3 Myths Surrounding Bail Bondsman And The Truth Surrounding Those Myths

If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime, you may turn to a bail bondsman to help you bail out of jail. A bail bondsman typically charges about 10 percent of the bail amount to get you out. So, if your bail is set at $10,000, a bail bondsman may charge you $1,000 to post bail on your behalf. Unfortunately, though, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about bail and bail bondsman out there. If you are looking to bail out of jail, or bail a loved one out, here are a few of the myths you should be aware of and the truths surrounding these myths. 

1. A Bail Bondsman Can Help Decrease Your Bail Amount

Many people are unhappy with the amount that bail has been set at. Unfortunately, one of the top myths out there about bail bondsman is that they have control over the bail amount. A bail bondsman cannot help you to decrease the amount that bail has been set at. If you are looking to decrease the bail amount, a bail reduction hearing will need to be set, and a judge will have the final say in how much bail will be, based on a variety of circumstances. This includes the severity of the crime, the defendant's past criminal record, the defendant's ability to pay the current bail amount, and whether the defendant is a flight risk. 

2. A Bail Bondsman Cannot Control What You Do Upon Release

Another common myth related to bail bondsman is that they have no say or control over what individuals do once they are released from jail on bail. This is not the case at all. Bail bondsman can impose their own conditions of release, in addition to any the city, county or state places on you or a loved one. Many bail bonds companies require those out on bail to check in with them frequently, to hold down a job, and to even pass drug tests. If the terms set forth by the bondsman are not being upheld, bail may be forfeited. 

3. A Bail Bondsman Must Return Your Money if Charges Are Dropped 

The last common myth is that a bail bondsman must return your money if the charges against you are dropped, if you are found not guilty or even if your bail is forfeited. It is important to understand that a bail company is charging you to post bail on your behalf. If the charges against you are dropped, the bail company still provided you with a service by posting bail for you. As such, they are not legally required to return your money, and most have policies that state that they will never return any money to you, unless bail is not posted for some reason. 

If you or a loved one has found themselves behind bars, a bail bondsman may be able to help you out. Check out a website like http://www.bradsbailbonds.com for more information and assistance. 

Share