The moments that you never think would ever happen are the ones that catch you completely off guard. This applies to fun, happy things like being thrown a surprise party or meeting the love of your life. But, you could also find yourself in some sticky situations, like losing your engagement ring or landing yourself in jail.
Luckily, there’s a way to fix the latter.
Finding a bail bondsman to loan you some money is one of the fastest ways to get out of jail. This doesn’t mean you’re out of trouble with the law. It just means you’re able to go home, get cleaned up, then start figuring out how to present your case.
Here are 7 things to keep in mind when you’re trying to make bail, though.
1. Identify What Your Bail Amount Is
Every bail bondsman has a limit on how much money they’re willing to offer lenders. After all, people who have a tendency to get in trouble with the law aren’t exactly the most trustworthy. So, lenders have to be very careful about who they offer bail loans to.
Make sure your bail amount can be covered in full by a certain lender. Asking multiple bail bondsmen for various amounts of money only complicates the process even more.
2. See What Kind of Fees Are Added
Just as each bail bondsman has a different number in mind of how much they can lend, they all have their unique set of fees.
Always ask about additional charges before you agree to move forward with a lender. This ensures that you get all the money you need to get out of jail, but that you don’t pay a penny more than you should.
Take note of any services fees or transaction fees added to the amount of money you’re lending. It’s normal for a bail bondsman to add interest to the amount you owe. But, the interest should be set at a reasonable rate.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask an Officer
Hopefully, this is your first time dealing with a bail bondsman. You know who is used to interacting with these people, though? Officers!
If you’re not in too much trouble, it might be worth asking an officer which bail bondsman they recommend you use. It sounds like a backward way of finding the help you need, but it works.
4. Get a Reference from Your Defense Attorney
Not comfortable asking an officer about how to make bail? Talk to your defense attorney about it instead. Whether this is someone you hired yourself or someone who was assigned to you by the state, they definitely know a good bail bondsman or two.
Talk to your attorney about who you should use. Maybe even see if they’re willing and able to negotiate bail for you! There’s no guarantee this will work, but in some cases, it’s worth a shot.
5. Check a Company’s Reviews
Recommendations from people who work in the legal realm are very helpful. But, they don’t always paint the full picture. You want to take the time to read company reviews before you pull the trigger on taking out a big bail loan.
See what other customers have to say and pay close attention to how satisfied they are with their bail service overall. Some reviews may mention how helpful one bail bondsman is while another review may talk about a different bondsman in a bad light.
You want to find the absolute best, right? The reviews will help you ensure you’re on the right track.
6. Consider Other Options
Just when you think you’ve found the perfect bail bondsman, take another look at all your options. Sometimes, it’s worth going through an agency to find your bail bondsman.
That’s right – there are entire agencies dedicated to helping people find a bail bondsman. These people take care of the entire search process. They relieve you of the awkwardness of having to ask an officer and they take care of the stress of reading reviews and comparing everything, too.
Plus, your information is confidential when you go through an agency, which is a pretty nice perk to think about.
7. Read Your Contract
No matter how you find someone to help you make bail or whoever the bondsman turns out to be, take the time to read your contract. The last thing you want is to sign a bad deal just because you’re feeling desperate.
You need to set your emotions aside and think about the most rational decision. This prevents you from creating more problems than you’ve already landed yourself in.
Not to mention, it helps you get the best deal for your bail bonds.
Read over every single line in the contract. Make sure you understand what your payment expectations are and how the interest has been set up. Check again for any additional fees and talk to a bondsman about how much time you have to pay everything off.
The more you understand your contract, the better.
Find the Ideal Bail Bondsman for You and Yours
Whether you’re the one who’s found themselves in need of a bail bondsman or you’ve taken it upon yourself to help a loved one in need, you’ve come to the right place. The tips above will help you find the absolute best person for the job.
Or, you could discover everything we have to offer!
We’re the best bail bondsman for the job, and here’s why.
