Regardless of the offense, finding yourself behind bars feels a lot like a desperate situation. Most people do not plan on getting arrested, so they do not necessarily stash away money to cover bail to get out of jail when they do. However, a bail bonds agency can help you get out of jail if you have no money. These services are valuable and popular, but there are a lot of assumptions regarding this kind of service. Here is a look at some of the most prevalent assumptions and whether they are fact or fiction. 

Assumption: Accepting a bail bond often leads to losing your property.

Fact or Fiction? Fiction

Just because you accept a bail bond to get out of jail, it does not mean you are automatically at risk of losing some kind of tangible property, whether it is your home, vehicle, boat, or something else. It is true that some bail bonds are such a high amount that the bond agency will ask for collateral in the form of tangible property. However, as long as you pay back what you owe, which the bond agency will work out with you, you will not be at risk of losing anything you own. 

Assumption: Bail bondsmen can charge whatever they want for their services. 

Fact or Fiction? Fiction

The bail bonds industry is stringently regulated by most states. Therefore, there are limits on how much an agency can charge you for their services. Most places will charge a percentage of the bond for their fees, but there can be additional fees involved. It is best to openly discuss fees with the agency before you accept a bail bond so you know what to expect. 

Assumption: Not going to court after getting a bail bond means you can be hunted by a bounty hunter. 

Fact or Fiction? Fact

When you accept a bail bond, you are getting out of jail with the contingency that you will return to court on the scheduled court date to find out your actual sentencing. If you miss your court date, a bounty hunter (which can be a bail bonds agent or a hired bounty hunter) can track you down, return you to jail, and collect any owed bounty the court is offering. It is critical that you pay careful attention to what date you are to return to court upon your release from jail for this very reason.