A request from someone to post bail is startling and confusing, especially if you’ve never done it before. While your first instinct may be to ask questions and get details, refrain and ask only what you need to know, such as the location and the amount of the bail. When someone has been arrested and doesn’t want to spend time in jail, time is of the essence.

Obviously, the first thing to ask is how much money to bring. Most jails have standard amounts that have been set by judges when considering common crimes and this figure is not negotiable. Get full information from the booking officer and ask if the judge has demanded cash. If the answer is “yes”, you will need to produce actual money, since personal checks are almost never accepted. There are a few states in which debit or credit cards can be used, but the process involves a third entity and is somewhat complicated, so if cash is required, a quick stop at an ATM is your best bet. Once the cash is turned over to the booking officer, the arrestee will be released to your custody. By doing this, you are taking responsibility for seeing to it that he shows up for trial, after which your money (less some administrative charges) will be returned to you.

On the other hand, if bail is set at an amount beyond your means, you will need the services of a bail bondsman. The booking officer may be able to suggest bail bond companies in your area, or you can simply look in the local phone book for a convenient office. Once there, be prepared to answer a fairly lengthy list of questions and to part with some cash.

The usual non-refundable fee bail bond companies charge is at least 10 percent. For example, if bail is set at $5,000, you will need $500 in cash to obtain it. They will ask about your relationship to the defendant, what you know about his or her background, employment, living arrangements, and any other information about him or her that you may possess. Additionally, they will get a report from the police on the details of the arrest. If the bondsman thinks that the defendant might not show up for trial based on what they learn, they may ask for additional collateral from you. What this amounts to is that you may be asked to back the loan with property worth the full amount of the bail in addition to the ten percent fee. In other words, you may be putting your house, your car and any other property you value at risk.

Given these circumstances, it’s clearly a better idea to pay the money yourself if you can afford it rather than to use a bail bond company. No matter which you choose, it’s important to recognize that the process will be expensive. Even a best case scenario court case is costly. After paying lawyers and court costs, the person you bailed out is likely going to be in debt. You’ll be just one more person he or she owes money to. Thus, think twice about posting bail for anyone unless you’re in a financial position to shell out a substantial amount of cash for an indefinite period of time.

In Miami, Florida, if you’re looking for an experienced bail bondsman, call on Blandon Bail Bonds. Family owned, they offer the lowest legal rates, and have bilingual agents available 24/7. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services