You are far from helpless when that phone call from a loved one comes in. You have the power to have them released from jail by using a bail bonding agency. Read below and know the key facts about bail bonds so that you can take action with confidence.

What to Know About Bail

Bail is based on several things. Since it's a way to get out of jail while awaiting court, the past behavior of the accused is a major consideration. For example, someone accused of a minor offense, with no previous criminal record, that is employed, and has family in the area is very likely to be offered bail. The more serious the crime and less stable the accused, the higher the bail might be. Most people use a bail bonding company instead of paying the full price of the bail, which might be thousands of dollars.

How Bail Bonding Agents Help

To keep from having to pay the full cost of the bail, bail bonding agents usually set up shop near the jail. These agents work closely with the court system and allow the accused to be released for a far smaller amount of money than the full bail. Often, you will only need to pay the bonding agent a small percentage and your loved one will be out of jail within hours. While you might be able to pay the bonding fee only, some situations and agents require to add collateral to the deal. That means you must promise to forfeit a piece of property if your loved one fails to return for their upcoming court date. Collateral is always returned to you after your loved one has satisfied the bail requirements but the bonding fee (the percentage of bail) you pay is non-refundable. Collateral can include:

• Deeds to real estate
• Jewelry and artwork
• Car titles
• Stocks, bonds, and other investment instruments

Preparing to Speak to a Bail Bonding Agent

Before you make the phone call or visit the bonding agent, it helps to be prepared:

1. The location where the accused is being held.
2. Make sure the bonding agent serves the area where your loved one is currently held (and confirm that your loved one has not been moved to a new location).
3. The exact nature of the charges and the counts.
4. The amount of the full bail.
5. A list of any collateral, if needed.

To get more information about bail bonds and the process to get your loved one freed, visit a website like https://www.bradsbailbonds.com.