Bail bonds
When you have been apprehended for a major crime, you have to stay in prison while awaiting the bail hearing. During the bail hearing, the court will determine the amount of bail that will give you temporary freedom. If you or a friend can raise the money, then everything is fine. However, if you don't have any funds available, you are forced to stay in jail while awaiting your court hearing -- a scary thing to consider. Thankfully, there is a way out of your predicament: You or a friend can get help from a bail bondsman who can pay your bail to the court, to allow you temporary freedom.
But how can you connect with a bondsman ? That's where our site can help: We will help you locate a trustworthy and dependable bail bondsman in Lauderdale County who can pay the required bail to allow you to get out of prison.
Why does a judge impose bail ?
The law permits the services of a bondsman to post a bail bond, also called surety bond, to help a defendant gain temporary freedom while waiting for their court appearance.
The judicial system allows two kinds of bail bond-- a criminal bail bond and a civil bail bond.
To be clear, a court does not impose a criminal bail bond to penalize you for your alleged crime. You are still innocent up until proven guilty. Even so, the court needs an assurance that you will show up at trial to face your accuser; hence, the requirement to post bail. If you attend all your arranged criminal procedures as required, and you are in the end found not guilty, the bail will be returned to you. If you are condemned, the bail will be used to take care of the penalties and fines that the judge may impose on you. When you skip the court appearances, the bail will be forfeited and you will be subject to getting arrested.
The same reasoning holds with civil bail bonds. The bail imposed on civil cases serves as a guarantee or a surety that the accused will have the ability to pay the fines and penalties that the judge may impose on the suspect after the trial.
Should I hire a bondsman?
If you are able to post bail by yourself, you certainly don't need to employ the services of a bondsman. For one, they ask a fee for their assistance, not to mention the collateral you must provide for what is definitely classified as a loan.
In nearly all states, the bonding company will charge a fee of about 10-20% of the overall amount of the bail. You can't get this money back even when you are cleared of the offense. On the upside, you do not have to worry about filing the paperwork or dealing with court personnel since the bonding company will take care of everything for you. Secondly, you will have a better chance of having your bail petition approved by virtue of the credibility and reputation of the bondsman alone. Thirdly, due to their experience with the process, you can be released from jail in a couple of hours.
Lastly, the bonding company understands the importance of a good impression while appearing in court. When you are transferred to the regional or federal jail, you are going to be transported to the courthouse in the official inmate's uniform. On the other hand, when you are out on a bail bond, you can dress well and make a good impression on the court.
How does the bail bond process work?
Finding a good bondsman is important. Unfortunately, there are dishonest individuals around that prey on unsuspecting families that are already desperate for help.
So be prepared when you contact a bail bondsman. Ask all questions you might have, and only after all your questions are answered should you continue with the subsequent steps of employing their services. The bonding company can then continue with posting the bail and submitting the necessary documents to get you or your loved one out.
Information your bail bondsman needs to know
When you speak to a bonding company, you will have to share the following details:
- Your name if you are the accused
- The name and location of the jail where the accused is detained
- The booking number in the police blotter
- The charges filed against the accused
- Any extra important info
What does a bonding company accept as collateral?
Not everybody will have the cash lying around to pay a bondsman, but that does not mean you can not utilize one to get yourself or someone else out of jail. If you do not have enough cash, you can also put up a few of your assets as collateral. Some items often accepted as collateral are:
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Visa or mastercard
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Jewelry
- Personal credit
- Bank accounts
Additionally, most bail agents will also supply you with the possibility for a payment plan that is within your budget and does not add more stress during these difficult times.
The bail bonds procedure can be confusing and equally wearisome, however the bright side is that most bonding companies are ready to assist you 24×7. Using our site you can search for a credible bondsman in Lauderdale County. They will be more than happy to help you secure you or your loved one from prison!
