What do you do when you are arrested and the bail amount exceeds your savings? You will likely begin searching for a reliable bail bonds agency that can help you get out of jail and back to your family as soon as possible. Before reaching out to the first bail bondsman that pops up on your search engine, take a moment to answer a few important questions.
- Are They Local?
Although it might not seem essential, it is very helpful to choose an agency that is in your area. This not only simplifies any interactions you will have with your bondsman, but also makes his or her services more effective. Local bail bonds agents will have a better understanding of legal processes in your area, allowing them to advocate for you as best as possible. Consider searching for bail bonds Allentown PA.
- Are They Available?
Another feature you may wish to look for is whether or not an agency is open 24 hours per day. This will make communicating and working with your bail bondsman quicker and easier.
- Are They Experienced?
As when looking for an expert in any field, experience instills confidence. You may want to devote some time to browsing through some of the reviews for bail bondsmen near you. Testimonials from people who have already worked with the staff at a certain bail bond agency can give you an idea of how much experience they have and how well they have performed in the past.
- How Much Do They Charge?
As a final tip, be sure to know what the fee for the bondsman’s services will be. Oftentimes, agencies will charge one tenth of the total bail amount, but there can be some variation. Additionally, some bail bondsmen may require you to provide collateral.
Selecting a bail bond agent is not something to take lightly. You are not only asking these professionals for a sizeable loan, but you also will depend on them to be a sort of lifeline to you while you are behind bars. Choose wisely.