What You Need To Know To Cope With Bail For A Family Member

You don't have to be confused and upset when you find out that a family member is in jail. Bail issues are a lot simpler than you think, thanks to bail bonding agencies. Read on for some quick and easy facts about dealing with this urgent issue, and have your family member out of jail in no time at all.

What Is Bail?

Bail is the cost of being free from jail, but it comes with conditions. If you choose to pay the full cost of the bail as determined by the judge, you are probably paying thousands of dollars you don't need to pay, however.

What Is a Bail Bond?

Bail bonds present a cheaper alternative to paying the full bail and can be easier to cope with for stressed-out family members. Instead of dealing directly with the jail or the court system, family members can call on an outside bail bonding agency, like First Choice Bail Bonds, and be guided through the process in a helpful and friendly manner.

How Much Are Bail Bonds?

It's much less expensive to buy a bail bond than to pay the bull bail cost. The bail premium fee charged varies from place to place, with the fees being set by the state, in most cases. Bail bonds are based on a small percentage of the full bail. If the full bail is $10,000 and the premium percentage is 10%, for example, you only have to pay $1,000 to purchase the bail bond. In most cases, there are no other charges.

What Should You Know About the Main Difference?

What sets bail and bail bonds apart is more than the costs. Any money paid for bail is refunded at the end of the case. Any money paid to a bail bonding agency is not refunded.

What About Collateral?

Bail bonds (and even regular bail) may not be enough to gain a defendant's release. If the bail is very high, they have a previous record, the charges are more serious, etc, collateral might be needed in addition to the money. Almost anything of value can be used as collateral: real estate deeds, car titles, valuable coins, jewelry, even electronics can be used for collateral. As long as all bail and bail bond conditions are met, the collateral is returned to the owner when the case is over.

What Are Bail Conditions?

You've heard the term "conditions," but the most important one is showing up for all court dates. Other conditions include not getting arrested, not carrying weapons, staying away from alleged victims, and more.

To learn more about the most convenient way to deal with a family member in jail, speak to a bail bonding agency as soon as possible.


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