Selecting
a Bail Agent
Selecting a bail agent (bail bondsman) is a very important
decision. There are many choices and bail bondsmen
out there, anticipate what to expect when posting
bail, and to help you find the bail bondsman that
is best suited to help you, your friend or loved one
get out of jail as quickly as possible. Understanding
the basic rules regarding posting a bail bond will
help you make a more informed decision when time is
of the essence. Please call us with any concerns you
might have.
- Deal ONLY with a
licensed bail agent. Ask to see the bail agent's
license and identification prior to any bail transaction.
- The bail agent should charge you
only the legal rates. In the state of Colorado,
NO more than 15% of the bond amount, plus any jail
fees.
- Ask for an itemized receipt for
all charges.
- Ask for copies of all signed contracts
and agreements.
- You are not only paying for the
bond, but you are also paying for service. The bail
agent should be available for questions or concerns
after the bail bond has been posted.
How Bail Works
Posting
of a bail bond involves a contractual undertaking
guaranteed by a bail agent and the individual posting
bail. The bail agent guarantees to the court that
the defendant will appear in court each and every
time the judge requires them to.
For this service, the defendant is
charged a percentage of the bail amount. Before being
released the defendant or a relative or friend of
the defendant, typically contacts a bail agent to
arrange for the posting of bail. Prior to the posting
of a bail bond, the defendant or a co-signer must
guarantee that they will pay the full amount of bail
if the defendant does not appear in court.
Typically, a family member or a close
friend of the defendant will post bail and cosign.
Collateral is not always required for a person to
be bailed from jail. Often a person can be bailed
from jail on the signature of a friend or family member.
Cosigners typically need to be working and either
own or rent a home in the same area for some time.
After an agreement is reached, the
bail agent posts a bond for the amount of the bail,
to guarantee the defendant’s return to court.
If the defendant "skips",
the cosigner is immediately responsible for the full
amount of the bail. If the defendant is located and
arrested by the bail agent the cosigner is responsible
for all expenses the bail agent incurs while looking
for the defendant.
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