Posts Tagged ‘bail bond’

What To Look For When Searching For A Reputable Bail Bond Company

May 1st, 2011

Most people wouldn’t know where to begin when searching for a reliable bail bond agent. Having a need for a bail bond agent isn’t a situation that most people prepare for in advance. There are professional agents in the Houston area who have proven to be very reputable.

You should be aware that not all bail bond companies are reputable and due to the nature of the business make sure the agent you choose has a good reputation, has been in business for a number of years and has not moved their locations for no obvious reason. If a service uses unethical or illegal practices, offers legal discounts or illegally contacts you about using their services do not use them.

In Texas, when someone is arrested, the defendant, a relative, or a friend contacts a bail bond company; the bail bond agency will normally give a free phone consultation, and gather basic information about the situation to assess approval. The agent will be able to answer questions about what normal procedures are, and how the process will work.

Any available financing options can be explained by the bail bond representative and it is important that you understand that the bail bond company will not secure bail to the person arrested unless all fees are paid in advance. Because of this requirement it is vital that you quickly take care of paying all fees with cash, credit card, personal check or arranging for special financing.

The purpose of a bail bond is to ensure that a criminal defendant shows up on their assigned time and date for their court appearance. In the event that a defendant fails to appear, the signer(s) of the bail contract agree to pay the court in full for the amount of the bond. Bond is held for a defendant until the charges are brought to a conclusion with either a dismissal, settlement, or a conviction.

Learn more about Houston Bail Bonds and what they can do for you.


How Does Bail Work

September 7th, 2010

Bail is the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security given for the due appearance of the prisoner.

When a person is arrested and charged with a crime they will be required to wait in custody for a sentencing hearing or pay money to be released while waiting for the sentencing hearing. The money required for the release of the prisoner is called bail. It can be paid by anyone, including friends, relatives or bail bonds companies to the jail.

Consideration put up for bail, typically cash, is returned to the client when the offender appears at their trial. The return of bail consideration does not hinge on the outcome of the trial. The return of bail money is dependent on the accused offender’s appearance at all court proceedings and that they follow all of the instructions of the court. Almost all people accused of crimes in California are offered bail privileges by the court. However, in the case of capital crimes bail is often revoked as an option when overwhelming evidence can be presented by the District Attorney.

Occasionally the court allows an accused offender to be released without posting bail. This is commonly know as “on their own recognizance.” Such cases are based on the suspects apparent good behavior and lack of criminal record. In these cases, bail might be required if the suspect fails to appear in court.

Most often, when someone is arrested and accused of a crime, they will need to post bail in order to obtain release from incarceration. Bail can be posted by anyone possessing the ability, or if the funds are not available a bail bonds agency can extend the bail as somewhat of a middleman. A bail bond issued by a bail bond company is known as surety.

Once the bail bondsman pays the bail fee, a 10% fee is charged to the client. 10% is a California State regulated amount. The bail bondsman only collects payment once the trial is complete. Occasionally, the court takes 10% if a bail bonds company is not used. Clients must agree to show up to court and be present at all legal proceedings. Should a client fail to attend any legal proceedings, additional fees will be applied to the bill.

Should an offender fail to attend a trial or show up for a court appearance, the bail bondsman may employ a bounty hunter to locate the suspect. Bounty Hunters are professionally trained employees who track down fugitives who have ditched their court appearance or “jumped bail.” Once the fugitive is found, the bounty hunter will return the suspect to jail. If an offender jumps bail, the fees used to employ the bounty hunter are tacked onto the original bail bond cost and thus more expensive for the client.

Looking to find the best deal on bail, then visit www.bailbusters.com to find the best advice on obtaining a bail bond fast and easy.