Going to jail can be a stressful ordeal, and chances are, you want to get out as soon as possible. You can when you work with a bail bond agent. However, it's important to use these tips when choosing one of these professionals to ensure this whole experience goes smoothly.
Check Credentials
There are some bail bond agents who operate under false pretenses. They may not be licensed in their state to work as one of these agents and are only in business to rip people off. That's why it's important to protect yourself from these agents by always checking credentials.
Verify that the bail bond agent you're working with is licensed to work in your state. You can find this information on their company website, and you can also check with the Better Business Bureau. If you get any weird vibes about the authenticity of an agent's practice, keep searching until you feel comfortable.
See How Payment Works
So that you avoid confusion and potentially more legal problems, you need to know how payment works for the particular agent you're working with. A lot of agents require a small percentage down based on your bail amount. They'll then cover the rest as long as you show up to your court dates.
If you don't have any money to give up front, there are some agents that will take collateral. They may take jewelry or some other type of asset to ensure you show up to court. Just make sure whatever payment method the agent offers, it works for your financial situation.
Make Sure They're Accessibile
Since your family probably will be the ones talking to this bail bond agent, it's important that the agent is extremely accessible. They should be easy to talk to and get a hold of, no matter what time of day it is.
Your family will have a much easier time working with the agent if they offer a 24-7 service. So even in the middle of the night or on a holiday, your family and the agent can work out some type of deal that enables you to post bail and get out of jail.
While in jail, you may think life as you know it is over. It doesn't to be if you follow the right protocol when hiring a bail bond agent. After some careful consideration, you should be able to choose an agent that facilitates this entire process.
