in mind that bail bond laws have changed over recent months allowing criminals, some repeat offenders to reoffend and still get out on bond often with no money or need for a bail bondsman. Always check reviews and also ratings on sites like the BBB
You Save Yourself Money
The majority of people do not have the kind of money a court demands on hand. However, a bail bonds company can put up a surety that will see you released from jail. This usually runs 10 to 20 percent of the court-ordered amount. Since you can’t get ahold of the money necessary, a bail bonds company does it for you. A dependable bondsman understands the seriousness of your situation and acts accordingly. See a video on the topic
Bail Bondsman Keep In Touch With Loved Ones
In most cases, your loved ones won’t know you’ve been arrested, and those who do, may have no clue where to find you. With a bail bond agent on your side, they can talk to your loved ones about the situation you face, where you’re at, the bail or bond amount, the court date, etc. This alleviates their stress level. Expert Bail documents this in datail
Decrease In Jail Time
A reputable bail bond agent will work to get you out of jail faster and will work with the court, so there are no potential complications that could occur. They know the process and what needs to be done to get you out of jail quickly.
Bail vs. Bonds: What’s the Difference Between The Two
A person charged with a crime may be released from jail either through a bond or posting bail. The presiding judge determines how much they will be based on three key factors:
- Seriousness of crime
- How likely the defendant will commit more crimes after release
- Potential of fleeing jurisdiction
A judge sets the bail that isn’t overly excessive or deny the defendant a chance to get out.
Understanding the Difference Between Bail and Bond
Most people, when talking about jail release, use the terms bail and bond interchangeably. Though they do have some similarities, bail and bond are not the same. A bond is posted on behalf of the defendant, typically by a bail bond company, to secure the accused’s release. Bail, on the other hand, is money a defendant will need to pay to be released from jail.
The intention of bail is not to be a punishment, but a way in which the court can ensure a defendant will agree to the conditions the court sets forth. Bail is collateral for the court to ensure the accused will return for the rest of their trial. If the defendant does not appear in court, the bail amount paid is given to the government. The same principle is applied in cases of bonds.
Bail is usually set in beyond a person’s means, which is why bail bond companies operate in the majority of stats. These for-profit companies will charge a non-refundable fee (usually 20 percent of the bail amount) for the defendant to be released from jail. A contract (surety bond) is signed, and the company is held liable if the accused fails to make it to their court date and time.