4 Questions to Ask Your Bail Bondsman

Finding yourself in need of a bail bondsman is never an ideal situation. But, it’s good to know that in a time of trouble, you have someone there to protect you. After all, bail can range up to tens of thousands of dollars.

If you’re in need of a bondsman, do your research. Make sure you understand what they’re offering and the specific payment terms. We’ve compiled a list of 4 questions to ask a prospective candidate, should you ever need to hire one.

1. How Long Does It Take to Get Released?

Your bail bondsman can’t necessarily speed up or slow down the process. But, they usually can give you an accurate time frame for releasing the defendant. Use your best judgment with the answers you get to this question; if it seems too good, it probably is.

Bondsmen are responsible for paperwork, in addition to performing their surety roles. This shouldn’t have a large impact on the time in which someone is to get released.

2. How Much Will The Bond Cost Me?

Each state has its own regulated fee on what bondsman can charge for their services. A North Carolina bondsman can charge up to 15%. So, if a bondsman is trying to offer some sort of deal, steer clear.

These guys are operating illegally and their offer will not stand in a courtroom. Most bondsmen have proper licenses, so you can inquire about that if you’re feeling wary. (Also, keep in mind that it’s unconstitutional to jail people who can’t afford bail.)

3. What is The Bail Bond Process?

Getting arrested is unsettling, and it’s understandable you may have some questions about the process. A bail bondsman should be able to walk you through their portion.

We’ll give you a quick overview. Once we’re contacted, we gather basic information to learn about the defendant and their situation. If both parties agree to the terms, a customer must pay us before posting bail. The defendant is then released at a time determined by the jail.

4. How Long Have You Been a Bail Bondsman?

A lot of people get into the bonds business for bad reasons, such as making a quick buck. You should always inquire about how experienced a bondsman is before hiring.

This will prove to you how able he or she is to provide an adequate service. You don’t want to move forward with someone who doesn’t understand the processes. That will only cost you more in the long run, as you’ll have to pay for a new agent.

Let’s Wrap This Up

If a loved one finds themselves in some trouble, don’t freak out. Take things one step at a time, starting with the bail bondsman process.

Those located in the Raleigh area should look no further than Absolute Bail Bonds. We’ve been in business since 1996, so we know a thing or two about the process. Contact us today so we can get you out of a pinch.