How To Get Someone Released From Jail Using Bail Bonds

The Arrest

Once someone has been arrested and has gone through the booking and processing procedures, they should then be allowed to make a phone call. Generally, they will call call a friend or family member.  The person who was contacted usually then needs to to call a bail bondsman to arrange for release of the defendant from jail. 

When the defendant contacts a family member or friend, they ideally will provide the following information: full legal name, social security number, date of birth, the arrestung agency (police, sheriff, highway patrol, etc.), why in general they were arrested and the jail where they are being held. If they can provide their booking number and their bail amount, this will also help to make the bailing out process proceed faster.  All of this information is needed for the bondsman to get the defendant released as quickly as possible. If you do not have it available, a reputable bondsman will be able to obtain necessary information from the jail.

A Bondsman May Not Help

You might be surprised to find there are some instances where a bail bonds company may decline to take the case. While there are many contributing factors for a bondsman not to take the case, most often it is due to the amount of the risk involved in the bond.  In addition to the ability of someone to pay for the bond, the bondsman will want to feel secure that the defendant will return to court as promised.  

Bail Contract & Responsibilities

When the bond is posted by a family member or friend, they are entering into a contract with the bail bondsman. The purpose of the bail bond contract is to guarantee, to both the bail agent and the court, that the defendant will show up to their future court dates as expected.

Before anyone signs the contract, the bail bondsman will make sure the co-signer understands the commitment they are guaranteeing, and an ethical bondsman will not sign until it is fully understood. The bail bondsman needs to make sure the co-signer knows that if the defendant does not show up, he or she will be responsible for the full bond amount.

No Collateral Bail Bonds

The need for collateral depends on the bail amount and the risk involved. Sometimes just a simple signature on the bail bond is all that is required, while other times the use of a property or collateral bail bond will be needed. Some bail companies who only require a signature may request that the cosigner live in the area, own a home in the area or work in the area.  If a no collateral bail bond is important to you, make certain you are dealing with a bondsman that offers this.

Release From Jail

After the bail bond has been signed, the bail bondsman will post the bond to securely release the defendant from jail. Tthe defendant’s responsibility is then to show up to his or her scheduled court date. Assuming that happens, the bail bond is “exonerated” and no further contact is needed with the bondsman.

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3 responses to “How To Get Someone Released From Jail Using Bail Bonds”

1. aurora bail bonds writes:
   

   Make sure the bail agent charges you only legal rates not to exceed 15% per bond plus bonding, booking, and filing fees required by the court and or detention facility. Any additional charges should be itemized and explained to your satisfaction.

   @ November 22nd, 2010 at 09:43
2. Tonya Page writes:
   

   Here in California legal rate is 10%.

   @ November 22nd, 2010 at 14:35
3. bail bonds companies writes:
   

   Now I understand why we need to have bail bonds. Its for those unfortunate people who does not have enough money to pay their bail. But don’t trust easily, because you maybe conned. Always ask for help and again, be educated.

   @ February 25th, 2011 at 07:03