Should You Use a Bail Bond or Your Own Money?
If your loved one is in jail, you are probably in a rush to make bail as soon as possible. Even if you have your own savings or can rely on a relative to provide an immediate influx of cash, it may be best to go with a bail bondsman to get bailed out of jail as efficiently and speedily as possible. Weigh these considerations if you’re thinking of using a bail bond company.
What Are the Company’s Hours?
When you’re deciding whether to use a bail bondsman, look at their hours of operation. You need a company that will be available to you 24 hours per day every day. Otherwise, you could be in a jam if you need help outside of business hours. The police don’t work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you need a company that will help whenever you or your loved ones are in a legal bind.
Will the Company Return Someone to Jail?
If your loved one doesn’t show for their court appearance, the bail bond company is on the hook for the full amount of their bail even if you’ve only paid 10 percent of it. That means the bail bondsman either pays the amount or apprehends the person who didn’t appear for their court date.
In addition to not showing up for court appearance, find out what the conditions of the contract will be and under what conditions the bail bondsman will return someone to jail. Sometimes the bail bond company will have strict stipulations such as the person being unable to leave the state or the person not being able to drink or do drugs.
Will You Get Your 10 Percent Back?
The 10 percent that you pay to the bail bond company is a premium that’s charged for their service. The company puts up a bond for the amount of the bail and takes a risk on the person who is being bailed out of jail.
Some people mistakenly think that they’ll get their 10 percent back after the person is acquitted of all charged or convicted on any of the charged. However, it doesn’t work that way, and you should discuss any issues with the payment you are making before you sign the contract with the bail bond company. Make sure you’re dealing with a company who is up front about this.
Can Support Yourself in a Worst-Case Scenario?
People who have plenty of money in their savings account still often choose to use a bail bond company to bail their loved one out of jail. That’s because the money will be tied up in the bail bond. If your loved one skips out on their court appearance or the bail money isn’t returned for some reason, you may not be able to support yourself if you spent your savings on bail.
Will Your Loved One Show Up to Court?
If you are considering a bail bondsman for someone you love, be certain that your loved one will attend any court appearances required. Using a bail bondsman doesn’t in any way excuse someone from being at required court appearances.
The court uses bail to ensure that people who have been arrested will show up for their court appearances. It is a collateral of sorts to help guarantee that the person just won’t skip town (or the country) rather than face the alleged crime that’s been committed.
Discuss the situation before posting bail. Also, assess the character of the person and whether they’ve been trustworthy in the past. Make sure your loved one understands the financial repercussions of ignoring court appearances, and discuss what the 10 percent will actually cost.
Is the Company Licensed?
If you’re concerned about the security of your money, find out how long the company has been licensed. Also, ascertain information about whether the business’s license has ever been suspended or restricted. You’ll know you can trust a reputable, licensed bail bond company to give you fair rates.
Finally, talk to an expert if you need to post a bail bond for your loved one in the state of Minnesota. Absolute Bail Bonds has caring professionals to help you throughout the state. We’re available 24 hours per day, any day of the week.
Contact us today for more information on how the bail bond process can work for you.
