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If you find yourself or a loved one in a situation where they’ve been arrested, you’re likely facing jail time. However, the thought of sitting in jail for even one day can feel stressful, which is why you request a bail or bond hearing. During this hearing, the judge determines if a bond or bail can be set and the amount that needs to be paid. This allows the arrested individual to be released from jail until they have to appear in court.
However, many people are unsure if they should use a bail bonds company or a bail fund when it comes to paying off this amount. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bail bond companies and bail funds, including the advantages and disadvantages of using either service, so you know which to choose if you’re facing a sticky situation.
What Are Bail Funds?
A bail fund is a group of people who have pooled their money together to help pay the bond on someone’s behalf. In return, they become responsible for that person in court and must ensure they show up.
Community organizations or religious groups often set up bail funds as a way to support those going through difficult times. If you can’t afford to take care of yourself financially during these challenging periods, this type of service may be ideal for you because it does not require any interest payments or fees like a traditional bondsman might charge.
The Advantages Of Using Bail Funds
Bail funds are meant for those who can’t afford the charges. We’ve listed a few of the most common advantages of using bail funds and why some may choose this service over bail bond companies.
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Ability To Post Smaller Cash Bonds
Bail bond companies won’t usually post bonds under $5,000 unless it’s in conjunction with another bond because charging the defendant 10% (the standard downpayment) on such a small amount of money doesn’t make sense. Bail funds will typically post smaller cash bonds that bail bond companies won’t cover.
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Free Without Any Type Of Downpayment
Bondsmen typically charge a fee, and they require payment before you’re released from jail. Bail funds usually don’t charge any fees as it’s intended to help those who cannot afford bail. Bail funds won’t ever ask you to repay anyone after getting bailed out so long as everyone shows up in court when expected.
Disadvantages of Bail Funds
Although bail funds are great for those who can’t afford to pay a bondsman, they have some disadvantages. These vary depending on the group you’re involved with and your circumstances, but we’ve listed a few of them below.
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Time To Get Out Of Jail
Some people wait weeks or even months to receive help from these groups because there is usually an extensive application process that must be completed first. Unfortunately, this means more time in jail and often leads to additional charges accumulating while someone sits behind bars without being convicted of any crime yet.
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Difficult For Those With Criminal Records
Bail funds typically check criminal backgrounds before approving anyone’s request for assistance, which makes this type of service difficult, if not impossible, for those with criminal records. This is particularly true if you’ve committed a violent crime or were arrested for certain drug-related offenses.
What Are Bail Bonds?
Bail bonds are a way to get out of jail quickly by paying a small fee to the bondsman, which can range from 7 to 10% down. They may even require collateral like some belongings or real estate to be put down as well so that if you don’t show up for a trial, it can be taken away from them as compensation. However, once this is taken care of, the bail bond company pays for your bond on your behalf, allowing you to leave jail.
The Advantages Of Using Bail Bond Companies
Bail bonds are an affordable way to get out of jail quickly and come with more benefits than a regular bail fund can offer, including:
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24/7 Service
Bail bond companies are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week, 365 days of the year. This means you can get out quickly no matter what time it is or whether there’s someone on duty at that moment to help you. In addition, you don’t have to wait for an application process like with bail funds because most bondsmen will post your bail the moment you’re approved.
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Helpful For Larger Bonds
If you need to post a more significant bail amount, it’s more affordable with the help of a bondsman. They typically charge a 10% downpayment along with collateral in case you decide not to show up for your hearing date. This is still much less than what you would pay if you posted the entire amount yourself.
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Flexible Payment Options
Bondsmen usually offer flexible payment options that allow you to pay over time instead of everything at once. This means if you can’t afford the total amount right away, it’s not a big deal because you can make monthly payments until it’s paid off completely. Again, this offers an easy way for those who can’t afford the full amount upfront to still get out of jail.
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Wider Coverage of Cities and States
Bail bond companies are more widespread throughout the country than bail funds, which means you have a better chance of being bailed out no matter where you live, especially in California. In addition, bail bonds companies can help get bail posted without any hassle, making it easier for you not to spend any time in jail.
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Secure And Reliable
Bondsmen are bonded and insured professionals who have experience with these types of services, so you can trust they’ll do their job right the first time. Instead of relying on a family member who may never show, using a bail bonds company will help ensure that you’re released in a timely manner.
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Simple Application Process
Bondsmen don’t require lengthy application processes like bail funds do, which is often the most time-consuming part of getting out of jail. Instead, they’re able to post your bond with just about half an hour’s notice, so you won’t have to wait long before you get released from jail.
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Faster And More Efficient
Since a bail bonds company doesn’t have to wait for application approval, they can post your bond immediately upon receiving the necessary information allowing bail bonds companies to post your bail much faster than a bail fund. This means you’ll be released from jail sooner and won’t lose any time at work or with family members who depend on you.
The Disadvantages Of Bail Bond Companies
While there are a ton of advantages to using a bail bonds company, there are also several disadvantages that you should be aware of.
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Collateral Might Be Required
Bondsmen typically require collateral in order for the bond to get approved on immigration bonds, Federal cases, failure to appear warrants (FTA), certain sex crimes and drug trafficking cases. So if you don’t show up for your court date or commit another crime while out on release, they can take whatever was used against the total amount owed by them. This means it’s not recommended to use this service with people who have little or no collateral like assets such as real estate and other belongings because they’re at risk of losing everything if something goes wrong.
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Won’t Fund Small Bail Amounts
Bail funds typically have a minimum amount of money to post bail, so if your bond is minimal like under a $1000, you’ll most likely need to use a bail fund instead. In some cases, they can still help, but this decision is ultimately up to the company and is not necessarily guaranteed.
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Non-refundable Fees
The fees paid to a bail company, called a bail premium are non-refundable after the bond has been posted. The bail premium is similar to an insurance premium and is how the bond companies make their money. Think of it as a service fee for there time and costs.
Which Is The Right Choice: Bail Bonds Or Bail Funds?
As you can see, there are many different options available when trying to get out of jail, which is why it’s essential to do your research beforehand instead of just choosing the first thing that pops up on Google search results.
While both bail bonds companies and bail funds have their pros and cons, it ultimately comes down to your own personal situation as well as what’s available in your area. However, most people tend to consistently opt for bail bond companies because they’re faster, more efficient and can get you the help you need without any hassle. In a situation where time is of the essence, a bail bond company will help you get out of jail.
Contact Future Bail Bonds Today To Get The Help You Need!
Bail bondsmen are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to get you out of jail fast. If you’re in need of assistance or have any questions regarding this topic, be sure to reach out to us at Future Bail Bonds today so we can provide you with the help you need. Instead of waiting on Instead of waiting on hold and wondering if you’ll get your bond posted, we will do whatever it takes to ensure you’re released from jail as soon as possible!