Most people don’t spend much time thinking about bail bonds until they or someone they know gets arrested. These are some of the most frequently asked questions.

1. What Do I Need To Know Before I Call a Bail Bonds Company?

Before you contact bail bonds near me Allentown PA there are several things you should know.  

• What city and state is the incarcerated person in and what is the name of the jail?
• How much is the bail amount?
• What are the person in jail’s full name and booking number?

The bail bondsman can obtain some of this information if you do not have it, but the process will be easier and faster if you can find out before you call.

2. Will I Get My Money Back When the Case Is Over?

If you pay the full bail amount to the court and the person who is in jail shows up for their court date, you will get that amount back, less court fees. However, when you pay a fee for a bail bondsman to post bail, that fee is not refundable. The fee is how the bail bondsman makes money.

3. Can the Defendant Leave the State While Out on Bond?

If the court has told the defendant not to leave the state, then the defendant must obtain permission from the court to do so, or risk being arrested. If the defendant is legally allowed to leave the state, permission should still be obtained from the bonding office before doing so.

4. What Can I Use as Collateral?

Most bail bonds services require some type of collateral to protect them if the defendant does not show up for court. Automobiles are the most common type of collateral used, but you may also be able to use real estate, stocks, bonds, credit cards, personal credit, jewelry or bank accounts.

5. What Should I Do If I Don’t Think the Defendant Is Going To Show Up for Court?

If you don’t think the person you bailed out is going to show up for court, notify the bail bondsman as soon as possible. This gives you your best chance of not forfeiting your collateral.

If you are considering bailing someone out of jail, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the bail bonds process before you risk your money. Using a bail bonds service will cost you a fee, but transfers some of the risk of the defendant not showing up for court to the bail bonds service.