Bail bonds
One of the most frightening situations you can end up in is inside a jail cell after you have been arrested and charged with an alleged criminal offense. Things could go south even more when you or your family have no immediate cash on hand to post your bail bond, which will allow you get released from jail until your court hearing. In such a difficult situation, you first have to calm yourself, think straight, and opt for the most effective solution: Call a bail bondsman who can help a lot in getting you released from prison.
You are allowed at least one phone call after your arrest. Use that to connect with a family member and ask that person to contact a bail bondsman. Your family member can use our website to search for a reputable bail bond agent in Burke County who can then post the required bail in your place to get you your temporary freedom.
Why does a judge impose a bail bond ?
The legal system permits the services of a bondsman to post a bail bond, also called surety bond, to help an accused get temporary liberty while waiting for their court appearance.
The law allows two kinds of bail -- a criminal bail bond as well as a civil bail bond.
To make it clear, a judge does not impose a criminal bail bond to penalize you for your supposed criminal offense. You are still innocent up until proven guilty. Even so, the judge needs to have a guarantee that you will appear at trial to face your accuser; therefore, the requirement to post bail. If you participate in all your arranged criminal proceedings as promised, and you are eventually found not guilty, the bail will be repaid to you. If you are condemned, the bail money will be used to cover the fines and penalties that the judge might impose on you. If you skip the court hearings, your bail will be lost and you will be subject to arrest.
The same justification holds with civil bail bonds. The bail enforced on civil cases works as an assurance or a surety that the defendant will be able to pay the fines and penalties that the judge may impose on the accused after the trial.
Do I need to hire a bondsman?
When you are able to post bail by yourself, you don't need to employ the services of a bonding company. For one, they require a small charge for their assistance, in addition to the collateral you need to provide for what is definitely categorized as a loan.
In almost all states, the bondsman will charge around 10-20% of the overall amount of the bail. You can't get this money back even when you are acquitted of the charge. However, you don't have to bother with filing the necessary documents or have to deal with court personnel since the bonding company will handle all that . Second, you will have a better chance of having your bail petition approved because of the reputation of the bonding company alone. Third, as a result of their familiarity with the process, you can possibly be released from prison in a couple of hours.
And lastly, the bondsman understands the benefit of a good impression on the judge and jury. If you are committed to the regional or federal jail, you will be transported to the courtroom in the official inmate's uniform. On the other hand, when you made bail, you are able to dress smartly and make a good impression on the court.
How does the bail bond process work?
Finding a good bonding company is important. Sadly, there are deceitful agents around that take advantage of unsuspecting families who are already desperate .
Make sure you are ready when you talk to a bondsman. Ask all your questions, and only once all your questions are answered should you continue with the next steps of employing them. The bondsman can then continue with paying the bail and submitting the required documents to get you or a friend released.
Information your bail bondsman needs to know
If you get in touch with a bail bondsman, you have to provide the following details:
- Your full name if you are the offender
- The name and location of the prison where the accused is detained
- The booking number in the police blotter
- The complaints filed against the defendant
- Any other relevant information
What does a bondsman accept as collateral?
Not everyone will have the money lying around to pay a bondsman, but that does not mean you can not use one to get yourself or another person out of jail. If you do not have enough money, you can also put up some of your possessions as collateral. Some items typically accepted as collateral are:
- Realty
- Cars
- Credit cards
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Jewelry
- Personal credit
- Bank accounts
In addition, most bail agents will also offer you with the possibility for a payment plan that is within your budget and does not add more pressure during these difficult times.
The bail bonds procedure can be puzzling and every bit as wearisome, however the bright side is that the majority of bondsmen are ready to assist you 24×7. Using our website you can locate a reputable bondsman in Burke County. They will be more than happy to help you secure you or your loved one from prison!
