What do I do Now?
On your first visit with a bail agent for a state or federal bond, be sure to bring the following information about the defendant:
- City, state and name of jail where defendant is in custody.
- Indicate whether it is a city jail, county jail or federal facility.
- What the defendant is being charged with.
- At least the full name of the defendant, but if you can also get the booking number, it will save the bail agent the time and trouble it will take to get that information.
- The amount of bail set for the defendant, so the bail agent can tell you how much it will cost to post a bond and let you know what is required to get the defendant out of jail.
Once bail is posted the amount of time it takes for the defendant to be released from jail depends on whether he/she was booked in a city jail, county jail or federal facility. If the defendant is booked (i.e., fingerprinted, photographed, warrants checked, etc.) in a city jail, it typically takes 15 minutes to 1 hour to be released on bail. County jails, however, take longer. It normally takes 2 to 8 hours and sometimes up to 24 hours to be released on bail after the defendant is booked.
Premiums paid for bail bonds are not refundable and upon the release of the defendent are fully earned. You are no longer liable for the defendent's bond when he/she has completes all of their court appearences, and when all premiums have been paid. It is best to contact the agent when the bond is exonerated by the court, for the fast return of any collateral pledged and to confirm that the bond is exonerated.
Before you sign any contracts with any bail agent, be sure to:
- Get itemized receipts for all charges.
- Ask for copies of all signed contracts and agreements.
- Make sure the bail agent with whom you are dealing will be available to you after the bail bond has been posted. Bail Agents provide a service to you, and you pay for that service. Be sure you ask all questions that may arise (or prepare your question beforehand), and make sure that your bail agent is helpful and available throughout the entire process.
- If financing is available, be sure you understand the terms of the financing agreement prior to agreeing to and signing anything.
- Verity the premium your bail agent is charging. Bail premiums are set by surety companies and regulated by your state's department of insurance, and the normal premium for a bail bond is usually 10% of the full bail amount. However, federal bond premiums can be as high as 15%. Any additional charges should be itemized and explained to your satisfaction.
- Make sure you only deal with a licensed bail agent. Ask to see the bail agent's license and identification prior to conducting any bail transaction.
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