The services of a bail bonds company is one of those things no one thinks they need… until they do.
And as a leading bail bond company in Denver, Red’s AnyTime Bail Bonds knows this all too well. It’s a call we never want to make, but when our family members (or even us) need help, it’s important to have at least the most basic knowledge regarding the entire bail bonds procedure.
How can you protect yourself? By asking these 5 questions
1. How much do bail bonds cost?
Typically, the state establishes the price point for bail. On average, reputable bail bond companies will charge around 10% to 15% of the set bail. For example, if the bail is set at $65,000, then your agent will charge you $6,500 for the bail bond.
When an agent from a bail bonds company gives you a figure of around 5%, run the other way. Agents like this, who don’t comply with the industry standard, are just looking to get someone to sign on the dotted line as fast as possible. They may seem to be the more affordable choice, but will bombard you with additional fees as soon as you finalize your contract.
2. What collateral do I have to provide for a bail bond?
Bail collateral is a form of security that is taken in the place of additional money meant for the defendant’s discharge. Sometimes a bail bond company will request collateral in order to ensure that the defendant appears in court.
Collateral can come in many forms. It can be property, vehicles, jewelry, cash, or other assets deemed of value that are under the defendant’s (or cosigner, or bond indemnitor’s) name. If the defendant posting bail owns a house, building, or other real estate property, he could put it up for bail collateral. If so, you will need to place the deed or pink slip in the trust of your bail bonds agent.
Just know that upon the defendant’s failure to appear in court, the property will be confiscated and put up for sale.
3. Are you licensed, and if so, what’s your license number?
In Denver, bail bonds service requires a license to operate. Check your agent’s license number against your state’s department of insurance, as well as their standing with the governing board. If they have any complaints or bad reviews, they might not be the agent for you.
4. How quickly can you get the defendant released from jail?
Bail bonds agents have no control over the timeline of release. What they can only do is process the release and submit all the paperwork as quickly as possible. Those who have been in the business for a long time will be able to provide an accurate time frame of events leading up to the defendant’s release. This procedure may take a while, so patience should be practiced.
5. How long have you been in business?
Unfortunately, there have been many cases of people going into the bail bonds business to make a quick buck, preying on the desperation and fragility of others. These companies and agents could just take off with your money, leaving you in a deeper rut than when you started. The most effective way to avoid such heartaches is to choose companies that have been working in the industry for a number of years, earning an excellent reputation as they go. These companies know the ins and outs of the bail bonds business, and have weathered the storms. Additionally, experienced agents have proven themselves effective to local clients, courts, and even the jail and its personnel. If there’s anybody that can help you, it would be them. For more information about the bail bond industry click here.
With over 40 years of experience under its belt, Red’s AnyTime Bail Bonds has garnered a name for itself in this industry. It’s also one of the first licensed bail bond agencies in the state. We understand the emotional turmoil you must be going through, so let us handle the financial burden. We’re here to help.