If you have been arrested and bail is set, you might wonder whether you should contact a bail bond agency. These companies can help individuals post bail so they can be released from jail while they await their day in court. Whether you need one depends on several factors, including the amount of bail and your financial situation. If you choose to hire an agency, you must agree to specific terms and conditions and pay a premium before an agent posts bail on your behalf.
Andy Callif Bail Bonds can deliver the assistance you need in Columbus. Contact us at (614) 945-4334 today.
How Do You Know Whether You Need a Bail Bond Agency
In most cases, determining whether you need a bail bond agency is relatively straightforward. It all depends on whether you've been arrested and charged with a crime and, if so, whether a judge has set bail.
If bail is set and the amount is too high for you to pay, it's time to call a reputable bail bond company. They can assess the situation and discuss available options. In addition to financial assistance in paying for the bail, these agents can also guide through the bail process. Working with an experienced agency is an effective way to get out of jail quickly while avoiding significant financial losses and potential legal risks down the road.
Knowing whether you need to contact an experienced bail bond agency isn’t complicated. It’s important to think about all possible avenues to make an informed decision suited to your circumstances.
What Does a Bail Bond Agency Do?
A bail bond agency is a licensed business providing services related to the release of individuals awaiting criminal trial. An agent for the company will listen to your needs and prepare all required paperwork to secure release from custody.
Once all documentation is prepared, the bail bond agency will then post bail at the court to guarantee payment should you fail to appear in court for any of your scheduled hearings.
Ultimately, the agency will help relieve some of the stress you might be facing by providing the necessary knowledge and support during this difficult time.
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?
A bail bond is essentially a financial guarantee that you will return for court proceedings once you are released from jail. The standard fee for a bail bond is 10% of the total amount of bail. For example, if bail is set at $10,000, the cost would be $1,000. The premium is a non-refundable payment for the bail bond company’s services. The bail bond agency may also assess additional fees, depending on individual circumstances and details of each specific case.
If you or your family cannot afford the premium and additional fees, you may be able to use collateral initially and arrange a payment agreement with the company.
What Are the Terms and Conditions of the Bail Agreement
Before the agent posts your bail, you will sign a contract with the agency outlining your obligation to follow all directions the court and the bonds person gave.
The terms and conditions of your contract might include:
- Making regular check-ins;
- Obeying regulations concerning good behavior; and
- Reporting any changes of name, address, or phone number.
Additionally, you will be responsible for paying the company the full bail if you do not make any of your court dates and your bail is forfeited.
It’s essential to know the terms and conditions you must abide by when receiving the assistance of a bail bond company. Noncompliance could have adverse consequences.
How Long Does the Bail Bond Process Take?
The amount of time the bail bond process takes depends on the specific situation. To start, you must research companies to find the one for your needs. After selecting an agent, you will be asked to fill out paperwork to provide details about the charge and your background.
Once everything is signed, the agent will post bail with the court, allowing freedom from jail. Depending on the jail’s resources, you can expect to be out of custody within a couple of hours.
While this timeline may vary according to the severity of the crime or legal complexities involved, understanding how long it takes can help bring peace of mind during a difficult time.
Contact Andy Callif Bail Bonds
If you need assistance from a bail bond agency, speak with one of our agents about your situation. Our team can ensure that you have the details you need to confidently move forward and seek release from jail as soon as possible. We proudly help those in Columbus.
Please call us at (614) 945-4334 or submit an online contact form today.