Busting The Big Bail Bonding Myths
Like many other aspects of the criminal justice system in this country, bail bonds are often very misunderstood. Thanks to TV and film, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there about bail and bail bondsmen. With that in mind, we think it’s well worth taking a closer look at these myths and the truths behind them. Here are some of those misconceptions.
Myth: You Need The Full Premium Amount To Post Bail Bail bondsmen do require a premium payment to post bail for you. That amount is usually about 15% of the total bail set by the court. A $10,000 bail amount will require a $1,500 bail premium. But you don’t need the full amount in many instances. You can use collateral to have the bail posted for you, then pay the premium amount in monthly payments.
Myth: You’ll Get All Of Your Premium Back
Bail bondsmen earn their living off of premium amounts. That 15% is their fee for the service they provide. It’s something you shouldn’t expect returned.
Myth: Real Estate Is the Only Acceptable Collateral
Many assume that putting land or a home up for collateral is the only option if you don’t have the needed money for the bail premium. But everything from a vehicle to electronic equipment might be accepted by a bondsman. This varies, but it’s worth checking with your bondsman to see what they’ll accept.
Myth: As Soon As You Pay The Premium, Your Loved One Is Released
Sometimes, the jails just work slowly. It takes time for your loved one to be booked, and after the booking it can still take some time for bail to be posted. 2 to 8 hours is the average amount of time, but it could take as long as 24 hours. This isn’t the fault of the bondman – jails operate at their speed, and we can’t do much to speed them up.
Myth: If the Defendant Doesn’t Show Up For Court, It’s The Bondsman’s Problem
Yes, the bondsman will end up taking retrieval action to get the defendant into court to get their bail back. But you might end up having to pay court costs and other fees. This can be hundreds of dollars, and it’s important to understand that if your loved one skips bail, it will cost you, too.
There are a lot of myths out there about bail, and it’s good to know the facts before you agree to the process. Contact us today and talk to our agents to ensure you know everything about bail before you enter an agreement. We’ll answer your questions and help get your loved ones out of their situation.