An arrest is a major disruption, and people who find themselves in jail want to get out as soon as possible. If the judge grants bail, even a high amount, a bail bondsman can cover it in return for a cash or property bond. The following are some tips from Bail Bond Agents in Hyattsville, MD for anyone who needs a bondsman’s services.
Find Out the Amount of Bail
In the state of Maryland, bail is generally granted for all but the most serious crimes. If the judge grants bail, they will set an amount. In some cases, defendants can get the judge to lower the bail amount if defendants feel they are unable to afford a bond. Once the amount is known, the incarcerated person should contact a family member who can arrange for a bail bond right away.
Compare Fees
Family members who are arranging bail for a loved one should choose their bondsman carefully. Because bail bond agencies work with people who are often desperate and need bail right away, some unscrupulous agencies take advantage of them by charging excessive fees. Therefore, customers should take the time to compare fees and make sure they’re not getting overcharged. It’s also good to be wary of very cheap bonds, since fees that are much lower than average may indicate that the bond agency is not operating with a license. Most legitimate agencies charge around 10% of the amount of bail.
Be Ready to Fill Out an Application
Unfortunately, bail bonds are not always granted automatically. Bonding agencies often require customers to fill out an application, and they may also run a credit check. A bonding agency may also ask questions about the person who was arrested in order to determine the risk of issuing the bond. There may be a slight wait before the bond is issued, but most bonding agencies work hard to get their clients out of jail as quickly as possible.
Many bail bond agents in Hyattsville, MD are available around the clock. Incarcerated individuals and their family members should look for an agency that is fully licensed, professional and experienced. To learn more, contact us.
