Whether a person is guilty or not of a crime, he or she doesn't have to spend days or weeks inside a jail cell before the actual hearings by posting bail. Bail pertains to the money or property that you must post with the court in order to be released from jail. It is a way of giving the court assurance that you will attend your future court appearances.
The amount for bail usually goes higher depending on the nature of the crime, the defendant's financial status, his or her past criminal records, and other factors. It is not unusual for defendants to have difficulties paying cash for their bail. There are many instances as well when they don't have any properties to use as collateral instead of cash. In such situations, the best option would be to get help from a bail bondsman.
A bail bondsman will give the court a surety bond. This is a legal document or promise stating that you will pay the court if you fail to appear.
Many companies now specialize in providing assistance with paying bail bonds. However, not all these companies offer good and reliable services. To make sure you choose a good bail bondsman, consider the tips below:
Ask your lawyer for his or her recommendation. Whether you have a public defender or a private lawyer, the connections they have and experience in the legal world should be sufficient to point you in the direction of a trustworthy bondsman. Because bail bonds agencies tend to work closely with local attorneys, they will know which bondsmen are reliable and respectable and who they should recommend.
Ask to see a copy of their license and find ways to verify it. A good and trustworthy bail bondsman should have no problems having and showing a copy of their company's license. Local state licensing departments can also give you information about a bail bond agency's licensing status. You can also get details from these departments about any complaints filed against the agency or disciplinary actions taken over the course of their existence. You can easily get these pieces of information from the department's website.
Get details about the bondman's resources and experience. Lastly, although nearly all bail bonds agents must be paid the same fees, some bonds agencies will provide better and more flexible payment options and plans than others. The best bondsmen will always put their clients first by understanding their financial requirements and provide a solution that can fit into their capabilities.
