About Me

Finding Out About Financing

When you start shopping for a car, you might be more concerned with additional features and specialty paint jobs than you are about the monthly bill. Unfortunately, the wrong financing can cost you dearly. Compound interest never sleeps, which means that you might be paying much more than you should if you work with the wrong lender. I want to help you to make great financial decisions, which is why I created this website. However, if you can remember a few tricks and keep those payments to a minimum, you can drive away with the car of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Finding Out About Financing

The Process Of Working With A Bail Bondsman: A Step-By-Step Guide

by Colleen Porter

When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, they may be granted bail, allowing them to be released from jail until their court date. If you've never previously posted bail, here's what working with a bail bondsman involves.

Step 1: Find a Reputable Bail Bondsman

When looking for a bail bondsman, it's crucial to find a reputable, licensed professional. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or legal professionals, or conduct an online search to find bail bond companies in your area. 

Be sure to verify the bondsman's credentials and read reviews to ensure they have a history of providing reliable and trustworthy services.

Step 2: Contact the Bail Bondsman

Once you've identified a bail bondsman, contact them to discuss your situation and learn about their fees and requirements. 

Most bail bondsmen charge a non-refundable premium that's a percent of the bail amount as their fee for providing the bail bond. They may also require collateral, such as property or other valuable assets, to secure the bond and ensure the defendant appears in court as required.

Step 3: Complete the Bail Bond Application

After agreeing on the terms, you'll need to complete a bail bond application. This typically involves providing personal information about the defendant, such as their name, address, date of birth, and details about the charges they are facing. 

Step 4: Provide Collateral and Pay the Premium

Once the bail bond application is approved, you'll need to provide the agreed-upon collateral and pay the premium. Collateral may include real estate, vehicles, jewelry, or other valuable assets. The premium is typically paid in cash, but some bail bondsmen may accept credit cards or offer payment plans.

Step 5: Bail Bondsman Secures the Defendant's Release

After receiving the premium and collateral, the bail bondsman will post the bail bond with the court, securing the defendant's release from jail. The release process may take several hours, depending on the specific jail and its procedures.

Step 6: Fulfill the Bail Bond Obligations

Once the defendant is released, they must fulfill their bail bond obligations, which typically include appearing at all court dates and abiding by any court-ordered restrictions. The co-signer is responsible for ensuring the defendant meets these obligations and may be held financially responsible if the defendant fails to.

Step 7: Bail Bond Exoneration

If the defendant fulfills their bail bond obligations and the case is resolved, the bail bond will be exonerated, and any collateral gets returned to the co-signer. However, the premium paid to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and is considered a payment for their services.

Share