Over 10,085,210 individuals are arrested every year. If your loved one is part of this statistic, your main goal is to get them released as soon as possible.
Finding a bail bonding agent is an important step, but choosing the first one you find can hurt your cause. You’ll need to gather the right information and do a bit of research.
Read on for tips on how to find the right agent for your needs.
Gather the Necessary Paperwork
Find important information about your incarcerated loved one before searching for a bail bond agent. This could include:
- Proof of identity
- The defendant’s name and criminal history
- Location of the jail
- Bond amount
- Details of the crime
Extra information helps the bond process go more smoothly, so bring along anything you can.
Check Their Credibility and Reputation
Make sure that you only work with licensed agents who have the proper certification and insurance. Meeting these requirements is a sign you can trust them. Most agents do, but a few try to get by without taking the necessary first steps.
There are also industry standards to follow. This includes following state requirements for how much of the bail amount they can offer. In most states, the rate is up to 15%.
Look into the bail bond company as well, and don’t just check their website. Visit the Better Business Bureau to see the rating and reputation that this bias-free organization has given them. You should also check reviews from previous clients.
Look Into Which Type of Bonds They Offer
There are as many different types of bail as there are crimes, including everything from domestic violence to traffic bail bonds. It’s a common misconception that every agent will be willing to take on any type.
A bail bond service may specialize in a certain type or amount, so make sure that their expertise matches your needs.
Ask About Their Rates for Bail Bonds
Finding a local agent is more than convenient. It’s also a way to avoid extra fees to offset the cost of crossing state lines.
Lower rates don’t always mean better service. Make sure that the bail bonding agent charges a fair and legal percentage of the total bail amount. You should also look for one that offers fair payment plans and financing.
Find Out How They Communicate
Call a bail bonding agent in advance to speak with them and determine how they’ll communicate with you.
They should understand that having a loved one in jail is a difficult experience. They should be able to explain the entire bail bond process clearly and concisely in a way that displays their knowledge and answers your questions.
At the same time, a bail bonding agent should never claim to be in control of when your loved one will get out of jail. They can speed along the process, but the courts always make the final decision.
Most of all, the agent should be available 24/7, ready to answer your questions at any time.
Choose the Best Bail Bonding Agent
Arrests are a stressful experience, and a bail bonding agent is the key to getting through the process as quickly as possible. Make sure to find one that’s reputable, affordable, understanding, and available 24/7.
A Be Out Bail Bonding is a reputable bail bonding service with licensed agents. Contact us today to learn how we can help release your loved one from jail.
