The national average bail cost is around $10,000. For many Americans, paying bail is one of the only ways they can get out of jail while awaiting trial. Many families will put funds together to free a loved one.
A bail bond agent is a person, organization, or agency that guarantees money or property as bail. Before you contact a bail bond agent, there are some things you should know. Here’s what you should know before contacting a bail bond agent.
What Qualifies for a Bail Bond?
Before contacting a bail bond agent, you need to know if you or your loved one qualify for bail bonds. Immigration and federal bail bonds can have more restrictions, such as being illegible for online bail bond options. But, as long as you qualify for bail in court, you can work with a bail bond agent.
Traffic arrests, criminal charges, battery, assault, domestic violence, DUIs, and arrest warrant can all need bail. After finding out if you or your loved one need to pay bail, the court will decide how much it should be. Before you contact a bail bond service, know how much money you need to pay the courts.
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
A bondsman will pledge the entire amount required for bail in exchange for a fee. In North Carolina, bail bonds have a non-refundable 15% fee.
Bail bond collateral is money or property pledged on top of the 15% fee. The collateral can be property, vehicles, real estate, money, stocks, jewelry, or firearms. After the case is over, they will return the collateral.
Getting out of jail quickly can help reduce reputation damage, lost work, or social stigmas. After using a bail bond, you or your loved one must follow court orders. This can include not leaving the state, notifying of address changes, coming to court appearances, disclosing felony convictions, and paying bond premiums.
Bail Bond Paperwork Requirements
Depending on your financial history, you may need a cosigner for bail bond paperwork. This cosigner must be over the age of 21. You will also need a valid ID and payment method.
Bail bonds will require the defendant’s date of birth, full name, employment or occupation information, email, phone number, address, and references. The process is simple, and you can even send information over email.
How Quickly Do They Take Effect?
Filing paperwork can take twenty minutes at most. The release time can range from thirty minutes to a few hours. Depending on how quickly the court’s administrative offices handle paperwork, release can take longer.
The best thing you can do is contact a bail bond agent as soon as the arrest takes place. Filling out forms before the court process begins means quicker filing and a quicker release.
Contact a Bail Bond Agent Today!
Going to jail or having to post bond for a loved one can be an emotional experience. Contacting a bail bond agent can make the process easier and bring the defendant home sooner.
Case Closed Bail Bonds is here to help post bail in Raleigh, Durham, and Orange counties in North Carolina. Our team of experts will do everything we can to get you or your loved one out of jail as quickly as possible. Reach out to us today, and let us help you navigate this process.
