For most people out there, there are practically no opportunities to learn about the process of dealing with an arrest until it happens. Getting arrested and being sent to jail can be a frustrating, difficult process that no one is ever prepared to deal with, and whether it’s you stuck in a cell, or someone you care about, the first goal will always be to find a way to be released as quickly as possible. At ABC Bail Bonds in Houston, TX our team has spent years helping members of the community deal with their arrests and cover the high costs typically associated with bail.
When figuring out how to handle the bail bond process for the first time, it can be easy to get stuck dealing with a company or individual bondsman who is less than honest about their business practices. It is always better to ask several questions first to make sure you are comfortable with the person or organization before proceeding any further.
To help our customers – and anyone else out there reading this – get a better idea of how to make sure they’re dealing with an honest, straightforward bail bondsman, we decided to spend some time going over various questions that need to be asked. Making sure you’ve gathered at least this much information about a bail bondsman is the best way to be sure you’re working with a company you can trust.
Ask About Cost Upfront
In Texas, the average cost of a bail bond should be very close to 10 percent of the total bail amount. While there may be some minor administrative fees added on to the basic costs, it is always important to remember to avoid signing or agreeing to any kind of contract if you’re not comfortable with the total costs that will be expected of you.
Having a clear understanding of the total cost can give you the chance to find a bail bondsman you’re comfortable with, but it is always important to be cautious of working with a company if their prices seem too good to be true. Chances are, there is something questionable involved in their business practices.
Always Ask for a License
Bail Bondsmen in Texas are required to have a license to run their business. Unless they meet specific requirements, they won’t be able to open their doors or keep them open down the road. Some strict rules come with being a bail bondsman, and these rules are designed to make that anyone who is offering this service to the community will provide straightforward, honest services to the people they work with.
Ask How Long It Will Take to Get Released
Before you agree to enter into an agreement or contract with a bail bonds service, it is always a good idea to make sure you have a clear understanding of the expected timeframe that will be needed to secure a release. While an experienced, professional bondsman can typically provide you with an accurate estimate of the time needed, you should be cautious of anyone who is advertising a blanket guarantee. Getting someone released from jail can be a complicated process, and the time required can change based on their specific circumstances.
Ask About the Consequences of Noncompliance
If this is your first time being arrested, or working with a specific bail bonds company, then you should take some time to understand how the process works, and what can happen if you or your loved one fails to show up for their assigned court dates. Making sure that the entire case is handled properly based on the expectations of the courts is the best way to be sure that there are not any negative consequences from entering into a bail bonds contract.
Work with ABC Bail Bonds in Houston, TX to Get Released!
If you or someone you care about has recently been arrested, then the first thing you’ll want to do is contact one of our skilled professionals here at ABC Bail Bonds. With years of experience and professional knowledge, we are always ready to work with members of the Houston, TX community to make sure they are released as quickly as possible. To find out more, don’t hesitate to contact us as quickly as possible!