A Guide To Understanding Bail Bonds And Your Options For Helping Someone Get Released From Jail

Posted on: 27 June 2016

If you have a friend or loved one who has been arrested and you would like to skip the fees associated with going through a bonds company, it is important to be aware of important information about bail bonds. For instance, you eventually will get all or the majority of your money back, assuming that the person you are helping makes all of the court dates as scheduled. However, it could take months, or even years, in order to do so. Before deciding how to post bond for your loved one, it is a good idea to be aware of the following information about using a cash bond to get someone out of jail.

Do You Understand How The Bond Amount Is Determined?

It is important to note that the cost of the bond often corresponds to the amount of risk associated with the person who has been arrested. For instance, some individuals with little or no criminal history who have been accused of a small crime may be released on their own recognizance, which means they may not have to pay anything.

Alternatively, people with an extensive criminal history or those who have been accused of larger crimes, will usually have to pay a bigger bond. In addition, the dollar amount can also be impacted by the flight risk of the person in jail. If he or she has previously failed to make court appearances or skipped out on a bond, it is likely that getting them released from jail will be pricier.

Should You Pay The Bond Personally?

If you can afford to pay the amount of money required by the courts to release your loved one, it may seem like the right choice. However, you should only pay that amount of money in full if you are certain that you can do without it for a long time. While some court cases settle quickly, others can drag on for years. You will not get your money back until the case is determined or dropped. Some courts will also charge an administrative or handling fee for bonds, meaning that you won't get all of your money back in the end.

Also remember that by choosing to pay the full amount personally, you are assuming all of the risk for the person who has been arrested.

Is A Bail Bonds Company A Better Choice?

A bail bonds company will typically charge about 10% of the total bond amount to get someone out of jail. You can usually pay in cash, money orders and credit cards. Regardless of how the case is settled, you will not get that money back. However, paying the fee is worth minimizing your personal risk. If the person were to abscond, he or she would be chased down by the bond company, while if they were released with your money, you would lose the money and collateral.

In addition to the dollar amount, a bonds company may also ask for physical collateral, like the deed to your home or expensive property. Once a person has been released on bond, they will be required to comply with the law, not commit any crimes, and obey any court orders. Calling the bond company daily or weekly may also be necessary and failure to comply with any of the above mentioned requirements could revoke the bond, resulting in a new arrest.

In conclusion, the decision to get someone you trust out of jail is a significant one. Before committing to paying all of the bond personally, it is a good idea to consider the information provided above. Contact 24/7 Upper Marlboro Bail Bonds for more information.

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