When someone you love gets arrested, you have to make a lot of high-pressure decisions in a short period of time. You need to find legal counsel, figure out how to post bail, and decide your next steps in their legal case.
Bail bonds are one option that can help you post bail, especially if your family doesn’t have enough cash on hand to post bail immediately. Bail bonds buy you time to figure out how to defend your loved one and adjust your case to their legal troubles.
If you’ve never had to deal with this problem before, you probably don’t know how the bail bond system works. This quick guide will tell you all you need to know in as short a time as possible, because your time right now is precious.
You and a Bail Bond Agency Create a Plan
The first step in using a bail bond is creating a plan. Actually, that’s the second step—the first step is finding the information you need. Record where your loved one is being incarcerated, their basic information within the system, so you can look them up later, and their bail amount.
Armed with that information, you can go talk to a bail bond agency. The professional bail bond agency called San Diego Bail Bonds recommends finding an agency that offers 24/7 same-day service. When someone you love is incarcerated, you don’t want to wait for regular business hours.
Once you have this information and find a reputable agency, you can create a plan for how you will get your loved one out of jail.
The Bail Bond Agency Posts Bail, But You Secure the Payment
Bail bond agencies are businesses that pay the full bail amount on behalf of you and your incarcerated loved one. If you can’t afford the full bail amount, the agency will post it for you.
However, that doesn’t mean you have no obligations. You still have to pay a portion of the bail fee to the bail bond agency. In the state of California, this fee is usually around 10% of the full bail amount. If even this is something that you can’t afford, talk to the bail bond agency. Those who work with the community offer payment plans to help families meet their obligations.
You Are Responsible If Someone Violates Bail Conditions
Remember that a bail bond is a loan, not a gift. The person who was arrested needs to meet all of the conditions of their bail, including court appearances. If the person does not make court appearances, that is the equivalent of defaulting on a loan, and you will be responsible for repaying the bail amount.
Like any loan, a bail bond requires collateral. This reassures the bail bond agency that if the arrested person violates the terms of the bail, you will be able to repay them. If you don’t have cash on hand, you can provide collateral with your property or by remortgaging your home.
Can Bail Bonds Help Your Loved One?
For most families, bail bonds are a key way they can support loved ones who have been arrested. A bail bond agency will post the full amount of bail on your behalf. You are still responsible for paying a part of the bail, making sure your loved one follows bail conditions, and informing yourself about how bail bonds work.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.