How to Hire a Bail Bondsman

Jail. The word alone can make a person shudder. If a member of your family or a friend ends up in jail, an initial and primary consideration will be how to hire a bail bondsman. In a very real sense, hiring the most effective, efficient and reputable bail bondsman is crucial. There are specific steps you must take to ensure you engage the most suitable bail bondsman in the shortest amount of time. Your freedom depends upon it.

Things You'll Need

• Cashier's check for bond amount (or credit card) State-issued ID card Title to automobile if requested Title to real estate if requested

Instructions

1. Get references for a bail bondsman. You do not want to wander around blindly and nab just anyone to provide you with bail bond assistance. You need to choose a person who is responsive, ethical and affordable. If at all possible, obtain a reference or a recommendation.

2. Call the bail bondsman and explain the circumstances of the person incarcerated. Because of the nature of the business, the typical bail bondsman is available around the clock, every day of the year. You need only place a call and discuss the situation briefly with the bail bondsman. He will contact the jail or court and determine what needs to be done for bail.

3. Make an appointment with the bail bondsman. Often, that appointment will occur at the jail. The typical bail bondsman will be happy to meet with you at whatever location is convenient for you.

4. Complete the application for the bond. Keep in mind that by arranging for bail you may be asked by the bail bondsman to guarantee the bond itself. In other words, you will cosign the bond and be responsible for payment to the court or to reimburse the bail bond company if the defendant violates the conditions of the bond.

5. Pay for the bond. Typically, the cost of a bail bond is between 10 and 15 percent of the total bond assessed by the court. For example, if the bond set by the court is $10,000, then the bail bond will be between $1,000 and $1,500. This money is not returned to you.

6. Execute paperwork that gives the bail bondsman a lien on an automobile or real estate, if required. Depending on the size of the bond placed by the court, the bail bondsman may need additional security for the bond. In this regard, the bail bondsman may request a lien on a car or on real estate.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cosign a bail bond, you personally are responsible for paying the outstanding bond should the defendant fail to appear in court. The bail bondsman will come after you for reimbursement of the money he paid to the courthouse if the defendant fails to comply with bond terms. If you use your car or real estate (your home) for collateral, you also run the risk of losing your car or home should the defendant violate bond terms.

References

• Nationwide Bail Bonds
• Bail Bonds, Nationwide Services

Resources

• American Bar Association, Section of Criminal Justice