Bail bonds
If you are detained for a serious criminal offense, you will need to stay in jail while waiting for the bail hearing. During the bail hearing, the judge will decide the amount of bail that will get you released from jail. If you or a friend has the money available, then everything is fine. However, if you don't have any available funds, you are forced to remain in jail while waiting for your trial -- a scary thing to consider. The good news is, there is a way out of your predicament: You or a friend can seek assistance from a bail bondsman that can pay your bail to the court, to allow you temporary freedom.
But how can you get in touch with a bail bond agent ? That's where this site can help: We will help you search for a reputable and reliable bail bondsman in Mercer County who can post the required bail to allow you to get released from prison.
Exactly what is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a surety bond that is offered by a bonding company to help with 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 defendant shows up during the trial and at the same time guarantees that the defendant 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 expenses imposed on the accused.
Should I hire a bondsman?
When you can afford to put up bail on your own, you certainly don't need to have to hire a bonding company. For one, they require a small fee for their service, in addition to the collateral you have to provide for what is certainly classified as a loan.
In almost all states, the bondsman will collect around 10-20% of the total amount of the bail. You will not get this refunded even when you are acquitted of the charge. However, you do not need to worry about filing the necessary documents or need to deal with court personnel because the bondsman will handle all that for you. Secondly, you will have a better prospect of having your bail application approved because of the credibility and reputation of the bail bondsman alone. Third, because of their familiarity with the process, you can possibly be released from jail in a couple of hours.
And lastly, the bail bondsman 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 transported to the courtroom in the official prisoner's jumpsuit. In contrast, if you made bail, you can dress smartly and ensure a good impression on the court.
How does the bail bond process work?
Finding a good bail bondsman is very important. Unfortunately, there are dishonest agents around that take advantage of unsuspicious families that are already desperate .
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 take the subsequent steps of employing their services. The bondsman can then start with paying the bail and submitting the required paperwork to get you or a family member released from prison.
Information your bondsman needs
When you get in touch with a bail bondsman, you need to share these details:
- Your full name if you are the suspect
- The name and location of the jail where the accused is held
- The booking number in the police blotter
- The complaints filed against the offender
- Any other relevant info
What is accepted as collateral?
Almost always, the bail bondsman will ask for collateral with the transaction. This is understandable, considering the risks that are involved. An inmate is a flight risk, and are plenty of occasions where a bondsman had to employ the services of a bounty hunter to recover the fleeing suspect.
But what is acceptable as collateral? In a nut-shell, when a bonding company considers something valuable, you are able to use it as a guarantee for the bond. Listed below are a number of examples:
- Realty
- Autos
- Stocks
- Jewelry
- Electronic devices
- Bank accounts
- Visa or mastercard
If you find that the bail bond is too high, bail bonds companies often offer payment options that you can make use of. Simply talk to the bondsman to figure out what option is the best one when it comes to your situation.
You can use this website to look for a bondsman that is perfect for you. Almost all of them are open day and night, ready to assist you or a family member to spend the as little time as possible in prison.
