3 Financial Myths Surrounding Bail Bonds

If you require the services of a bail bondsman, you probably have some preconceived notions in your head. Below are three common financial myths surrounding bail bonds and how a bail bond agent can help you to secure the release of your loved one from jail while they're awaiting trial.

Myth #1: All Fees Will be Refunded After the Court Appearance

When you hire a bail bond company to bail out a loved one, you pay a premium fee to secure the bond. This means you pay a small portion of the actual bail that was set.

After all court appearances have been made, you may expect to receive a refund. If you had paid a cash bail directly to the court, this would be the case, but because you used a bail bond company, you won't receive a refund at all. The premium you paid is not refunded because you paid for a service—the bail bond company ensured the release of your loved one while taking on all of the risks associated with bail, and that premium covers that service.

Myth #2: Bail Bond Fees are the Same No Matter Where You Go

The fees that a bail bondsman charges can differ between agencies across state lines. While the typical amount is about 10% of the bond amount, this can vary accordingly.

Fortunately for you, bail bond agents are professionals who are expected to meet certain requirements to stay in business. This means that bail bond companies must post their fee schedule up front. This keeps you from receiving surprise bills. While you will be liable for additional charges if the defendant skips out on court, additional fees cannot be charged as long as the defendant makes their promised appearances.

Myth #3: Bail Bond Companies Can Help to Lower Your Bail Amount

It's important to remember that bail bond companies are completely separate from the courts. Bail bond agents offer a service to their local community, but they don't have any say in court decisions.

When a judge considers the bail amount, they not only look at the seriousness of the crime they're being charged with, but also past criminal history and risk of flight. All of these factors are carefully considered by the judge before bail is set. Once bail is set, only a judge can modify it. While a bail bondsman can help you to meet bail for your loved one, they cannot negotiate bail amounts with the court.

If you find yourself needing the services of a bail bond agent, it's a good idea to look around and consider all options. While the majority of agents charge similar fees, there can be a bit of a variation depending on agency. For more information, call local bail bond agents to learn about their fees and how they can help you to secure release for a loved one. To find out more, speak with a business like Quick Bail Bonds by Mario Vallejos.

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