If you are ever faced with a legal situation that requires you to bail a friend or yourself from jail, it is important to have a basic understanding of what to expect. Bailing a friend or loved one out of jail can be frustrating and stressful if you are not prepared. So before making that call to your local bail agent to turn yourself in on an outstanding arrest warrant, check out these frequently asked questions about bail bonds first. It will help you turn yourself in, or get someone else out of jail more efficiently.
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost in Indiana?
This is one of the first questions a person asks when they need bail services. This fact is not surprising, considering it is a huge influence on whether or not bail is an option for someone. Currently in the state of Indiana, bail bond agencies are allowed to charge 10 to 15 percent of the total bond amount assigned by the court to the defendant. If a person was arrested on a minor drug possession charge, their bond could be set at around 5,000 dollars. This is just an example and not accurate. Bond amounts are calculated by examining a person’s criminal history, flight risk, and other variables. It is different for everyone. Hypothetically, if a person’s bond was five thousand dollars, a bail agent charging ten percent would require a fee of 500 dollars. This ten or fifteen percent fee is not refundable but it allows a person to get out of jail before their scheduled court hearing without having to pay the entire 5,000 dollar fine. If they fail to appear for court, they forfeit the rest of the bond amount and a warrant is issued for their arrest. At that point, they are a repeat offender and may have trouble gaining bail for a second time. This leads into the next question.
Can and Will a Bail Bondsmen Refuse Service to Someone?
The answer to this dual question is yes, both ways. Bail bond agents are a separate business, and can refuse their services to anyone, just as any other privately owned business can. The reason a bail bond company may refuse service to a person is mostly based on their likelihood to flee and not appear for their scheduled court hearings. On top of that, they take into consideration past criminal records and charges, just as the court does when they set a bond amount. If a person seems like a risky client, they will refuse service in order to protect themselves.
Are Bail Bondsmen Bounty Hunters?
No, bail bond agents are not bounty hunters; especially the ones depicted on television. Bail bond agents are a legal service company that provides helpful assistance to people in need of bail. Bounty hunters are persons who work on their own volition to seek out fugitives and hand them over to the police. In some cases, a bail bondsman can hire a bounty hunter if one of their clients skips out on a court date.
If you want to her more about the services provided by bail bonds, call a professional agent at 574-583-6125 in White County, Indiana today. Here at Justice Bail Bonds, our agents are highly trained, licensed, and experienced to facilitate all bail services for defendants in Monticello, IN. We are fast and courteous, and love helping people in need. We can also answer any questions you have about bail bonds in Indiana. Visit our website at http://www.whitecountybailbonds.com/faqs.php for more answers to bail related inquiries. Justice Bail Bonds in White County, IN is here for you and your loved ones, day and night!