Bail bonds
One of the most frightening places you can end up in is inside a jail cell after being arrested and accused of an alleged criminal offense. Things might go south even more if you or your loved ones have no immediate cash available to post your bail bond, which will allow you temporary freedom. During such a difficult situation, you first have to calm yourself, think clear, and go with the most effective solution: Get in touch with a bail bondsman who can help a lot in getting you out of jail.
You are permitted at least one telephone call after your arrest. Use that phone call to contact a family member and request him or her to contact a bail bondsman. Your loved one could visit our site to look for a reputable bail bond agent in Thurston County who can then post the bail in your place to get you your temporary freedom.
Use a bail bond to gain temporary freedom after an arrest
The judicial system allows a commercial bonding company to put up a bail bond, also called surety bond, to help individuals arrested and charged with a criminal offense gain temporarily released from jail while awaiting their trial.
The law allows two types of bail bond-- a criminal bail bond and a civil bail bond.
To make it clear, a court does not require a criminal bail bond to punish you for your alleged criminal offense. You are still presumed innocent up until proven guilty. Even so, the court needs an assurance that you will appear at trial to face your accuser; hence, 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 amount will be given back to you. If you are found guilty, the bail will be used to cover the penalties and fines that the judge may impose on you. When you miss the court appearances, the bail will be forfeited and you will be subject to arrest.
On the contrary, the civil bail bonds imposed on civil cases work as a guarantee or a surety with the court where the financial obligations, claims, and fees enforced on the offender can be drawn from.
Should I hire a bondsman?
When you are able to pay bail on your own, you don't have to hire a bail bondsman. For one, they ask a charge for their service, in addition to the collateral you have to provide for what is undoubtedly categorized as a loan.
In nearly all states, the bail bondsman will charge around 10-20% of the overall amount of the bail bond. You will not get this money refunded even when you are acquitted of the charge. On the upside, you do not need to bother with submitting the paperwork or need to deal with court personnel because the bonding company will handle all that for you. Secondly, you will have a better chance of getting your bail request approved by virtue of the reputation of the bail bondsman alone. Thirdly, because of their experience with the process, you can be out of jail in a couple of hours.
And finally, the bail bonds company knows the value of a good impression while appearing in court. If you are transferred to the local or federal prison, you are going to be hauled to the courtroom in the official prisoner'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?
Choosing the right bonding company is very important. Unfortunately, there are dishonest agents around that exploit unsuspecting families that are already desperate .
So be prepared when you get in touch with a bonding company. Ask all your questions, and only after all your worries are quelled should you continue with the subsequent steps of employing their services. They can then continue with paying the bail and filing the required paperwork to get you or your loved one out.
Information your bondsman needs to have
When you contact a bondsman, you will have to provide the following details:
- Your name if you are the defendant
- The name and location of the prison where the accused is detained
- The booking number in the police blotter
- The charges filed against the defendant
- Any other related info
What is accepted as collateral?
In most cases, the bonding company requires collateral with the deal. This is understandable, considering the risks that are involved. An offender is a flight risk, and are plenty of occasions where a bonding company had to hire a bounty hunter to bring back the fleeing offender.
But what is acceptable as collateral? Basically, when a bonding company considers an asset valuable, you are able to use it as a guarantee for the bail bond. Below are a number of examples:
- Realty
- Autos
- Shares
- Jewelry
- Electronic devices
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
If you find that the bond is too steep, bail bonds companies often offer payment options that you can make use of. Just speak with the bail bondsman to determine which option is the best one when it comes to your circumstances.
You can use this website to look for a bail bondsman that is perfect for you. Most of them operate day and night, ready to assist you or your loved one to spend the least amount of time in jail as possible.
