Posting bail for a loved one can be a confusing and emotional experience. At detention bail bonds we believe in providing our clients with the guidance and support they need during this difficult time. In this article, we will walk you through the steps involved in posting bail for a loved one including choosing the right bail bonds, benefits, drawbacks and risk of collateral.
Choosing the Right Bail Bonds Company
Before you can post bail you need to find a reputable and experienced bail bonds company. This will make the entire process easier and less stressful on you and your family. The best agency will have years of experience will be licensed and accredited and will understand the local bail bond laws in your state.
The Benefits of Bail Bond Services
Using a bail bonds company is an excellent option for people who cannot afford to post cash or property as collateral. These agencies will typically charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount but they will handle all of the paperwork and protocols for your loved one’s release.
They will also make sure your loved one shows up to all their court dates. This will ensure that your loved one is out of jail as quickly as possible and will ensure they are able to prepare for their trial as quickly as possible.
The Drawbacks of Bail Bond Services
While using a bail bonds company may seem like the easiest way to post bail it can also have some serious risks. For starters, if your loved one doesn’t appear for any of their court dates the bail bond company can come after you for the full amount. This can be very expensive and it could even result in additional fines and jail time for your loved one.
Another issue with using a bail bond company is that they can charge a fee for every appearance which can add up quickly. Its important to talk to your lawyer about this before you sign on the dotted line.
The Risk of Collateral with Property Collars
Although property bonds are rare they can be a great option for people who don’t have enough money to pay cash or aren’t comfortable using a bail bond. These types of bonds usually require valuable assets such as vehicles or real estate to serve as collateral for the bail.
The risk with property collateral is that if the defendant doesn’t appear in court the court can seize the property and begin foreclosure proceedings. This can be extremely expensive and could lead to the loss of valuable assets such as a car or house.
You can always try to negotiate with the court to reduce the fees if you feel that it is too high for your situation. You can also speak to your lawyer about obtaining a partial secured bond which would allow you to pay a fee of around 10% to the court instead of going through a bail bondsman. This fee will be returned to you at the end of the case if your loved one appears for all their court dates and is acquitted.