Bail bonds
One of the most scary places you can end up in is inside a jail cell after being arrested and accused of an supposed crime. Things might go wrong even further if you or your family have no money on hand to post your bail , which will allow you temporary freedom. In such a difficult moment, you first need to calm yourself, think clear, and go with the most helpful solution: Get in touch with a bail bondsman who can really help a lot in getting you released from prison.
You are allowed at least one phone call following your arrest. Use that telephone call to connect with a loved one and ask him or her to connect with a bail bondsman. Your family member can use our website to search for a reputable bail bondsman in Columbia County who can then post the required bail on your behalf to get you your freedom.
Just what is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a surety bond that is supplied by a bonding company to help secure the release of an apprehended person so they can await their court date outside of jail.
There are two types of bail bond, particularly a criminal bail bond and a civil bail bond.
A criminal bail bond comes into play in criminal cases. It ensures that the offender shows up during the course of the trial and at the same time guarantees that the accused will pay the fines and penalties imposed by the court.
Civil bail bonds are for civil cases. These provide surety on the debts, interests, and costs imposed on the offender.
Why should I care about bail?
Unless you are planning to remain in jail, you need to get out on bail. Unfortunately, not a lot individuals have the money available, which is why a bail bondsman is of utmost importance to anybody who wants to await their trial out of jail.
The amount of bail {will vary|depends on a lot of different factors. For example, two persons that committed the same crime can have very different bail amounts. This occurs because the judge will take into consideration your financial situation, prior arrests, your family ties to the community, and if you are likely to run.
In almost all states, the rate charged by the bonding company is usually 10-20% of the total bail, and this will not be refunded.
Furthermore, the bail bondsman can help you maneuver around the complicated judicial proceedings. It's easier to hire a bail bondsman then to deal with the court by yourself.
How does the bail bonds process work
Don't forget: In case you are arrested and taken into custody for a supposed criminal offense, straight away demand for a lawyer to represent you and protect your rights. Furthermore, contact a reliable person to link you up with a bonding company to start the bail procedure. Once this contact is made, the bail bondsman will need answers to basic questions such as the accused's name, birthdate, and the area or city of the arrest. The bondsman will then propose to put up the bail money for you in return for a reasonable service fee. Right after the agreement is made, the bonding company will move forward with the necessary steps to secure your release. In a matter of hours, after the actions taken by your bail bondsman, you can walk out of prison, free once again.
What your bondsman needs to have from you
When you or your representative get in contact with a bail bondsman, they will ask for the folowing information:
- The full name of the offender
- The name and location of the jail where the suspect is held
- The booking number in the police blotter
- The charges filed against the suspect
- Any other related details
What is accepted as collateral?
In most cases, the bail bondsman requires collateral with the transaction. This is reasonable taking into consideration the risks involved. An offender is a possible flight risk, and there have been many examples where a bonds company needed to employ the services of a bounty hunter to recover the fleeing suspect.
But what is acceptable as collateral? Basically, if a bondsman considers something valuable, you are able to use it as a guarantee for the bond. Below are a some examples:
- Realty
- Cars
- Shares
- Jewelry
- Electronics
- Bank accounts
- Visa or mastercard
If you can't afford the bond right now, bail bonds companies often offer payment plans that you can make use of. Simply speak with the bondsman to determine which option is the best one in your circumstances.
Use our site to find a bail bondsman that is perfect for your needs. Many of them are open 24x7, ready to help you or a family member to spend the least amount of time in jail as possible.
