A Step By Step Guide To Obtaining A Bail Bond

Posted on: 18 May 2022

When a loved one has been arrested, obtaining a bail bond will often be the easiest and fastest way to secure their release. If you have never gone through the process of getting a bail bond before, you may be wondering exactly what you can expect during this process. Taking the time to review the step-by-step guide below can help to ensure you are prepared and comfortable as you move forward through this process.

Step #1: Making Initial Contact

The first thing you will need to do is to make initial contact with a bondsman either via the telephone or by visiting their office. Many bail bonds offices are open 24/7 so there is no need to wait until the next day to make contact if your loved one was arrested during the overnight hours. When making initial contact you will need to be prepared to provide some basic information regarding the person you wish to post bail for. This information will include their full legal name, date of birth, and any information you may have regarding the charges against them. With this information in hand, the bondsman will be able to access any criminal record the individual may have, as well as information regarding the charges they are currently facing. This information will allow them to determine whether or not they are willing to post bond on their behalf.

Step #2: Providing Documentation

Once you find a bondsman who is willing to issue a bond for your loved one, you will need to complete a series of paperwork in order to finalize this process. This paperwork will include a contract between you and the bondsman that requires you to pay the full amount of the bond if your loved one does not follow through with the terms of their release. In order to prove you are able to honor this contract, you will be asked to provide information regarding your income. You will also need to provide proof of address and photo ID. Once all of the paperwork has been completed, you will pay any upfront fees and the bond will be issued and delivered to the jail where your loved one is being held.

Step #3: Post Release Follow Up

Once your loved one is released from jail they will need to visit the bondsman typically within a rather short period of time. This post-release follow-up visit is very important because your loved one will also be required to sign some paperwork in order to remain in compliance with the terms of their release. If they fail to visit the bonds office within the required amount of time, their bail can be revoked and they can be returned to jail. 

For additional reading, check out a variety of bail bond company websites.

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