If you have a friend that is under arrest and is awaiting release following posting bail, you can help your friend get out of the mess. And how you can go about it is what this write-up will focus in the paragraphs that follow. Let us find out more about the same.
Understanding the bail system
The bail system will allow you to be free if you face arrest and want to get out of jail on the next hearing date by the court. This is usually done by shelling out some money, the amount of which will be decided upon at the time of arrest and when you decide that you want to post bail for someone.
If you are a bail agent or a bail bondsman as these professionals are usually known as, you can financially aid your friend. Since you are a friend, do not expect the same degree of professionalism that would otherwise be present if a professional bondsman had been doing. The biggest risk is perhaps that you may not get your money back.
If you are ready to take the risk, you can post bail for your friend else you can refer him to a bail agent.
Helping your friend – Steps to follow
Check out the following-
- You take the responsibility- Bailing out means you have to pay money as security to the court or state police thereby guaranteeing that you are responsible for your friend’s release and bail payment. And that in the event of default, you will shell out the money. Also, you take guarantee that your friend will not flee and will adhere to the norms of the judicial system and be present at every date the court grants for hearing.
- Decide the type of bond- Type of bail bond you require will differ from one state to another and perhaps from one case to case. Your friend might require any one of the bonds for getting a release from jail, namely, money payment, property bond or signature bond.
While money bond as the name suggests is the amount of some cash that you have to pay to release your friend, the amount will essentially depend on how severe the crime is. Signature bond, on the other hand is a type of bond when you do not have to pay money but you must guarantee the court that you will be present for all court hearing on the dates that you have to be present. While few states will be satisfied with the signature only, there are states where you have to shell out a small amount of money too along with the signature bond.
The property bond on the other hand is basically a collateral that you offer, which might be a property deed against a guarantee that your friend will be appear before court for all hearings.
- Arrange for bail funds- Once you have zeroed-in on the type of bond you will produce, next is to arrange for the bail amount. You can explore from among various options like public and private bail bonds.
However, experts are always of the opinion that no matter how confident you are about helping out your friend, seeking assistance of a licensed bail agent always makes sense.