What Should I Know Before I Contact A Bail Agent?
- Where is the person in custody? (Make sure that you ask the person in custody where they are located including the city, state, and the name of jail).
- What is the full name and booking number of person in jail? The bail agent will need this information in order to contact the jail.
- How much is the bail? While the bail agent can get this information when they contact the jail it’s best to know it when you contact them. With the bail amount, the bail bondsman can tell you the amount it will cost to post a bond and requirements to get the person out of jail.
How Do I Get A Bail Bond?
- You can use a bondsman.
- You can post cash for the full amount of the bond with the court or jail.
- You can use real property (such as a home or a lot) with the court.
- The judge can decide to let the defendant go on their own recognizance.
What If I Think The Defendant Is Not Going To Show Up For Court After I Have Posted The Bond?
Contact the bondsmen as soon as possible so that they can discuss your option in full detail with you.
Can The Defendant Leave The State Or The Country While On Bond?
You will have to discuss this with your bonding agent. If the court has given you direct instructions not to leave the state or country you must then get permission from the bail agent and the court before leaving. Otherwise you are subject to arrest.
Do I Get My Money Back After The Case Is Over?
There are a few exceptions to this but you do not get your premium back that you paid to the bonding office. This fee is what allowed the defendant to get out of jail and is fully earned once the defendant is out of custody. For example if the defendant gets rearrested a week later you get no portion nor a refund of any money. If the bondsman fails to live up to his end of the contract then and only then you may be entitled to a refund of some kind.
