Need to Post Bail? Common Questions You May Have About Getting a Bail Bond
While many people know what a bail bond is, chances are that they have never looked into them before. It's not until you need to post bail but don't have the proper funds that you start doing your research. When you don't have the cash to post bail yourself, a bail bond is the answer. These are some common questions about the process.
What Do You Need Before You Talk to a Bondsman?
If someone is in jail that you need to bail out, the process is not as simple as going down to a local bondsman and asking for the money. You'll need the official bail amount and booking number so that all information can be verified regarding their charges.
It will also help to be confident with the bondsman about how the defendant will show up for their court date. If they feel like the person will not show up based on your interactions, you may not get the bail money that you need.
How Much Will a Bail Bond Cost?
A bail bond is typically a percentage of what the total bail amount is, usually around 10%–15%. Each state has their own rules regarding the limits to how high a bail bond can be, so be sure you check the local laws to know what the most you can expect will be.
Once you pay the fee to your local bondsman, they will pay for the bail bonds so that your loved one can be released from jail.
What Happens When Bail Is Jumped?
Bail jumping is when the person released from bail doesn't honor their commitment to return for their court date. If the person you bailed out decides to leave town, this can put you on the hook for co-signing for their bail.
You will be responsible for any associated costs by the bondsman for bringing the person back to court, which typically involves hiring a bounty hunter. If the bounty hunter is unable to track down your loved one, then the bondman may lose the entire bail amount that they paid. You would then be responsible for repaying that money back to the bondsman.
As you can imagine, you are taking a huge risk by bailing somebody out of jail with money you do not have. Only take the risks for people you are certain will return for their court date. A local bondsman such as A Bail Now Bail Bonds, Inc. can answer any other questions you may have.