It can be very stressful when someone you care about is in jail. Finding a bail bond agent, you can trust to help you post-bond can ease some of that stress.
Choosing a licensed, professional, experienced bail bond agent is essential. They should be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with a contract with the details of their services.
How long have you been in business?
The bail bonds industry is volatile, and a new company with little experience may need more time to be ready to handle the stresses and responsibilities of the business. It would help if you always worked with a well-established, experienced company with the resources and staff to address any challenges.
A reputable bail bonds Allentown PA agent can explain the process clearly and concisely. They will also understand that most clients have never worked with a bail bond before and must be educated on the process.
You want a local bail bondsman who will be invested in your community and have a good reputation. This will ensure that you receive fast service and that they will be held accountable to local laws and court procedures.
Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?
A rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) indicates a business willing to work with you and make it right. You should always ask a bail bond company if they are listed with the BBB, their rating, and where to find that information online.
Locally owned bail bond agents are invested in their community, and they will want to maintain an excellent reputation amongst the people they serve. They also understand how stressful the bail bond process can be and will be more likely to take steps to ease your burden.
The best bail bond companies will be upfront and open about their fees. They will be able to answer all of your questions in an easy-to-understand way.
How much are you going to charge?
Using a bail bond agent can be more affordable than paying your bail directly to the court. However, most companies charge a percentage of the total bail amount and require some collateral.
The best bail bond companies are transparent about their fees and explain them clearly. They will also inform you if they require other charges, like processing or administrative fees.
Choosing to bail someone you care about out of jail is commendable, but make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. It’s essential to understand the risks involved so that you can be prepared for what could happen if they fail to show up for their court dates. The severity of the crime will play a significant role in the judge’s final decision regarding bail amounts.
How long will it take to get my friend or loved one out of jail?
When someone you care about gets arrested, you want them out of jail as fast as possible. While hiring a bail bond agent helps speed the process up, things are still out of the control that can keep them behind bars.
The most important thing to do is gather all the relevant information, including when and where they were arrested, what charges they face, and which jail they are being held in. The more information the bail bondsman has to work with, the faster they can get your loved one out of jail.
In addition to gathering this information, you should also ask about their fees. Some companies charge a flat price, while others charge a percentage of the bond amount.
What are your fees?
It’s a good idea to ask about the fees that you will be charged. Most reputable bail bond companies charge around 10 percent of the total amount they front for their clients. If a company charges much lower than this, looking elsewhere is best.
The state government regulates bail bond agents, so the fee that they charge will likely be similar no matter which company you choose. However, some companies will try to sneak in additional fees and conditions, so ensure you understand your contract’s terms before signing.
If you are putting up real estate as collateral, be sure to ask how long it will take for the bondsman to foreclose on the property. This can be lengthy, so you’ll want to understand the timeline.
