There Are 4 Easy Steps You Can Take To Speed Up Your Bail Bond Process
An arrest can take a toll on anyone emotionally, physically, and financially. However, you can speed up your bail bond process in four easy steps. If you do these, chances are you won’t have to spend a single night in jail.
1. Contact a 24/7 Bail Bond Agency
Bail bond agents usually work 24/7. As a result, they can begin the process to get you released as soon possible.
A local bail bond agency can expedite a bond faster than someone out of state.
Additionally, pick a bail bond agency that accepts collect calls. This makes it easier for you to follow up on the process while you’re still in jail.
Depending on jail restrictions, your agent can also make 3-way calls between you, your loved ones, and the bail office. This can further expedite your bail bond process.
2. Gather Information About the Arrest
Start collecting the necessary information about your arrest from the jail as soon as you get arrested. The bail bondsman will need it for your release. The information should include the details of your alleged crime and your inmate number.You could also inquire from the officers about your bond amount. If the amount hasn’t been set, you could ask about your preliminary hearing date. The bond amount is determined by a preset bail schedule. Therefore your bail amount is immediately available upon being booked into the jail. If yours isn’t set by a preset bail schedule, you will have to go to a preliminary hearing. Preliminary hearings are held within 24 hours of your arrest.
3. Get a Cosigner
A cosigner will play two roles. First, they’ll be responsible for the payment of your bail bond amount. They will have to sign your binding contract with the bail bond agency. They will also have to pay your bail bond fees.
Second, they’ll help you gather all the documentation you need for your release. Common documents include your government-issued ID and your arrest background information. It will also show your cosigner’s proof of income and residence.
The cosigner doesn’t have to come to the bail bond office initially. They can usually fax or email the documentation to the bail bond agency. They can also pay the bail bond fees online or via telephone as well. These online transactions will save you a lot of time.
4. Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer
You don’t need a lawyer to initiate the bail bond process, but having one can come in handy. First, criminal defense lawyers often know bail schedules, so they can often estimate your bail amount, even before is set, so that you can plan your payment accordingly.Second, they can get you a special hearing for bail when the officers haven’t set your bail amount immediately, or a court date for your preliminary hearing. Moreover, when your bail has been denied or may be too high, your lawyer can plead in court to get your bail set or lowered. Without counsel, you might have to wait a long while in jail for your bail hearing.
We understand how frustrating and humiliating an arrest can be. If you need bail bond services, call us today or stop by our offices. Whether you’ve just been arrested or you want to learn more about how to speed up the bail bond process so you can help out a friend or loved one, contact BailOption today