Using bail bond services is one of the best ways to get someone out of bail, whether it’s for yourself or someone you are close to. Although the process can be complicated, it can be made easier with assistance from a professional and licensed bail bondsman. Unfortunately, there are simple mistakes you can make that can prevent you from getting through with bail process and, instead, end up landing back in a cell. Here are some of the most common bail bond mistakes and how you can avoid them.
7 Common Bail Bond Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Delaying in Arranging for Bail
Most bail bond companies are open 24/7, so the sooner you get in touch with a bail bondsman, the sooner you or your loved one can get out of jail. Don’t leave this to the last minute because, although getting bail can be a quick process, the paperwork and processing may take time. No one wants to be in jail longer than they need to be!
2. Choosing the Wrong Bail Bond Company
You should always do your research before choosing a bail bondsman. This is a great way to avoid a huge mistake on behalf of your bail bondsman. When choosing a company, make sure they are a legitimate company and are licensed. It is completely acceptable for you to ask them for their license number. Each state has an online database where you can look up licenses. You should also check your prospective bail bondsman’s reviews online to see what previous clients experienced while working with them.
3. Not Providing Enough Information for Your Bail Bondsman
Once you have chosen your bail bondsman, give them a call and prepare yourself by having all the necessary information about yourself or your loved one. Having the defendant’s full name, date of birth, booking number, and county of arrest will speed up the bail out process. These details are critical to have ready if you need bail fast.
4. Getting Arrested Again While Out on Bail
If you or your loved one has just been released on bail, think about where you or they just came from. It is extremely important that whoever has been released on bail is on their best behavior. Any sign that you or your loved one may be a flight risk will cause complications in getting bail, especially when the judge doesn’t trust your motives. Defendants must follow the conditions of their bail set by the judge, or they will end up in jail again. If for some reason you have violated your terms and are arrested again, your court fee will increase, as well as your legal fee, ticket costs, etc. It will also taint your reputation with the court and likely prevent you from getting bail again.
5. Traveling While Out on Bail
You may have every intention to make it back in time for your court date, but you should not travel out of town while you are out on bail. Taking a vacation during this time sends a huge red flag that you may be a flight risk. Once your bail bondsman finds out, they may get spooked, leading them to cancel your bail bond without refund.
6. Poorly Treating Your Co-Signer
Make sure you treat your co-signer well during the time of your bail bond as they hold the power to remove their name from the list or not pay the bail bond entirely. This would lead you back into custody. Taking advantage of a person who has agreed to help you will bring you nothing but disadvantages.
7. Failure to Show Up for Court
One of the biggest bail bond mistakes you can make is failing to show up for your scheduled hearing. This will open up a whole new realm of legal trouble. You can lose any favor you have with the judge, who is the authority over your sentencing. Every effort should be made to make sure you or your loved one appear in court on their court date.
Get Affordable Bail Bonds in Tarrant County, Texas
If you are looking for affordable bail bonds near you, PCS Bail Bonds can help. We provide 24-hour bail bonds for a wide array of charges including theft, drug possession, embezzlement, assault, and more. Our experienced bond agents can help you with surety and property bonds and can get the job done in a fraction of the time compared to other bail bondsmen in the state.
We have professional memberships in several renowned associations including the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, and Professional Bondsmen of Tarrant County. We also post affordable bail bonds in Fort Worth, Texas, and other municipalities in Tarrant County.
We offer terrific rates for people looking for cheap bail bonds in Tarrant County. We also focus on processing your requests quickly and efficiently, which is what makes us the top choice for affordable bail bonds in this area. Our bond agents are always on call and we can be down to the jail in as little as 30 minutes.
Contact us now by phone at 817-335-1655, at our e-mail, visit in-person, or fill out our bail bond request form. You can be confident that you’re working with experts who are dedicated to helping you.