Three Things To Consider When Hiring A Bail Bond Agency

Finding out that a loved one has been arrested can be emotionally devastating, and you may want to do everything you can to bring him or her home from jail quickly. Unfortunately, that can be cost-prohibitive if bail is set higher than you can afford. Bail bond agencies provide an essential bridge for people wanting to bring their loved ones home from jail while awaiting trial. However, if you've never had to hire a bail bond agency before, you may not know what to look for when contacting agencies. Here are a few helpful tips you can use to find a reputable company that can help you get your loved one home.

Licensing

Any bail bond agency should have a current, unrestricted license in the state your loved one was arrested in. While it might be hard to find a bondsman who is not licensed, there are some people who might pose as bondsmen to take advantage of vulnerable people. Ask to see the license before you sign any paperwork or put up any collateral for bail. You can also look up an agency's license on your state's Department of Insurance website, and you can research ratings issued by the Better Business Bureau for added peace of mind.

Demeanor

This is a stressful time for you, and navigating the criminal courts system can be extremely difficult for anyone who isn't already familiar. You want to know that the agency you are hiring has a sympathetic ear and the patience needed to explain each process to you. If you feel uneasy after an initial phone call or meeting, you may want to look for another agency. This isn't to say that bond agencies are unfeeling, but you may find that you need some emotional support when you fill out paperwork for a bail bond. The best agencies will be able to walk you through each step of the process and help you understand what the next steps are while giving you a bit of added reassurance.

Physical Office

You should be sure that any bail bondsman you hire has a physical office you can visit. You may need to stop by the office to fill out paperwork or simply meet with the bond agent, and knowing there is a physical space for you to do this can help you feel more at ease. It can also help you weed out those people who might misrepresent themselves as bond agents to take advantage of your situation. A reputable bond agent will be more than happy to set up an appointment in his or her office so you can meet and discuss any concerns you have.

Contact an agency, like Rader Bonding Co, for more help.


Share