3 Things To Know When Bailing A Loved One Out Of Jail
Posted on: 19 September 2017
Learning that your child, spouse, or other loved one has been arrested is a very frightening experience. You want to do what you can to get them out of jail quickly, which typically means working with a bail bond company and paying bail. Before you sign any paperwork or pay a large amount of money to bail out your loved one, here are three important things to keep in mind:
Bail Bond Companies Have Different Payment Options
The bail amount is set by the judge, and you then pay a percentage of this total amount to get your loved one out of jail until their arraignment or trial. The percentage of the bail that you have to pay a bail bond company is set by your state, so you will have to pay the same amount no matter which company you work with.
While the amount you pay won't change, the way you pay can vary depending on the company. Some bail bond companies require upfront payment of the full amount, some allow you to work out a payment plan, and others require collateral. Hire the bail bond company you are most comfortable with, after verifying that their payment options work for your situation.
Your Loved One May Not Get Out of Jail Immediately
Even if you find a bail bond company as soon as you learn your loved one is in jail, complete the paperwork, and pay the required bond, your loved one still may not be released immediately. Your family member will have to complete the entire booking process, which can take several hours and typically includes a background check. It's important to stay calm and patient during this stage, and spend time finding a lawyer for your loved one.
You May Need to Put Up Collateral
In certain high risk situations, such as cases where your loved one already has a criminal record, you will need to put up collateral in addition to paying the bail bond. This means signing over something of value, such as your home or vehicle. As long as your loved one actually shows up to their court appearance, your valuables are not at risk. If, however, your family member flees and does not attend court, you risk losing your property.
Make sure that your loved one understands what is at stake and only put up collateral if you completely trust your family member to show up to court.
By following these tips and working with a trustworthy, experienced bail bond company, you will help your loved one get out of jail sooner and protect yourself financially at the same time.
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