Need To Post Bail? 2 Things About Bail Bonds You Should Know
Is someone you know in jail and need your help? The whole experience can feel overwhelming and stressful as you figure out how you can assist with getting them out of jail. There will be a specific process that must be followed, and bail could be required to get them out of jail and back home until their trial. Here are two things about bail bonds that you should know about before you move forward with getting one.
A Bail Bond Requires Cash and Collateral
The bondsman that you select will require that you give them cash or collateral before supply the necessary cash to get someone out of jail. The collateral required depends on how much money is necessary for bail. If the bail amount is high, then you may be forced to use a high value item like a vehicle or property that will cover the amount of bail needed.
A bail bond doesn't come for free either. There are state laws that determine how much you can be charged for your bail bond, which is based on a percentage of the bail amount. For example, Alabama has a mandated 10% premium on bail bonds, Florida has a minimum of 6.5%, and Colorado has a maximum of 15%. Make sure you are familiar with your state's bail bond laws so that you are charged fairly.
A Bail Bond Requires a Responsible Party to Sign Paperwork
Getting a bail bond requires more than paying the premium and offering collateral. You will need to sign paperwork that states you are responsible for the person you are bailing out of jail. If they decide to skip a court date and risk losing the bail that has been paid, you will be responsible if you signed the paperwork.
You will want to make it clear to the person you are helping that you have put a lot on the line to get them out of jail early. The money for bail may have not been yours, but there will be consequences of losing your collateral if the person you're helping skips bail and doesn't show up to court. Not only is there a risk of losing the bail amount, but the person that was released could be put back in jail if caught.
Contact a local bondsman, like one from Betty Bail Bonds, if you have questions about getting a bail bond. Every case is different, so don't be afraid to seek out help with answering those difficult questions.
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