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If you or a close family member has gotten arrested, you’d most likely be unprepared and not know what to do. There comes the point where the detained person can be released before their trial by paying a bond amount.
But in most cases, the bond is expensive, and some people can’t pay it all in one go because they might not have the money required. For this purpose, you’d need to contact a bail bonds company.
Having the right people behind you can make all the difference, and it’s important to know how to find them. So, to help you out, here are some tips to consider when choosing a bail bond company.
Verify if the Bail Bond Company is Legit
Bail bond agents and their companies are required to hold valid and active licenses from the state they operate in. To check their certifications, visit the official website for your state’s insurance administration or ask them directly and confirm its validity.
Any accredited bondsperson will be willing to show proof of their license and certification when asked. Avoid dealing with a bondsperson if they seem suspicious or are unwilling to give you these documents.
Check the Fees You Need to Pay
Remember, bail bonds are like loans, and you need to pay them back. But because it’s such a difficult and fragile situation, people might not think things through properly, which opens doors for scammers and companies to exploit them. The best bail bonds company is one that informs you about their fees and service costs upfront in a clear way.
By law, if you choose to use the services of a company, you’ll have to compensate about 10 percent for the workers to post bail, which means you’ll have to pay a small fee but not pay the whole amount on the spot. So, you should do your research and look for companies that offer the best deals.
Choose a Bail Bondsman that Can Be Flexible
A bond dealer who will provide surety bonds will most likely require a defendant or a trusted family member to show collateral and prove that they have enough money in assets to pay the bail bond.
While some bail bondsmen can be strict and absolute about the willingness or lengths they can go to, it would be ideal to pick someone that can be flexible and would work with you to provide a payment plan according to your financial situation.
Look for Attorney-Referred Bonds
A criminal defense attorney is crucial for most cases, and if you’ve hired one already, it’s best their recommendation because companies that work with defense attorneys typically get a better reputation for their work.
If you get a bail bond referred through your lawyer, the charges can be lowered to 8 percent, ultimately saving you money. This will also ensure that you pick a reputable firm that won’t run off with your cash or try to exploit you.
Read Reviews and Clients’ Experiences
Reading reviews and public opinion about the company and the bail bondsperson is a great way to get an idea of what to expect and know what people think about them. So, before picking any company, visit their website or reputable online forums to read what people say about their services. It can be helpful to get suggestions from other people who are in a similar situation to yours.