BY Jesse Black |
While being arrested is never something you want to think about, it’s easy to end up in a situation where you may find yourself or a loved one arrested. When this happens, you’ll be processed and have your bail set.
If you or someone you know has been arrested and needs to get out of jail, the last thing you want is for them to be in there any longer than they have to. So what do you do? You call a bail bond agent to pay off the bail amount on the defendant’s behalf! But before doing so, make sure that person avoids these common mistakes when dealing with bail bond agents.
Don’t Hire The First Result On Google
While hiring the very first result on Google might be tempting, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice. In fact, some bail bond companies will charge you more than others and even have hidden fees that can cost a lot of money over time. So do your research first on whether or not this company has been established for a while, as well as if they are licensed to operate in California before reaching out to them or signing any contracts.
A great rule of thumb is to narrow your results down depending on the reviews you read. If a company has a lot of negative ones, it’s probably not the best fit for you and your loved ones. Instead, look for companies, like Future Bail Bonds, that are experienced, available 24/7, and have a ton of positive reviews as well as testimonials from clients.
Don’t Assume The Payment Terms
When it comes to paying off the bail amount, don’t assume that you have to do so all at once. Most bail bond agents will work with you on a payment plan that best suits your needs and budget. So if you’re worried about not being able to come up with the money right away, don’t be! There are plenty of options available to you and your loved ones.
Just make sure that before signing any contracts or agreements, you read over everything thoroughly and understand what is expected of both you and the bail bond company. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there’s anything you don’t understand – after all, this is an important decision that can affect your life for months or even years down the road.
Don’t Accept Payment Plans That Won’t Work For You
When looking to find the right bail bond agent for your loved one, don’t accept a payment plan that doesn’t work with your schedule. For example, if they have don’t have a flexible payment plan that works with your schedule, job, and income, then this isn’t going to be the best fit – no matter how many reviews it may have!
Instead, find someone who can accommodate more flexible terms and make sure these are clearly laid out in any contracts. Before signing anything, read everything over carefully, so there are no surprises later on down the road. Once you sign the contract, you won’t be able to renegotiate or change payment terms. Instead, you’ll be bound to the contract.
Don’t Move Forward If You Have Questions
If you have any questions about the bail process, don’t be afraid to ask the bail bond company. This is an important decision that can affect your life and the lives of your loved ones, so it’s crucial that you understand everything before moving forward.
Many bail bond companies have staff available 24/7 who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have – even if you’re just curious! So there’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. After all, this is a stressful time, and everyone deserves clear and concise information. However, if they can’t answer truthfully and transparently, it might be time to find another company that can provide you with the information you need.
Don’t Lie On The Bail Bond Application
Many people think that lying on the bail bond application is a way to save money. However, this can actually do more harm than good if you’ve been caught in your lie or are found out later down the road.
When you’re filling out the paperwork for any type of loan or contract, make sure everything listed there is 100% accurate and truthful. If not, it could come back to haunt you, which will only cause more significant problems – especially when dealing with law enforcement. Instead, be upfront about who’s involved as well as what their charges are so everyone understands exactly what has happened leading up to this point.
Don’t Waste Your One Phone Call
Don’t waste your one phone call in jail talking to anyone but the bail bond company. This is their time to get as much information as possible so they can start working on getting you or your loved one out of jail as soon as possible.
Your friends and family are more than welcome to help in any way they can – but leave the legal stuff to the professionals! Bail bond companies will be able to assist you better if they have all the facts and aren’t trying to second guess what’s going on.
Don’t Flee While On Bail
If you’ve been released on bail, don’t try to run away or flee the country. This will only make your situation worse and could lead to more significant legal issues down the road, including making your co-signer liable for the bail amount.
Instead, abide by all of the rules and regulations set forth by the bail bond company and judge – this includes showing up for all court appearances. Remember, you’re not in jail anymore, but that doesn’t mean you’re free from all consequences. So act like it.
Contact Future Bail Bonds For Help Today!
If you need to find out more about bail bonds or are ready to get one started on your own, contact Future Bail Bonds today. We have many years of combined experience in the industry and will work with you every step of the way. No matter what time of day it is or where you’re located in California, we’ll be there to help you or your loved ones get out of jail.