Being arrested is one of the scariest things that can happen to someone. There is a lot of misinformation about bail bonds that can make the process even more intimidating.
Bail bond agents are people here to help you through a tough time. Here are five common myths about bail bonds debunked.
They Are Only For Criminals.
For some reason, bail bondsmen get a bad rep. Maybe it’s because of their direct association with the criminal court system or because they’re viewed as gruff ex-cons trying to help their friends avoid the clink. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Bail bond agents are professionals with families like any other, and they care about the safety of their community.
In addition, Lancaster County bail bonds can save loved ones from missing work or being incarcerated indefinitely. Every day in jail means a missed paycheck and possibly losing your job, which can lead to even more trouble in the future. The best way to prevent that from happening is to post bail. Bail bonds are a great option for those who can’t afford to pay the full bail amount.
They Are Expensive
Bail bonds are used frequently in movies and television shows as plot devices to build suspense. As such, many people believe that bail bonds are costly. The bail process is designed to be as accessible as possible for all individuals. If the court finds that the amount required to post bail will cause undue hardship, it may reduce or eliminate the bond amount.
Once released on bail, the defendant must agree to appear in court for all scheduled hearings. Failure to do so can result in the forfeiture of the bail amount and a warrant for arrest. If this happens, the bond company usually hires a bounty hunter to find and apprehend the individual. This can be very expensive and often results in further charges being filed.
They Are Not Regulated.
Bail bonds are essential to the criminal justice system but often misunderstood. Many people think that bail bond companies are crooks and not properly regulated. This is untrue, as strict standards must be met to be a bail bondsman. These include background checks, training requirements, and a state-issued license.
Despite these regulations, for-profit bail bond companies have been accused of preying on individuals, especially those in poor communities and communities of color. They also violate individual rights by requiring them to sign contracts that permit them to search their home and review private information such as phone, bank, and medical records without a warrant. This violates the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.
They Are Not Available Everywhere.
Bail bonds are vital to the criminal justice system, allowing people to continue their lives until their trial. However, they are often misunderstood and can be a source of stress for families. This is due to myths and misconceptions about bail bonds.
Many of these myths are perpetuated by movies and television shows that show bail bondsmen as big, scary, and intimidating. In reality, bail bondsmen are just regular people who care about their clients and the communities they serve. It is also a myth that bail bond agents charge their clients extra fees. Bail bond agents only charge their clients a fee to secure the bail bond. No further fees are charged if the defendant appears for all their court dates.
They Are Dangerous
Being arrested can be one of the most frightening experiences ever. There is much information and advice about what to do next, but some needs to be corrected. Bail bonds allow people to remain free as they await trial for their case. However, many people released on bail must obey various rules and conditions the court imposes.
Because of this, some people believe that bail bond companies are dangerous. However, the reality is that bail bondsmen are just like any other professional in the business world. They follow strict regulations and are regulated by the state where they operate.
