Bail Bond Services in Columbus, OH
Handling All Types of Bail Bonds
Andy Callif Bail Bonds has been helping clients deal with incarceration and the legal system since 1960. Our trusted Columbus bail bonds team has the experience to work under various conditions, tackle late-night postings, meet with family members to discuss the entire process, and interview with many incarcerated individuals.
Several different variables can arise during the bail bond process, such as a new charge filed when a new arrestee undergoes a background check. We understand surprises are never welcome in this type of situation and we strive to keep our customers informed at all times.
Contact us at (614) 945-4334 to learn more about our bail bond services in Columbus. Reach out for an experienced bail bondsman in your area.
Understanding Bail Bonds in Ohio
Understanding bail bonds and how they work can be complicated. However, in the dire situation of an arrest, you’ll want to be prepared with all the facts. There are many different types of bail bonds to help someone who is in jail. Here’s everything you’ll need to know if you or a loved one needs help from a bail bondsman.
What Are Bail Bonds?
When an individual has been arrested for a crime, they may be released from jail by posting bail. A bail bond is a specified amount of money that is given to the county court in the form of cash or a surety bond in order to be released from jail. Bail is treated as collateral that ensures to the court the defendant will return after release from jail. If the defendant violates the conditions of the release or fails to appear in court, then the bail bond company will relinquish the money.
What Are The Different Types of Bail Bonds?
It's important to understand the different types of bail bonds and how they work.
Cash Value Bonds
In most cases, the judge will order the defendant to pay a set bail amount or otherwise remain in jail until at least the end of his trail. There are three types of cash value bonds.
- Cash Bond – This is when you pay the entire bail amount in cash. Some courtrooms also accept check and credit card payments.
- Property Bond – If the defendant doesn't have the full bail amount in cash, the court may allow him to use a property bond. With this type of bond, you can use property, such as a home, as collateral instead of cash.
- Surety Bond – This option is ideal for those who don't have the cash upfront to pay for bail. By working with a bail bondsman, you will be required to pay a fraction of the bail amount instead of the full amount. The bail agency will work with you to secure the release of your loved one.
Non-Cash Bonds
In some cases, the courts may not require a defendant to pay any bail amount.
- Release on Citation (Cite Out) – Rather than issuing an arrest warrant, the office delivers a citation to the defendant detailing the date and time of the court hearing.
- Release on Own Recognizance – In less severe cases, where the defendant is not a flight risk, the judge can waive the bail amount and release the defendant on his own recognizance.
Immigration Bonds
Immigration bonds are specifically set for illegal immigrants. The federal court sets these bonds in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Why Bail Is Crucial in Ohio
Defendants who aren’t released on bail have a harder time preparing their defense. They are also imprisoned as punishment for the duration they’re forced to remain in prison. If you are facing incarceration, time is of the essence and decisions should not be made lightly. If a client is being charged with a serious offense and poses a potential danger to the community and/or poses a flight risk, the price for their bond may be high or even denied. Fortunately, bail is typically available and affordable in a majority of criminal trials.
Bail Bonds Process in Ohio
The following are the general steps of the bail bonds process:
Arrest
When a person is arrested and booked for a crime, they now become a defendant.
Jail
Defendants wait for their arraignment or their first court appearance while they are in jail.
The Arraignment
The defendant will have a hearing where the judge will set the amount of money that must be paid for the defendant to be released from jail.
Payment
Once the bond is set by the judge, the full amount must be paid in order for the defendant to be released from jail. The individual or their friends or family may pay.
Bail Bondsman
If the defendant is unable to pay the full amount, a bail bondsman can help. When hiring a bail bondsman, the defendant will only have to pay a fraction of the total bond amount.
Release
Once the bond is paid, the defendant will be released from jail and is usually able to continue their daily life and activities as usual.
Court Appearances
For the bond to remain in effect, the defendant is required to appear at all required court proceedings. Failure to appear or abide by all court requirements in the defendant’s case could put the defendant’s freedom at risk as well as the money or collateral that has been put up for the bond.
Learn about the Do's & Don'ts of the bail bonds process in Ohio!
Expediting the Bail Process in OH
As soon as you enter police custody after an arrest, one of the first steps you must take is to post bail and get released before you must show up to trial. However, you must first appear in front of a judge, who will set your bail amount based on the details of your arrest, the severity of the charges against you, and your criminal history.
Once your bail amount is set, the following are several steps to take to get out of jail faster:
- Call a bail bondsman – A bail bondsman can help you get started with the process and determine the steps you must take to successfully post bail.
- Collect relevant information – You must have all the information about your charges in hand to ensure you are released as quickly as possible. You need to understand your charges in detail, your inmate number, and other important facts to help the bail bondsman begin the process of bailing you out.
- Learn the bail schedule – Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, the type of charge you’re facing is typically associated with a set bail amount.
