Learn About Bail Bonds Before You Post Bond for a Loved One

Aug 5
08:35

2011

Andrea Avery

Andrea Avery

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If you are considering using bail bonds to free your relative or friend from jail, you should get to know the basics of this process. Find out how it works before you risk your own finances.

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Not everyone understands how bail bonds work,Learn About Bail Bonds Before You Post Bond for a Loved One Articles so if you or a loved one is in trouble with the law and might need one, it is time to find out. This is because this entity can get you out of jail, but it does cost money, so make sure you have either cash or an asset that can act as collateral. Get to know the basics of this process before trying it out.

The process starts when you go to this type of business and request a bond in the amount specified by the court. The business has an agreement with a lender or insurance company, who gives them money on the premise that they will get their investment back when the customer pays. The company then gives the specified amount to the court in exchange for releasing the jailed person. Agents of bail bonds also make money since they take a small percentage of the deal, which is nonrefundable, meaning that they keep it whether the person appears in court or not.

The concept behind bail bonds is that when you get one, you are promising to pay back the money if the defendant does not appear in court when summoned. Once you agree, your loved one can get out of jail, as those in charge know that he has some incentive to return. This is because if he leaves town and does not go to court, not only will he be in legal trouble, but the person who got the bond will have to pay the entire amount. Think about this before you use your home or car as collateral when getting a bond for a loved one. Make sure that he will not betray you, since you could lose your asset for specified amount if they do.

Those who skip out on bail bonds can be in big legal trouble. In most cases, a warrant is issued for their arrest when they do not show up as required. If he flees the state, then the FBI may be on the lookout for him, as well as most police departments. Then, the bondsman can send a bounty hunter after them, whose job it is to find the criminal and bring him to the local courts for judgment. If he is convicted of the original crime for which he skipped town, the penalty will be much harsher than it would be had he stayed. Of course, you will also be financially responsible for the amount, which means you could lose the asset you used as collateral. Clearly, it is not a good idea to skip town in this situation, and you should make sure your friend or relative will not do so before you post bond for them.

It is good to have an idea of how the process works before you spend your own funds or risk your home posting bond for someone else. You can also have a bondsman explain it to you, but know that they make money off the process in most cases, so get an unbiased source to let you know the pros and cons.

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