Have you unfortunately received a call from someone that is in jail and needs your help getting out? You may have been asked to visit a bail bondsman and get them the money they need to get an early release from jail before their court hearing. If you're hesitant to do so because of what you think you know about using a bondsman, here are some common misconceptions to be aware of.
Misconception: Bail Bonds Are Not Affordable
Many people don't think of going to a bondsman because they assume that the fees to use their services will be unreasonable. Thankfully, bail bond fees are regulated at the state level, with maximum fees that are allowed to be charged that are based on the bail amount requested. The smaller the bail amount, the less the premium will be.
That said, it is up to you to decide to bail someone out of jail, and the nature of their crimes also will play a big role in if you decide to help them out. For example, someone that is charged with a crime that could make them a potential threat to the community if released will have a large bail amount that needs to be posted. However, being arrested for unpaid speeding tickets will have a small bail amount proportional to the crime.
Misconception: Bail Bond Companies Can Be Shady
The concept of borrowing money to get someone out of jail may feel like a shady act in the first place, which can make going to a bondsman feel like a shady act. You must understand that they are offering a completely legal service to help people in their time of need. It's common for people to not have the money for bail, but don't want to see a loved one sit behind bars waiting for their court hearing. You should do what you need to do to help someone out, and a bondsman helps make that possible.
Misconception: You Have Nothing To Lose By Getting A Bail Bond
Before you move forward with getting a bail bond, be aware of the potential consequences that you could face if the person you're helping doesn't show up to court. You could end up losing whatever collateral was given in exchange for the bail bond. That's why it's important to only get a bail bond for someone that you trust with the collateral you have given, since there is always the possibility it could be lost.
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