If you or a loved one is arrested, you will most likely need to contact a bail bondsman. With so many companies and individuals offering this service, it can be difficult to know which one is best. Since they are not all the same, there are some things to consider before selecting one to assist you in posting bond.
What is Bail?
According to the Texas Penal Code, bail involves an exchange of money or property in order to secure one’s release. By doing so, the defendant is promising to appear in court as scheduled. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the money or property along with a warrant for that individual’s arrest.
Ethical and Reputable
Rather than search the Internet for a bail bondsman, it can be a good idea to check your local Yellow Pages for listings. Unreliable companies are usually not listed in this directory. When you choose a bail bondsman from the Yellow Pages, you are more likely to find a company that has been in business for some time. In addition, you can also obtain their physical address and then double check it in a computer database in order to make sure it is legitimate. It can also be a good idea to make sure the bail bondsman is licensed. You can usually verify this through your county’s bail bonds board.
Initial Consultation
After locating a bonding agent, you’ll want to ask a few questions in order to get a better feel for the service that’s provided. A few things you may want to know include:
- Type of payment options that are available
- What the bondsman’s fees are and how the fees are calculated
- Whether the bondsman can come to your home to have you sign paperwork if need be
It’s also important to get an estimate as to when the bail bondsman might attempt to free an inmate. Many agents are willing to make visits to the jail rather promptly, while others may not do so for more than 24 hours. Since time is constantly ticking, you’ll likely want a bail agent who is prompt in attending to his duties. Even so, no bail bondsman should promise you a release in only a short amount of time, as processing times at the jail could nonetheless make this procedure very lengthy.
For more information about choosing the right bail bondsman or to discuss your specific legal case, consult with The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp at 713-868-6100 and schedule a free initial consultation.
