Before You Call a Bail Bondsman: 4 Facts to Know

Having to get a loved one out of jail for the first time can be an unnerving experience. Especially when you’re unfamiliar with bail bonds and the entire process. Friends and family may recommend that you call a bail bondsman.

Should you? If so what should you know before you contact them?

First off, it’s important to know the basic facts before you contact an agent. This will help you feel at ease through the entire process of getting your friend or family member out of jail.

These are four facts will help you understand bail bonds and the responsibility you will take before you call a bail bondsman.

Fact #1: Bail bonds are loans

When a person is arrested, they are immediately put in jail. They will then have to wait until a bail hearing, which is when a judge will set a bail amount. That bail amount must be paid to the court if the person arrested is to be released from jail. If the bail isn’t paid, then that person will have to stay in jail until their court hearing. The bail amount will be returned as long as the defendant shows up for all court dates.

When you call a bail bondsman what you are seeking is a bail bond that is essentially a short-term loan that the agent pays to the court on your behalf so that the defendant can be released from jail.

Like all other loans, there is a fee.

This fee varies state-to-state but in South Carolina the fee cannot exceed 15% of the total bond amount (face value).

That fee is non-refundable.

Fact #2: You might not need a bail bond at all

You do have other options besides getting a bail bond.

You can pay for the bail amount with your own cash. This may save you money as long as the defendant shows up to all of their court dates. Just remember you are taking on that risk and you may be responsible for the entire bond amount.

It is also possible to use physical assets as collateral. Such items can include:

• Real Estate
• Stocks
• Bonds
• Bank Accounts

When you call a bail bondsman ask the agent about what the bond judge will accept.

Fact #3: The state regulates all bail bond fees

The last thing you want to worry about is having to bargain shop during a stressful time like this.

Fortunately, all bail bond offices are licensed and regulated by the State of South Carolina.

This means that the fee for all bail bonds are set by local statutes and regulations and are not set by individual bail bond offices.

The only thing to consider when choosing a bail bonds agent is whether they are licensed, experienced, and easy to work with.

It’s stressful enough having to get someone out of jail. You can relieve some of that stress by working with professionals who are understanding and experienced.

Fact #4: You are ultimately responsible for the defendant showing up to court

It’s important to understand that if you choose to sign a bail bond for your friend or family member, you are agreeing to take on the financial responsibility if they choose not to show up to court.

Say for example the judge sets bail at $5,000. If the defendant shows up to all court dates, you’ll only have to pay the 10%-15% fee for the bail bond ($500 – $750).

If the defendant does not show up to court, you may have to pay the full $5,000

This is where you will need to make your own judgment call on whether you should bail them out or not.

Conclusion: Inform yourself and then call a bail bondsman

Even if you don’t end up using their services a bail bondsman can be a great resource for understanding the bonding process. Any professional bonding agent should be happy to explain the process to you without expecting anything in return.

Be sure to gather information about the defendant before calling a bail bondsman such as where they are detained and their full name or booking number.

Knowing the above will help you be more informed before you decide to contact an agent.