After a loved one gets arrested, things always seem to happen so fast that one can easily feel overwhelmed. Amidst the chaos, you have to think of a way to keep your loved one out of jail. Fortunately, most people who get arrested are often released on a cash bail bond as they wait for trial. Since most people hardly have liquidated cash lying around, they can work with bond agencies. However, the challenge comes when one is unsure of the agency to go with. Below are some tips you can use to narrow down your search.
Get Referrals from Attorneys
Most bail bond agencies work with attorneys because, in most circumstances, it is attorneys that bailout an accused person. They, therefore, know a few bail bond agencies one can work with. In addition to that, you may find that when you go through your attorney, the fees are not that high, as if you would have gone in alone. Since choosing a lawyer is necessary for a trial, you should consider hiring one before posting bail. As their client, you can be confident they will only work with a reputable bail bond agency to help you.
Cheap is Not Always the Best Option
Do not allow cheap bail fees to entice you. It can be an indication of a bad company that is after a quick payout instead of helping you. Most bail bond agencies have a set fee that is in alignment with what the state has ordered. For most states, it is 10% of the cash bail bond. Some agencies will go as low as 8%. When you find anything less than that, you need to be alarmed.
Duty Officer
If possible, either you or your lawyer can get friendly with the detention officers. As they also deal with various bail bond companies, they likely know a few good ones. They can suggest a few names, and from there, you can do a bit of research and narrow down the list to an agency you feel comfortable working with.
Bond License
Any bail bond agency is required by the state to have a permit to operate. With that permit, there are stringent laws that the agency has to follow, ensuring they do not take advantage of people. Therefore, confirm that the agency you want to work with has a license. Some states have websites with a list of bondsmen who are certified. Use that to make a few recommendations.
Read Online Reviews
One of the great ways to know how a company is rated by other people is through online reviews. Go to the websites of different bail bond agencies and read what other people are saying. If there are many bad reviews, that should be a red flag for you to look for other alternatives.
If your loved one has been arrested, you do not have to worry that they will stay in jail till their trial date. If you follow the above tips, you can find a reputable bail bond agency to work with.
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