Questions To Ask A Bondsman Before Hiring Them

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A bondsman is the best person to seek help from when you have a loved one sitting in jail. These guys can work with you to get your friend or relative out of jail. But before you hire a bondsman, you must ask them the right questions. These questions help you know if you are on the right track and if the bail bondsman is the right fit for you.

How Quick Can the Process Be Concluded?

The main goal of using a bondsman is to get a defendant out of jail. You don't want the defendant to remain in prison for days or weeks. That said, it would be fair to ask how long the process will take. Remember, the process involves filling out the paperwork, making the payment, and securing the defendant's release. The bondsman should give you an estimate of how long it might take to conclude everything.

Can You Explain the Process?

Most folks have never dealt with bail bond agents before. Therefore, most of them don't understand how the agents do their thing. Luckily, you are free to ask the bondsman to explain how the bail bonds work. These guys will take you through all the steps and what is required to get assistance.

Do You Have Limits on Bail Amounts?

Companies have different policies on the bail amount they can cover. So, ask if the company has a cap on the bail bonds they can issue. Some companies prefer to deal with small bail amounts because they have low risks. With that in mind, you should mention the bail amount to the bondsman. The agent will then tell you if the amount is within their limit.

Do You Need Collateral or a Co-Signer?

Bail bond agencies have a set of requirements that you must fulfill before they secure your bond payment. Some will require collateral and a co-signer, while others just need collateral. Ensure you get clarity from the bondsman to know what you'll work with. 

Remember, the agencies need collateral for security purposes. It's hard for defendants to skip court dates when their assets are on the line. Also, a co-signer can help bounty hunters to locate defendants after bail jumping.

What Are Your Charges?

Bondsmen are in business and expect to make money when they post bail for clients. As such, you must ask how much money they charge. Most agencies charge 10% or 15% of the total bail amount. So, it's upon you to decide if you are okay with their charges. 

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28 December 2022

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