Misconceptions About Bail Bonds

 Bail bonds can be very helpful when someone is behind bars. However, there are three common misconceptions about them that you should understand before you sign an agreement.

If you are in need of bail bonds, there are some common misconceptions floating around that you may need to be aware of. These confusions can prevent you from getting the help that you need to get yourself out of jail.

Misconception 1: You Can Negotiate

In some states you may be able to negotiate with your bondsman, but chances are it will do little good. First, some states set the price that these companies can charge. They are not allowed to charge more or less than a set percent, which makes the fee non-negotiable. If they did negotiate, they would be breaking the law. In states where this is not the case, strict competition among bondsmen makes it difficult for you to negotiate.

Misconception 2: Using a Bondsman Is Excessively Expensive

There is some truth behind this misconception, because using a bondsman is going to cost you, and to some, that cost is substantial. If you post on your own without a bondsman’s help, you will get the money back when you appear in court. When you go through a bondsman, the percent the bondsman charges is what he keeps as a fee when the bail money is returned. You do not see that money again.

However, there is still the set percent that the bondsman charges. So, the reality behind this misconception is that the fee charged is not at the mercy of the bondsman, but rather at the mercy of the courts. When the judge sets the amount for your security, the bondsman simply charges the set percent. If the fee is high, it is because the judge set a high fee.

Misconception 3: I Have No Obligation After Posting

If you are the individual posting for an arrestee, you have some responsibility. If you sign bail bonds, you become what is called an indemnitor. This means you are responsible for the person who has been released. If they skip town and refuse to go to court when the time comes, you could be held responsible for paying off the bond to the bondsman.

So, stop and think before you sign. Do you trust the individual enough to believe that he or she will show up in court when the time comes? If the answer is yes, then go ahead and sign. If there is a doubt in your mind, you may not want to sign. If you do, then you need to do everything possible to protect yourself by making sure the defendant shows up to all of his or her trial dates.

Remember, bail bonds are excellent tools to help you get someone you care about out of jail, but they need to be used carefully. Make sure you trust the individual you are bailing out and understand the fees that you will be paying. If you do, then this can be a very helpful way to avoid putting up thousands of dollars in surety for a loved one. If not, do your homework before you enter into an agreement with a bondsman. You will be glad you did.

Article Tags: Bail Bonds

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