Get Out of Jail: Three Things To Ask Your Bail Bondsman

When you’re ready to get out of jail, a good bail bondsman can make it happen. Unless you have the money to put up the entire amount of the bail yourself—which in certain circumstances is not only unlikely, but not even altogether wise—these are the people you count on to help you go home and collect your defense. No one wants to spend an extra day behind bars that they don’t have to, so it only makes sense to find a legal way to spend your time waiting for trial in the comfort of your home. This also makes it easier to contact attorneys and make your other arrangements. Before you decide on a bail bondsman, however, here are three things you should ask.

Where Are You Located?
This is always a good thing to know if you’re finding a bail bondsman off the internet or are fielding solicitations. There are a number of businesses out there that look for clients all over the country. Certainly, they can make a lot of money by doing volume business, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are right for your situation. They may be slick and have a veneer of professionalism, but they won’t have the contacts with the local legal system that someone else might. Don’t underestimate the power of politics. If you have a guy who knows the staff, the warden, and the sheriff and is on good terms with all of them, you might be able to get out of jail a little more quickly.

How Long Have You Been Doing This?
You may not think longevity has much to do with picking a bail bondsman, but it is always a good idea to go with someone who has years of experience. A new guy on the block may not know the fastest way to move through the system. And mistakes like that can cost you several hours, if not days, when it comes to when you will get out of jail. Choose someone with a lot of experience and a lot of time invested in the local system, and you’ll see things move like clockwork. Of course, being business a long time also speaks to their reputation.

When Can I Get Out of Jail?
This will, of course, be your primary concern. But while you may think the legal system would have the answer to this question, a great deal of the onus lies on the bondsman. How quickly can they post up the bond? Are they open on weekends and during late hours? What kind of staff do they have working for them? These questions can tell you whether you’ll be going home today or whenever the bondman gets around to it.