If you know someone who was recently arrested, you may know to call a bond agent, but you may not know what happens once you arrive. A lot of people have misconceptions about bond agents. Here are three facts that might contradict what you originally believed about dealing with a bail bondsman.
You Don’t Have to Have Cash
Some people believe that you need to pay your bond agent in cash. This isn’t normally the case for any bail agent. Like any business, you can pay with a credit or debit card. Some bail agents will even accept collateral as payment. You rarely have to have the full amount in cash only.
You Don’t Receive a Refund
If you use a bondsman, you typically pay a 10% fee. Some people are under the misconception that they can have that money back after the defendant goes to court. The fee that you pay is for the bail bondsman to help you. You only receive a refund if you pay the bail in full from your pocket.
You Can’t Negotiate Bail
When clients visit a Lehigh County bail bonds office, many of them think that the bondsman can help negotiate with the court for a lower bail amount. The only one who can set the bail amount is the judge. Once bail is set, that’s usually the amount that you will have to pay for your loved one to be released. Now, there are situations where the defendant can request to have the bail reviewed. It is rare that this has success, however. Bail agents do not have anything to do with bail negotiations.
When you want to help a loved one with his or her release from jail, bail bonds agents can help you. As long as you understand what an agent can do for you and what his or her limits are, you can bring your loved one home to await his or her court date.
