5 Things to Look for When Choosing Immigration Bond Services
Living conditions within immigrant detention centers are harsh, and many are located within jails. If your loved one has been detained, they can get out if you pay for their bail.
However, the payment process can be confusing, and not everyone can afford the full amount upfront. That’s when you need a reliable immigration bail bond agent to handle it for you. Here are the things you should check for when the right one for your loved one’s case.
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Licensed and Insured
The first thing you should know about bail bond agents is whether they’re licensed and insured. This means they have gone through the necessary training and know the immigration bond hearing process and the payment process.
Ask them for a state-issued certificate. If they can’t provide one, you might be dealing with an illegal business.
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A Proven Track Record
Check how experienced they are. How long an agent has been working as a bail bondsman is important, but some of the most successful also have prior experience in other law-related jobs. For example, they may have previously been in law enforcement, signaling that they’re familiar with the bail bond process.
When consulting with a bail bond agent, ask them how long they’ve been in business and how experienced they are. Check online reviews to get a better assessment of their services’ quality.
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Affordable Fee Structure
One of the main benefits of hiring an immigration bail bondsman instead of processing your loved one’s bail yourself is that you can pay just a percentage of the total bail amount with the addition of collateral. Bails can cost thousands of dollars, so this arrangement makes them more affordable.
Bail bond agents usually charge between 10% and 15% of the total. Those that charge you 10% aren’t necessarily more affordable, though. Some of them also have annual maintenance fees for as long as your loved one’s immigration case is ongoing. Consider hiring those that charge a higher percentage, as many immigration cases can take years to resolve.
Ask bail bond agents about their payment options as well. Depending on state laws, they may be allowed to include interest rates in your payment plan. Some companies may also charge a lower percentage for higher bail amounts.
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They Specialize in the Immigration Bonds You Need
There are four different types of immigration bail bonds:
- Delivery bond: Once paid for, the defendant is released. However, they are required to attend all their court hearings.
- Voluntary departure bond: This is for detained immigrants that agree to leave the U.S. within a specified time at their own expense. The bail amount is refunded once they’ve left.
- Order of supervision bond: The defendant is free to live and work within the country while their case is ongoing while adhering to specific conditions.
- Public safety bond: Ensures that an immigrant does not become a public charge, which is defined as an individual dependent on the government for subsistence. If the immigrant in question accepts public assistance, it will be reimbursed to the government.
When consulting with a bail bondsman, ask them which types they specialize in. Your loved one’s bail will be posted faster if you choose someone familiar with your specific situation.
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Multilingual Services
There’s a good chance speaking to an immigration bail bond agent who doesn’t speak your first language will lead to quite miscommunications. An error could compromise your loved one’s case, so it’s important to choose a bail bond company that offers multilingual services. This ensures they can effectively communicate with you and your loved one.
Post Your Loved One’s Bail Through Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds
Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds offers high-quality immigration bond services. Have your loved one’s bail processed as quickly as possible. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at (800) 537-0645 or filling out our contact form.