Taking out a bail bond is probably a necessity for you if you have been arrested. Almost everyone has professional and personal commitments that make it impossible for them to remain in jail for an extended period of time.
While you may need a bail bond, you shouldn't assume that it's best to take the first option that's offered to you, because there are many things you can do to avoid spending too much money. The following are five mistakes to avoid to save money on bail bonds:
Taking out a bail bond when you don't actually need it
If you or a loved one who has been arrested can afford to remain in jail for only a day or two, you may be able to avoid bail bond fees entirely.
Sometimes, it's likely that criminal charges will not actually be filed against an arrested individual. It's best to consult with an attorney to see if criminal charges are likely to not be filed or to be dropped after a preliminary jail period.
It's up to the arrested individual to decide if staying in jail temporarily is worth saving the money on bail bond fees.
Going ahead with a bail bond that's referred by an attorney
Sometimes, it's best to shop around before agreeing to a bail bond that's been referred by an attorney. Your attorney probably doesn't know all the options that are out there, so it's best to ask a loved one to search the market and Internet for alternative offers and choose the one that's most affordable before agreeing to a particular bail bond.
Paying more than necessary on the bondsman fee
In some states, the bondsman fee that a bail bond provider can charge is limited by law. It's important to be aware of any laws about bail bonds in your state or locality so that you're sure that you're not being overcharged before making an agreement.
Not putting effort into getting bail reduced before paying
If you have discussed your arrest with an attorney, you need to bring up the possibility of having your bail reduced before you agree to a bail bond. Bail bond fees are typically a percentage of the overall bail amount, so the lower your bail is the less money you need to spend.
Not taking out a bail bond and staying in jail
While a bail bond might at first seem expensive for you, you need to realize that the costs of staying in jail are probably even greater.
You'll lose wages and could risk your job if you stay in jail for an extended period of time, so a bail bond is likely to be the most affordable option over the long term.
Share7 June 2017
