When you get arrested, you want to go home as soon as possible. However, because your bond amount is likely several thousand dollars, you probably need a surety bond to get released today. However, most bail bond agents will only work with those originally from the community. As a result, if you’re looking for out of state bail bonds, you aren’t always in luck.
While it isn’t impossible to get a bail bond from a different state, many companies remain hesitant to take them on. These bonds also referred to as transfer bonds, bring with them many variables that don’t work in the provider’s favor.
You Need a Reliable Cosigner
Say that you’re visiting a different community during Spring Break, and you wind up partying a little too much. You wake up the following day discovering a massive headache, and it gets worse once you find yourself in jail.
Chances are if your parents are the ones calling Gibson Bail Bonds on your behalf, they have better odds of approval than someone else. If your roommate who you only see a few times a day gives us a call, we probably are going to require that they find someone who knows you better.
Riskier Bonds Require Better Credit
The primary reason bail bond agents try and avoid out of state customers is that there is a higher risk for us not getting repaid if you decide to run home. If that were to happen, we’d have to travel after you on our dime, making it hardly worth the trouble.
Because of the added risk, your provider likely requires cosigners with higher credit scores than they generally would need. Those with better credit get seen as more reliable, helping to tip the scale in your favor.
Not All States Allow It
Some states outlaw private bail bonds, meaning if you get arrested there, you either wait for a trial or pay out of pocket. Even if you can get a hold of a bail bond provider from your home state, they likely can’t do anything to help you.
While a friend or family member may luck out and find a bond, they are probably on the hook for the full amount. Running at that point only leaves them holding the bag, and they could get arrested for your mistake as well.
