If you are incarcerated and have no cash to post bail, you should call a bail bond agent. This professional will post bail on your behalf in exchange for a small commission. However, you must agree to abide by the conditions of your bail. The following are some key roles of a bail bond agent.

Running a Background Check on the Defendant

When you send an application to a bail bond agency, one of their agents will assess your qualifications. The agent will review your credit score, criminal record, and risk of not attending court or escaping before approving or denying your application.

The agent will also assess your financial capacity to pay the bail bond charge. The main goal of this background check is to establish whether you will appear for your court hearing and abide by the terms of the bail.

Handling Paperwork

After your bond application is approved, you will be required to submit a bail bond agent fee. This is usually 10%-15% of the entire bail amount. After paying this fee, the agent will ask you to fill out other papers. These include forms for bail conditions, credit card authorization, surety-bail disclosure, and indemnity agreement.

The bail bond agent will also explain the legalities of the bail bond. This will ensure you are held liable for any breach of the bail bond agreement.

Middleman Between You, the Agency, and the Court

A bail bonds agent will represent your interests to the agency. They will also communicate the agency's requirements to you. Additionally, they will submit signed documents and receipts to the agency.

The agent will also post bail on your behalf. They will accept responsibility for your release and ensure you understand the bail terms and conditions. If you fail to show up for your court date, the court will not refund the agency's money.

Tracking and Arresting Wanted Criminals

Many bail bond agents are known for skip tracing. Otherwise known as bounty hunters, bail bond agents are sent out to pursue wanted criminals who have failed to appear for their court dates. Usually, bail bond agents take on the role of hunting for those they have bailed out. This is because unless they find and return these criminals, the money they put up as bail will not be refunded.

In Closing

If you want to get out of jail on bond, ensure you search for a bail bond service willing to raise the bail amount. Some agencies will require you to have a co-signer or to provide collateral. You should also note that some bail bond agencies have a limit on the amount they can raise for bail. Therefore, research and consult widely to find an agency that will meet your specific needs and secure your freedom.

To read more on this topic, contact a bail bondsman's website.