Bail bond agents offer their services to help people who’ve been arrested make bail. They are fast, effective, and efficient. An agent will usually give you options for payment, which can include cash or a personal check with proper identification. The fee for this service is generally non-refundable, but many bondsmen will work with you if your money situation changes after the fact.
Many states have laws that regulate bail bonds agencies. These regulations ensure that they’re operating in accordance with state law and protecting consumers.
Some of these regulations include:
- Bond companies must be licensed by the state
- No one may solicit business door to door unless registered
- Agents are mandated to advise everyone about their right to counsel
- Must post a $10,000 bond with the state
- Must possess $15,000 in liquid assets for bail bonding business transactions
Bail bond agents are also regulated by the Federal Trade because they are considered consumer credit. This means that they must follow strict lending guidelines under the FTC. Bail bond companies cannot disclose charges orally or when signing paperwork associated with your transaction.
They must be in writing and include:
- The amount of money you will have to pay if you want out of jail before your court date
- That it’s not refundable unless there is a concession by the court system
- That it may be non-refundable if you re not given your court date on time
- Any other expenses involved in your transaction, including property or collateral fees
- The Bail Bond Process: The Bail Bondsman and Bail Bond Company
At the beginning of your case, you may be required to pay a percentage of your bail amount upfront to receive a bond. This money is held by the bail agency until the date set for court. When you appear in court, if there are no issues, such as failure to appear, this money will be refunded back to you.
If not, the full amount is due and payable.
- Bail companies can post (put up) or “front” out your bond
- Bail company keeps 10% of total bond amount as their fee
- Bail company charges service fee on remaining 90% balance of bond fee
- Bail company refund you the 10% if the court dismisses case or defendant is acquitted
- Bail company can also refund back to you any collateral they held on your behalf (property)
- Bondsmen and Bail Bond Companies: Providing Effective and Discreet Service
An experienced bail bond agent will know the right questions to ask and how to handle your situation.
They can provide information about:
- Bail amount and court appearance dates; if more money needs to be posted for a more serious crime such as murder, where collateral (property) may be required as well as the application process
- Court and police policies regarding bail and what to expect during the booking
- Bail hearing process and information about the judge that will hear your case
- Bail bond help, such as providing phone numbers for family members and attorney contacts who can provide assistance in your case
Bail Bond Guide: Bail Bondsmen and Bail Bond Companies Can Help You
The assistance of a bail bondsman or bail bond company can make the difference between staying in jail until you go to court or getting out. They work quickly because they want their clients home as soon as possible. An experienced agent will know all the local jails where defendants are held, as well as which have medical facilities if needed. Many have relationships with attorneys, so they can help you find legal representation quickly. Bail bond agents are available 24/7 to give advice and talk with you about your situation.
Bail Bond Guide: Bail Bondsmen Can Be Reliable Bail Professionals
- There are many reasons why a bail bond agent will deny your request for help.
- The bail amount is too high
- The bail amount is not yet set, or it’s still being negotiated
- Defendants have outstanding warrants or previous failures to appear for court appearances on theft, assault, or drug charges (which indicate possible future failure to appear)
If you were denied by the agent, ask him if he has other options. He may have another company he can refer you to or be able to recommend an attorney who can help. Agents of Bail Bond Services work hard to get their clients out of jail and back home where they belong. When someone needs them, they’re ready 24/7 to give advice and talk with defendants about their situation.
