If you or your loved one has been arrested and is in jail in Texas, you may be wondering whether it is a good idea to contact a bail bondsman to bail them out. Texas has numerous laws to ensure that bail bond agents are knowledgeable, experienced, and professional to work in this industry. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about how use bail bond services in Texas, and how PCS Bail Bonds can help you.
How long after an arrest does it take to set bail?
There is no specific timeline in which states allow a defendant to post bail, but most areas will bring them before a judge between 48 and 72 hours after getting booked in jail. The timeline usually varies depending on how busy the specific jail is and when the person was arrested. If the defendant was arrested on a weekend or holiday, they may need to wait until the next business day to post bail.
How old do you have to be to bail someone out of jail in Texas?
Only adults with valid identification can be a co-signer to bail someone out of jail. In Texas, the person must be age 18 years or older. Filling out the paperwork should take about 10 minutes, and you can pay with cash, checks, credit cards, money orders, Western Union Quick Collect, and American Express Travelers Checks. If money is not available, there may be the option to post collateral such as cash, credit/debit cards, houses, cars, jewelry, boats, and electronics that meet the bail amount.
How quickly can a bail bond be issued?
Once you have received the bail amount at their hearing, the next step is to contact a bail bondsman. These companies can usually issue the bail bond within 24 hours of the hearing. The sooner you or your loved one calls a bail service, the better.
How do I get a bail bond?
There are a few ways that you can get released from custody in jail:
- You can contact a bail bondsman
- You can post the full bail amount in cash with the court or jail
- You can use property you own as collateral with the court in place of money
- The judge can release you on your own recognizance, providing you are trustworthy
What happens if a defendant flees?
One of the conditions of a bail bond agreement is that you cannot go far out of town or a certain region, or the court may have reason to believe you are trying to skip your court date and avoid the consequences. You need specific permission from the bonding office before attempting to travel. If a defendant flees while out on bond, they are subject to arrest and will be taken back to jail. This situation could bring additional charges and fees to the defendant, and void their bail agreement.
What are the benefits of bailing someone out of jail?
Bail allows a defendant to leave jail in exchange for a bond until their court date. Since arrests affect careers, families, and other personal responsibilities, spending your pre-trial time out of jail may be a more desirable option. The benefits of bailing someone out of jail include the following:
- You can continue living your life as normal as possible—return to work, live at home, and see your loved ones (Depending on the conditions of your bail)
- You can prepare for your court date by communicating with your witnesses and gathering evidence
- You can keep working and earning an income
- You can take care of your family, home, and other responsibilities
- Being at home is safer than being in jail (gang members, violent individuals, criminals, etc.)
- You can maintain the confidentiality of your arrest and court preparation
Are some bondsmen less expensive than others?
The general cost of bail bond services depends on the area’s statutes and regulations. Bail bondsmen must be licensed and regulated by the state, and their premium rates should not be “excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory.” Bail amounts should be fair and reasonable, and you can do some research about the rates allowed by law in your area.
When does the bail bond end?
The bail bond process ends at the point when the defendant attends their court hearing. It is imperative that the defendant show up to their court date, as the bond will be terminated as long as they show up, regardless of the outcome. If the defendant flees, the bond is violated and, in many cases, the money and collateral go to the court and is not returned to the signer or co-signer.
Let PCS Bail Bonds Help You
If you need bail bond services in Texas, look no further than PCS Bail Bonds. We can help you if you have questions about your arrest situation or need to post bail. We provide 24-hour bail bonds for all kinds of charges including theft, drug possession, embezzlement, assault, and more. Our experienced agents can help you obtain a bond in a fraction of the time it would take with other agencies.
We have professional memberships in several renowned associations including the Professional Bail Bondsmen of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, and Professional Bondsmen of Tarrant County. We serve clients in Fort Worth, Texas, and other municipalities in Tarrant County. We process our clients’ requests quickly and efficiently. Our bond agents are always on call and we can be down to the jail in under 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 expert bail bondsmen who are dedicated to helping you.