Getting a bail bond can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. All the more reason to know the steps you should take when faced with this scenario. Getting a bail bond is necessary in times of need, but that doesn’t mean it’s not nerve-wracking. A lot of money and responsibility goes into a bail bond. Here are steps to take when you or a family member needs help getting a bail bond.
Look for the Right Type of Bond for Your Situation
There are many different types of bonds, some are cheaper, and some are more expensive. As long as you have the money to pay the bond, what kind of bond do you need? The main types of bonds that can be purchased are basic or premium bonds. The basic bond is usually for less serious charges and is generally issued with no time limit. A bail bondsman may issue a premium bond for more serious charges. This will have to be paid for in full when the recipient posts bail and can take longer to post. If you need more help navigating which type of bond to get, talk to a lawyer. They can help you figure out the logistics and get the best bond for your loved one’s scenario.
Contact a Bail Bond Agent
The first thing you should do is contact a bail bondsman and verify your identity. Many bail bond agencies have 24-hour call centers where they can assist you with any inquiries you may have. A bail bondsman will be able to answer any questions you may have about getting a bail bond and assist you in finding one as quickly as possible. This isn’t a situation you want to try to handle on your own. You might end up getting into legal trouble if something goes wrong.
Determine the Amount of Money Needed
The bail bond and filing fees must be paid in full. The bail amount will vary depending on the crime the person is charged with and their prior convictions. This can range from $1000 to $10,000 or more. It’s important to contact a bail bondsman to find out what you need to post to plan and ensure you have enough money saved up.
Fund Your Account
Most bail bond agents take payment via credit card or cash, but not all will accept either. Make sure you contact the company directly and check to be sure they accept that payment method before you put funds into your account. All payments must be in US dollars; confirming this before funding your account and transferring money into it is important. You will also want to ask if they accept multiple payments. If you aren’t able to pay the bond in full at the moment, you will need a payment plan to help.
Post the Bail Bond
Once you have confirmation that the money is in your account, you can go to the jail or courthouse and post the bail bond. This will allow the person to be released from jail and set their court date. It’s best to call first since some jails or courthouses may have specific instructions on how and where to post a bail bond.
When you or a family member need help getting a bail bond, everything from the amount to the type of bond can be overwhelming. That’s why planning and researching your options is important before making any decisions. The more you know about getting a bail bond, the better prepared you will be and the smoother your experience will be when it comes time for the big decision.
