When someone is in need of a bail bondsman, there is usually such an urgency involved that most will not think about having options but taking a couple of minutes to look into a couple of things could save time and headaches down the line. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a bail bonds company.
License
All bail bondmen should be licensed in a the state that they operate in and they should also be happy to show you that if requested. If there is hesitance it could be a red flag that they are not legitimate and should probably look elsewhere for services.
Bond fees
Each state mandates how much a bail bondsman can charge for services (which is typically around 10%) and it is actually considered against the law to go significantly higher or lower then the state percentage. If you come across a bail bondsman who is offering discounts or on the opposite side saying they charge 20% of the bond cost then they are not on the up and up and should be avoided at all costs.
Proximity to jail
While it is absolutely possible and common to bail loved ones out when residing in a different state, it is also the most convenient for all involved to look for a bail bondsman who is in close proximity to the jail where the defendant is being held. This is because paperwork will need to be physically delivered to the jail so the closer in proximity the bail bondsman is, the faster the paperwork gets processed and they can be released. Many bail bond companies operate close to the jails so there should still be many options within a certain area.
Payment options
Most bail bonds businesses will accept the traditional forms of payment such as cash, check and money orders, however not all will take other forms such as collateral or payment plans which could be a make or break in terms of affording a bond. When calling or talking to a bail bondsman, if you know you are going to need an alternative method to pay for the bond it may be helpful to check their site first or just simply ask what methods of payment they accept.
Word of mouth and reviews
As with any business, word-of-mouth and reviews can be make or break for bail bonds companies and it tends to give people comfort learning from other’s experiences and seeing if the business is kind to the clients and will do the job. Google reviews is a great place to gain confidence in whomever you decide to go with.
To sum up, with a bit of quick research, even in the most stressful of times, you can have a bit more peace of mind that you are going with someone who is reliable, legitimate and ready to help. If you are in need of a bail bondsman in the Denver metro area then All Day All Night bail bonds can checkmark all the listed characteristics and is here to help and answer any questions!
