Things You Should Know About Bail Bonds When Faced With Charges
You may have heard that a person who has been freed from jail is placed on bond. But how much do you know about bail bonds? Since you cannot tell when you might find yourself in the same situation, it is good to acquaint yourself with this information. When someone is in jail for any offense, they remain there until their hearing date is set. After that, the person is only be allowed to leave if the judge has ruled they are innocent or through bail bonds. Read on to learn more about bail bond services.
What Is a Bail Bond?
When charged with an offense, you do not have to stay locked up until the case is determined. Instead, you can post bail, which is the amount the judge sets depending on factors such as your criminal record, where you stay, and the severity of the crime committed.
According to the law, an offender is not guilty until proven. So even though you are in jail, you have a right to be free, which is why bail bonds exist. They act as an assurance that you will show up in court during the hearing date.
Sometimes, the bail amount is too high for you to afford. In that case, you will need the services of a bail bondsman who comes in and pays the amount on your behalf with a promise that you will pay it back later. Each bondsman charges a different percentage of the total bail, so be sure to look at all your options.
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
Generally, bail bond agencies operate around the clock. That is because people get arrested at any time of the day and week. Therefore, all the paperwork is processed electronically to speed up the process when you call the agency. However, you must agree that you will avail yourself in court when needed. A form of collateral is included to guarantee this promise. Besides, most services will ask for the full bail amount requested by the law enforcers and where you are jailed so that they can request your release.
The bondsman is given the hearing dates for easy follow-up on your case and receipt detailing the transaction. Should you fail to attend the court proceedings, the agent must pay the full bail amount. They will then hire a bounty hunter to trace you and put you back in jail.
Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law is not an easy thing to manage on your own. However, you don't have to be away from your family when waiting for your hearing; talk to a bail bond agent today for help.
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