Although anyone who posts bail pay out of pocket, it isn’t always possible to do. While many agencies provide affordable bail bonds, there are guidelines that companies must follow. Unfortunately, dealing with scam agents isn’t clear until you’ve already paid. Below are five tips to securing affordable bail bonds.
Avoid Offices “Across the Street”
When you’re behind bars, you do whatever it takes to leave as soon as you can. That desperation, however, has spawned countless companies claiming that their office is just across the street from your cell.
Usually, they only have a post office box at the address, with the real office remaining downtown. Unless the agents are willing to meet with you at the jail, they often are only going to waste your time.
Have Documentation Ready
Offering bail bonds is a time sensitive practice, and every moment wasted is another missed dollar. Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware of all the necessary documents that they should have prepared, making the process take even longer.
At a minimum, you need to present agents with photo I.D.s of the inmate, as well as yourself, a credit card, a cashier’s check or money order, and any necessary asset titles. Not having a way to identify the party or to secure a down payment will set everyone behind schedule, possibly leading to more time in jail.
Ask for Licensing
Surprisingly, not every state in the nation requires professional licensing to join the bail bonds trade. However, chances are, they have at least some official documentation to operate. In PA, agencies are required to carry insurance, as well as secure a state license to handle your bail.
If they appear annoyed at you asking, or they don’t provide any official details, they likely aren’t a real service provider.
See What Others Say
News travels quickly, and since our community has centralized detention centers, it’s obvious which agents remain the best choice. Be sure to ask around those who have used bonds before, or try to find online consumer reviews.
Taking online opinions with a grain of salt, it doesn’t hurt to hear an honest experience. If they don’t sound like a good fit, they aren’t.
Ask for a Receipt
All licensed bond agencies must provide a receipt for all transactions. If they don’t offer at least an email, they don’t want a paper trail.
Gibson Bail Bonds is licensed and reliable, you can be assured that we will take on your case with efficiency and will work with you to get the bail posted in a timely manner.