- Invoke your rights – You have the right to remain silent and only speak to law enforcement and court officials while a lawyer is present. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court must appoint one for you.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Bail Bondsman
You want to ensure you are in good hands, so it’s important to ask the following questions before hiring a bail bondsman.
What is the Cost of Bail in OH?
The costs of bail bonds have many misconceptions. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to pay the entire bail amount to be released from jail. If you are limited on cash, you may be able to get a bail bond by using collateral. In most cases, you can make bail for the fraction of the total, court-ordered bond amount.
At Andy Callif Bail Bonds, every client receives a free initial consultation in which you can fill out our bail bonds application. The initial payment is made to us and is 10% of the bail, as is required by law.
Are You Licensed?
You want to ensure the bail bondsman you choose is reliable and licensed. The state of Ohio requires all bail bondsmen to be licensed. A bail bondsman must meet strict guidelines and complete a background check as well as all required training in order to obtain their license.
Am I Provided a Copy of the Contract?
Yes. When you hire a bail bondsman, you should be provided with a copy of the contract outlining the details and agreement for the bail bond.
How Fast Will You Get My Loved One Out of Jail?
Every case is unique but, time is of the essence. Contacting a bail bondsman as soon as possible can speed up the process for your loved one’s release from jail.
Bail Is Always on the Table
At Andy Callif Bail Bonds, our Columbus bail bonds team will always consider bail.
Our Columbus bail bondsman is prepared to assist with all types of bail bonds, some of which include:
- OMVI
- Driving without a license
- Illegal drug possession charges
- Domestic violence
- Spousal charges
- Felony cases
- Felonies & Misdemeanors
- Traffic Bail
- Weapons
- DUI
We’re well-versed in the area of white collar crimes, such as real estate and insurance fraud situations that carry large bond amounts. Our Columbus bail bondsman and reliable team can also aid defendants charged with murder. Andy Callif Bail Bonds has several years of experience bailing out high-amount, high-profile cases in addition to working directly with defendants’ lawyers. We believe this cooperative alliance benefits both clients and attorneys.
24/7 Availability
We are ready to post bail anywhere in Columbus, no matter what the time or day. Our Columbus bail bondsman can make financial services available to those incarcerated as well as their family members.
Why Trust Us?
When you are caught in a financial situation, it can be difficult to choose who you can trust to help. Andy Callif Bail Bonds gives you the advantage of having a licensed agent and an experienced company that can quickly determine the best way to handle your specific charges. Our Columbus bail bondsman can get your bond posted without wasting your time with unnecessary approvals.
Our knowledgeable agents will remain in constant contact with you to ensure you maintain an affordable bond. If any additional charges occur that may alter the process, slow down the release, or increase the bail bond, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Finance a Bond
Need money to fund your bond? Raising money is difficult – our experienced professionals completely understand this and are committed to assisting you. Whether you weren’t expecting an arrest or you’re low on funds, our bail bondsman in Columbus from Andy Callif Bail Bonds can work with you to help you solve your financial bail needs. If you have a job or have lived in the immediate community with family ties, we invite you to call us and see how we can help. Bad credit is not a problem.
What are the Benefits of Hiring an Ohio Bail Bondsman?
Hiring a bail bondsman in Ohio can offer several benefits in situations where a person has been arrested and is unable to afford the full amount of bail. Here are some potential benefits of hiring a bail bondsman in your area:
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Financial Assistance: When someone is arrested, the court sets a bail amount as a guarantee that the person will appear for their court hearings. This amount can be substantial and may be difficult for many individuals to pay upfront. A bail bondsman can provide financial assistance by covering the full bail amount in exchange for a percentage of the total bail. This allows the defendant or their family to secure their release without having to pay the entire bail upfront.
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Quick Release: A bail bondsman has experience and knowledge of the legal system, including the procedures and paperwork involved in posting bail. They can expedite the process and ensure that the necessary paperwork is filed correctly and promptly. This can help facilitate a quicker release from jail, reducing the time spent behind bars.
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Expertise and Guidance: Bail bondsmen are familiar with the bail process and legal system in Ohio. They can provide guidance and explain the defendant's rights, obligations, and responsibilities throughout the process. They can answer questions, provide information on court dates, and help navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensuring the defendant understands their options and obligations.
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Protection of Assets: When using a bail bondsman, individuals don't have to put up collateral or use their personal assets to secure the full bail amount. Instead, they pay a non-refundable fee to the bondsman. This can help protect personal assets such as property, vehicles, or savings that would otherwise need to be used as collateral if paying the full bail amount directly to the court.
It's important to note that the benefits of hiring a bail bondsman can vary depending on individual circumstances. Our trusted and licensed bail bondsmen can help. Contact us for a bondsman in your area.
Call (614) 945-4334 today to speak with us. Our Columbus bail bondsman and trusted team have the experience to help you face this financial battle.