What to Expect When Getting A Bail Bond For Someone Else

You've been asked to help bail someone out of jail, but you don't know what to expect.

What are the steps? How much will it cost? Is there anything I should be aware of before signing for a bond?

Here's what you need to know about getting a bail bond for someone else. To start, we'll walk through the process and costs involved in securing a bail bond. Next, we'll talk about some things that can happen after your friend or family member is released from custody and how they may affect them and their loved ones. Finally, we'll give you some tips on how to avoid common mistakes when securing a bail bond so that everything goes smoothly!

What Are The Steps Before Getting A Bail Bond?

Step 1: Call a bail bonds agent. When someone has been arrested and needs to get out of jail before their court date, the first step is getting a bail bond. The fastest way out of jail is by using a bail bondsman, so you'll want to contact a bail bond agent immediately.

Step 2: The paperwork. Once you've called a bail bondsman, they'll explain what the next steps are. This is often where people run into problems with getting a bail bond. After you explain that your loved one needs to be bailed out of jail, the agent will tell you there's paperwork to fill out and ask if you can come by their office as soon as possible.

Step 3: Posting bail. Once you've filled out the paperwork, the agent will file it with the court and post bail. The amount of time this takes varies depending on whether or not there's someone already in jail who can sign for them to be released. How long they stay incarcerated is up to the judge that ordered their arrest; however, if your loved one has an attorney, they may be able to get them out of jail sooner.

Step 4: Release from jail. The second they're set to be released, the agent will call you or meet you at the jail. At that point, you can pick up the defendant from jail.

How Much Does Bail Cost With A Bondsman?

Typically, the defendant's family is required to pay 10% of their bail to get them out. That means that if their bail is set at $10,000, you'll need to pay $1,000 before they can be released from jail.

You may also be charged fees by the court and/or agent for paperwork and filing.

You May Need Cash For The Bond

Oftentimes people assume they don't need to bring cash with them, but that's not always the case. Some bail agents require cash to post bail; others will accept a credit card.

If your loved one is unable to make bond (meaning their family cannot pay the full amount of their bail), they will stay in jail until trial or another hearing.

You Might Need Collateral For Bail

Every bond is different and it can depend on a variety of factors — the crime that was committed, how well the agent knows you and your loved one, and even what city they're in. A bail bondsman may ask for collateral to secure their bond. Collateral is some kind of valuable asset that the bail agent can keep if you do not show up for court.

If you're not able to post the entire bond amount, you may also need someone else to sign for them or cosign for their bail. That means they'll have someone else in court with them if they don't show. If your loved one has an attorney, their lawyer can likely help find a cosigner.

For smaller charges like traffic infractions, the bail is usually low enough that the bail bondsman will not require collateral. However, for more serious crimes, if you need a lot of money for their bail, then the bondsman may require collateral. Bail agents may require the deed to your house or the title to your car.

If it is a larger charge, the bail will be set high and you may need collateral to secure the bond. A good place to start is by talking to a friend or relative who would be able to help.

Collateral in this case is to protect the financial best interest of the bondsman, should the person they are helping to bail out of jail not follow through with their end of the deal. If that happens, you are held legally accountable for the money that the bondsman paid and he or she can collect that by taking possession of the collateral that you provided. If everything is completed successfully, you would get the deed or title back.

If you are looking for bail information, then the best thing you can do is contact a reputable 24 Hour Jail Bail Services company. Not only will they be able to help get your friend or family member out of jail quickly, but they'll also make sure that all the collateral requirements are clearly explained.