Here Are Some Common Bail Bond Mistakes Defendants Make With Their Bail Bondsman and How to Avoid Them

Is it the first time the police have arrested you? Are you are worried about being denied bail? Are you afraid you will make some common bail bond mistakes? Then, this article below is for you. This article is a basic Does and Don’ts of trying to get bailed out of jail. Some of these are basic common sense tips. 

1. Lying

When you are setting up your bail bond, the bail bond service, the courts, and/or both will ask you several questions. Make sure that you respond truthfully to all these questions.

These questions are meant to help the bail bond agent and courts. They are trying to figure out if you can pay bail. They are also trying to determine if you can be relied upon to show up to your court date. If you get caught lying, your bail bond being revoked or you ending up in jail again, which isn’t ideal. 

2. Choosing an Unlicensed Bail Bond Service

There are many unscrupulous, unlicensed, and inexperienced bail bond agents and services out there. And they will try to get your business by charging exorbitant rates. 

Make sure you choose a reliable and licensed bail bondsman. You don’t need to be paying through the nose for a bail bondsman who doesn’t know what they are doing. Make sure to ask for their license number. If they don’t have one, run! Run far away and find another bail bondsman.

3. Using the Wrong Address When Posting Bail

You will be filling out various forms during the bond application process. You need to fill out the form properly with the correct information or you could lose all that money you put forth. Also, make sure you put the right address for the defendant. The court could revoke your bond if you make a mistake.

It can also be used against you in a court of law, as you could be portrayed as an untruthful and unreliable defendant. Avoid all this by writing the right address with no legibility errors.

4. Police Have Arrested When Out on Bail

When the court has given you bail because they trust that you will stay out of trouble. That is exactly what you should be doing. 

Keep your head down, don’t associate with the folks who got you into trouble in the first place, and spend time at home catching up with family. The court will revoke your bail if you get caught doing something illegal. 

But it also means that you won’t be able to leave court custody on bail again and you will have to stay in jail while you wait for your court date. You will also lose all that money you spent on your bail bond, which is an absolute waste.

5. Choosing the Wrong Cosigner or Upsetting Them

Perhaps you don’t have the funds for the bail bond and are getting a cosigner to help pay for your bail. You are lucky that you have friends, family, or relatives who are willing to do this for you.

Make sure to treat them well and not upset them, because they carry a lot of power over you in this scenario. They could back out any time and if that happens, you are going right back into custody, because your bail would be unpaid. 

The cosigner needs to get approved by the bail bond service, needs to have a government-issued ID card, and proof of employment. If you choose the right cosigner, you can get out of jail fast. But not every person is going to be a good cosigner, so choose carefully.

6. Not Showing up to Your Court Date

The main person you wish to have in your favor during court proceedings is the judge in charge of your case. One easy way you can get them on your side is by showing up to your court date. 

You will forfeit your bail bond money if you miss a court date. This could result in longer jail times.

7. Travelling While on Bail

There are certain rules and restrictions you have to follow when you are out on bail. Some people might have a restriction on travel while on bail. Others might have a restriction on the people they can hang out with.

Whatever it might be, make sure you follow the rules to a T. If it says no travel on your bail bond document, then make sure you don’t travel.

If it’s alright for you to travel, inform your licensed bail bondsman so they are in the know. This way they can stay in touch with you if something untoward comes up.

Common Bail Bond Mistakes Are Easy to Avoid

The court system and the bail bond agents are quite reasonable human beings. If some weird circumstances come up that cause you to miss a court date, make sure you inform your bail bond agent right away.

It’s lies, deceit, and deception that is the problem here. If you remain honest and truthful with your bail bond agent and with the courts and avoid all bail bond mistakes, you are well on your way to being a free human being again.

Have You Been Arrested Or Have Questions Bail Bonds?