Most people don’t deal with the criminal justice system on a daily basis. Because of this, it can be confusing to figure out the best option when it comes to bail bonds. Here are a few tips to guide you through the process:
1. Bail is Not the Same as a Bail Bond
Bail and bail bonds are completely different things. Bail is the amount of money that a court sets in order for a defendant to be released from jail before they go to trial. Bail bonds are a way to get out of jail. When you work with a bail agent, you pay a fee in exchange for the bail agent bonding you out of jail.
2. Check the Agent’s License
It’s important to make sure the bail bond company you choose is fully licensed in the state where you’re obtaining the bail bond. Find the government site that displays licensing and check the database for any past bad history. If they’re not in the system, look for another bail bondsman.
3. Ask Lots of Questions
You likely have many questions about the bail system, so contact a bail bondsman and ask them. A bail agent who truly cares about you, your situation, and your business will take the time to answer and give you the information you need.
4. Don’t Miss Court Dates
Whether you are the defendant, or you’re bailing someone out of jail, it’s important that the defendant doesn’t miss court. The court will usually issue a bench warrant for their arrest, and you could face additional charges for avoiding justice, and/or be held accountable for the full bail amount.
5. Bail Agents aren’t Bounty Hunters
Bail agents aren’t bounty hunters. Instead, bail agents occasionally hire bounty hunters to find and retrieve defendants who have missed court dates and are on the run. Bail agents are held responsible of the full bail amount, which is why they hire the bounty hunter to return the defendant to the court.