Bail Bond Release: Things To Have Prepared at the Office

Preparation is key in many aspects of the judicial system, especially if you seek to get a friend or loved one released from jail. Going through the bail bond process includes multiple steps, but you do not need to stress if you come fully prepared to go through the process.

The next time you find yourself bailing out a loved one, use this guide to help you stay organized as you go through the process. The steps will ensure that everything goes smoothly and a bail bonds company can get your loved one released as soon as possible.

ID and Forms of Payment

When you bail out a loved one, you will have to pay the bail bond fee upfront. In the state of Minnesota, the fee will often total 10% of the total set bail from the courts. Knowing how you will pay the bail bond fee can help the process move faster.

Bail bond companies will often accept several forms of payment, as they understand people have different means to collect the large amounts of money in a short amount of time. One of the more common ways to pay for a bail bond is with a credit card or debit card. Once you know the set amount, check your card balance to ensure the payment will go through.

In some cases, you may have to split the payment onto multiple cards. Calculate and plan out exactly how you want to split the payment. For example, you may do $200 in cash and $1000 on a card for a bail that costs $1,200. If you have everything calculated, then the process will go quicker, and a bail bond company can ensure the payments go through.

You also want to make sure you have a proper form of ID. The typical ID would include a driver's license, but you may want to consider bringing an alternate form of an ID like a birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card. Ensure your ID is not expired. A bail bonds company will typically use the ID to ensure you are officially confirmed as the bond co-signer.

Cell Phone and Charger

Many people will typically have their phone with them at all times, but you need to make the use of a phone a priority when you go to a bail bonds office. A phone provides a lot of important uses for the process. First, you may need to call the jail and talk to the loved one behind bars. Through the calls, you can exchange information and keep tabs on their situation.

You may also want to have quick access to a calendar app. The calendar app allows you to put in court dates and know exactly when the loved one needs to return. Keeping track of the information will ensure they appear and you do not lose the bail. You can also forward reminders to other phones and ensure everyone is on the same page.

With a cell phone, you can make digital copies of all the paperwork you have to fill out at the bail bond office. The digital copies will give you quick access to the files and serve as a backup option if you lose any of the paper copies. Through an email app, you can send out digital copies of the files as well.

Use the phone to input important contact numbers for the bail bond workers as well. In some cases, you may get access to a direct line rather than just a general number for the whole office. This will help if you have any questions or concerns in the future.

As you navigate from the bail bond office to a jail or courthouse, a maps app will help you easily find locations and make your way around. Along with the phone itself, consider the use of a charger or a charging bank so you don't have to worry about running out of battery life.

Snacks and Treats

While bail bond workers move quickly to release a loved one from jail, you may find you have some extended wait times until the person is released. Pack some foods and snacks to help you through the process. For example, you could pack a cooler with food and drinks to have either in the office or in your vehicle while you wait.

Packing your own food will save you from the need to rely on vending machines or other quick food options. A person can get arrested at any time, and bail bond offices usually have 24-hour access. If you find yourself there in the middle of the night, then you may want to bring some caffeinated beverages to help you stay alert.

Also, consider packing snacks and drinks for the person who gets released from jail. They may seek some food right after the release, and a simple snack can add some nice support.

For all of your bail bonds needs, contact us at Absolute Bail Bonds. We will walk you through the whole process and help you with the bail bonds process from start to finish.