Working with a bail bond company is a great option if you or someone you know has been arrested. These companies can take the guesswork out of making bail bonds Allentown, PA and help defendants get their lives back on track.
But there are a few considerations when deciding which agency to work with. Discover how to navigate the process smoothly.
Contact the Court
Contact the Court to begin negotiating with a bail bond business if a loved one is in custody. They will advise you on what to do next and how much bail your loved one needs to post.
You should also ask about any fees and fines your loved one may owe for missing court dates. The courts may take these out of the amount you pay for a bail bond.
Please confirm that the bail bond business takes collect calls so you may contact them as needed. This can expedite and enhance a meeting with a bail bondsman.
Meet with the Bail Bondsman
Before signing a bail bond contract, meeting with the bondsman is important. This will allow you to ask questions and clarify any points you are unsure about.
A reputable bail bondsman will be willing to have a short interview with you and will be able to explain the process clearly. This will ensure you understand the process and help you manage expectations.
A reputable bondsman will also be upfront about their fees and any conditions around posting bail. They should be honest about the upfront premium, typically 10% of the total bail bond set by the Court, and any other additional fees.
Sign the Contract
If you are a cosigner on a bail bond, it is important to know your rights. This includes ensuring you can legally sign the contract, pay the bail, and protect yourself from fraud.
Before signing the contract, ensure it is clearly written and contains all the agreement terms. This can help you determine if the company is fair and equal to all parties or if there are any problems with the contract terms.
Pay the Bail
If a defendant cannot pay the full amount of the bail, they may be required to use a bail bond agency. The bond company will typically require a portion of the bail to be paid upfront, and then the defendant can pay the rest with cash or other forms of payment.
Working with a bail bond agent can be confusing and stressful. That’s why the bond agent should be knowledgeable about the legalities of bail and how to navigate them.
They should also provide regular updates about their client’s case status and what will happen if they don’t attend Court on time. This will save the client and the bail bond company money.
Appear in Court
Bail is money used to guarantee someone will show up for court on a particular day. It might be as little as $100 or as much as millions of dollars.
The courts will lose the whole bail sum if a defendant does not appear.
This is where a bail bond company can step in and work on behalf of the defendant to get them out of jail. They will act as a surety and post a bond with the Court on the defendant’s behalf.
Before you appear in Court, it’s important to remember that it’s a public hearing, and anything you say could be used against you by the state. Therefore, it’s best to remain silent and focus on what the judge asks you about.