Bail is money you pay to get a loved one or yourself out of pretrial detention. Generally, the amounts are high to incentivize the return to court for required appearances. Although bail can’t be excessive, it might not be something you can afford to pay on your own, which means your loved one must remain behind bars while their case is pending. However, you can have a bail bond agency post bail on your loved one’s behalf.
So, what’s the process of getting a bail bond?
Several steps are involved, including waiting for the bail amount, researching different bail bond companies, and signing an agreement with the agency.
Do you need a bail bond in Columbus? Call Andy Callif Bail Bonds at (614) 945-4334 or contact us online to get started on the process.
What Is a Bail Bond?
If your loved one has been arrested, they will be held in jail (often referred to as pretrial detention). Having them in custody ensures that they will show up for future court hearings.
But, your loved one does not need to stay in pretrial detention while their case is pending. If granted, they can post bail to get released from jail. Several factors determine the amount you would have to pay.
Because judges are concerned with ensuring that defendants appear for hearings as required, they usually set bail amounts for thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. It might not be possible for you to pay this out of your own pocket. Your option would be to get a bail bond from a licensed agency. With this avenue, you would pay a 10% premium for the company’s services, and one of their agents posts the bond with the court.
How Do You Get a Bail Bond?
You must go through several stages to get a bail bond for your loved one. These steps are outlined below.
Wait for the Bail Amount to Be Determined
Before reaching out to potential bail bond companies, you must know what it’s going to cost to get your loved one out of jail. The amount can be based on a pre-determined bail schedule or decided by a judge at a hearing that takes place about 72 hours after your loved one’s arrest.
Contact Local Bail Bonds Companies
Once you know how much your loved one’s bail is, you can begin reaching out to bail bond agencies. Not all companies provide the same type or level of service. Thus, it’s essential to do your research to ensure that the agency can help with your loved one’s case and that you get the attention you need and deserve at this difficult time.
There are different ways you can find local bail bond agencies. The most common is doing an online search. If the company has a website, review it to get an overview of its process, the types of cases they handle, and what past customers have had to say about their experience with the company.
Once you’ve narrowed your list of bail bond agencies, call them or set up an appointment online. During your conversation, ask questions about how they can help and what it means to work with them. These queries can help you get a feel for what to expect. You should be comfortable with the agency you hire. After all, you will be working with the agent at one of the most important and stressful times in your life.
Complete the Bail Bond Agreement
After you have chosen a bail bond company, the agent will draw up a contract. The document indicates your obligations for securing the bail bond and your responsibilities after your loved one is released from jail. For instance, the agreement may state that you are taking responsibility for the entire bond amount if your loved one fails to appear in court.
When you begin the process with the bail bond company, you may also be able to arrange a plan to pay the premium in installments. Discuss your options with the agent before signing anything.
You can sign the contract if you agree to the terms and payment plan. Once the paperwork is finalized, the bail bond agent will post the bond with the courthouse.
Get Started with Andy Callif Bail Bonds
Our team is committed to offering reliable bail bond services in Columbus. We recognize this can be a difficult time, which is why we give straightforward answers to your questions and clearly explain our process. We have helped countless individuals seek pretrial release and have received favorable reviews from past clients.
We invite you to contact us at (614) 945-4334 to discuss how we can get your loved one back home.