Frequently Asked Questions About Bail Bonds

Posted on: 4 November 2015

Landing yourself in jail can be a scary and stressful experience. However, the majority of people who are arrested are entitled to bail. Bail allows you to get out of jail until your trial, allowing you to work and defend yourself against the charges. Most people use a bail bonds company to post bail on their behalf. If this is your first time in this situation, you may have many questions about how a bail bonds company works. Here are some answers to the questions you may have.

How Much Does a Bail Bonds Company Charge?

The amount that bail bonds companies charge to post bail on your behalf varies from state to state. However, the majority of companies charge around ten percent of your total bail amount as the fee for their service. As such, if your bail is $10,000, you can expect to pay a bail bonds company around $1,000 to post bail on your behalf.

Can a Bail Bonds Be Negotiated?

Another question you may have about bail bonds is whether or not you can negotiate the fees for your bail bonds. In most cases, bail bonds are regulated by a state agency. This agency regulates how much bail bond companies within the state can charge, including a minimum and maximum amount. As such, bail bonds companies cannot negotiate the amount that you have to pay for their service.

It is important to note that while you can't work with a bail bonds company to negotiate your bail amount or the fees they charge to post bond, you can request a bail hearing with the court and possibly get your bail amount reduced or lowered. However, these hearings can take a few days, during which you will be incarcerated. However, this is a great option for those who can't afford their bail at the current amount that it is set at.

Can Payments be Made for Bail Bonds?

If your bail amount is high, coming up with around ten percent of that amount to secure a bail bonds can be challenging, and bail bonds companies understand this. As such, many are able to work out a payment plan in exchange for them posting bail for you. Depending on the situation, collateral and/or co-signers may be necessary. It is also important to understand that companies may charge financing fees and high interest rates for the payment plan.

Is the Money Returned if Charges are Dismissed or The Jury Returns a Not Guilty Verdict?

If your charges are dismissed or you are found not guilty, you may be wondering if your bail bonds fee is returned to you. The answer to this question can be a bit confusing. If you were to bypass a bail bonds company, and post bail yourself, you would recoup all of the bail amount back once charges are dismissed, you are sentenced, or you are found not guilty. However, if you use a bail bonds company, you do not receive any of the money back under any circumstances. The bail bonds company charges you a fee to post a bond on your behalf. They perform a service for you, and that service was still performed, even if charges are dropped.

No one imagines that they will find themselves in jail. However, if you made a bad decision, you can find yourself there. Luckily, unless you are considered a threat to public safety, are considered a flight risk, or are probation or parole, you will be entitled to bail. Bail can help you get out of jail and on with your life. Unfortunately, bail is expensive, which is where a bail bonds company can help. Getting answers to the questions you have about bail bonds companies can help you to better understand the process should you find yourself in this position.

Read more about bail bonds services by visiting professional websites, or contact a professional company to learn more about their rates.

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