What Is The Role Of A Bail Bonds Agency?
Posted on: 3 June 2021
When you're arrested for a crime, you're sent to jail to await trial. But often, you have the opportunity to get out of jail before your hearing by posting bail. Unfortunately, the bail amount may be so high that you cannot raise it. Or maybe you can, but you don't want to sell your assets just yet. This is where you seek the services of a licensed bail bonds agent. So, what does a bail bond agent do, anyway? Read on to learn more.
Bond Assessment
After you contact a bail bonds agent, their first task is to assess whether you qualify for a bond. One of the conditions for getting the surety bond is agreeing to honor all court hearings, as this is the only way the agent will get the bond money back. Therefore, the agent will investigate your willingness to appear in court and whether you're a flight risk.
The agent will also assess whether you can cover the financial recourse of not honoring court hearings. Some items accepted as collateral include home, land, real estate, car, and luxury jewelry. Once you are deemed qualified, you'll be required to pay a small bond fee, usually 10% of the bail amount.
Documentation
After paying your premium, the bail bonds agent will proceed to secure your release. But before the bond is formally executed, the agent will file some paperwork with the court. This means you don't have to deal with all the documentation involved.
Then, you'll sign a power of attorney to give the agent the right to handle all matters bail on your behalf. You can then proceed home to your loved ones to prepare for your hearings.
Ensuring the Accused Attends Court Hearings
Once the bail bonds agent has posted bail, it's their responsibility to ensure you turn up in court. During the period between your release and your first hearing, you might even receive a few calls from the agent checking up on you and ensuring you're ready for the hearing.
Apprehension
If you skip court appearances, the bail bond agent turns into a bounty hunter. The court gives a grace period where the agent can return you to court and get the bail amount back. As a result, the bounty hunter will strive to find you within this grace period. If they can't find you, the bail amount posted goes to the court. The agent then takes the collateral you had placed as security. This is why it's advisable to honor your court appearances to ensure a smooth legal process.
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