Frequently Asked Questions About Obtaining A Bail Bond From A Bondsman When Someone You Know Is Arrested
If you receive a call in the middle of the night from a friend or family member that has been arrested, you may wonder what you can do to help them get out of jail. Unless they are released on their own recognizance, you will probably need to go through a bail bondsman to post bail. If so, below are some frequently asked questions about obtaining a bail bond.
What Is Needed To Post Bail With A Bondsman?
When bail is posted by a judge, the bail amount is set, with a percentage being due to release the individual. This percentage is what must be given to the bail bond company that then puts up a guarantee for the full amount. This can be done in a couple of ways.
First, you can put up the cash amount of the bail percentage. Because posting bail is a guarantee the defendant will go to court, you get the money back once the person appears for their trial date. Make sure you receive documentation to show this was done.
Second, you could put up property that equals or exceeds the amount of the percentage required by the bondsman. For example, if bail is posted at $5,000 and ten percent must be paid, which would equal $500, you could put up the title to your vehicle as collateral for the bond loan. However, if your automobile's value does not equal $500, you could give the bondsman a copy of the deed to your home.
What Are Your Responsibilities When Posting A Bail Bond?
When you post a bail bond for someone else, you do have certain responsibilities that you must be willing to accept. If not, you could become liable for the total amount of the bail, plus interest and fees. This amount is determined by the individual bond agency and should be discussed prior to posting bail.
After you post bond, you are stating that you guarantee the person whom you are helping will appear in court and will not try to run away. If they do not appear, you must pay the agreed to amount set between you and bondsman.
When taking on this responsibility, you need to remind your friend or family member of the court date. If necessary, offer to take them personally to the trial. Not only does this ensure that they attend, but you can also request the paperwork needed to prove to the bail bondsman that the conditions of bail have been met.
What Happens After The Bond Is Posted With The Bondsman?
Once you have posted bond with the bond company, the bondsman contacts the jail to inform them that bail has been posted. Once this notification has been received, the inmate will be released after being processed out.
Because times for release can vary depending on the time of day, the particular jail and the number of inmates that are currently being processed, this could take several hours. If you need to pick the individual up, you may want to ask the bondsman if an estimated time was given.
If not, you can call the jail to request this information. Even if you are given an approximate time, you may still have to wait a little longer. However, rest assured that they will be released after the bail bond process has been completed.
Once you have made the decision to post bail for your friend or family member, the bail bondsman can guide you through the process. If you have additional questions, you may want to ask the bail bonds company before you sign any papers.
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