Do you have a loved one who is currently in the Bexar County Jail? You don’t want them to have to spend a minute more in jail than needed. However, you also want to make sure you have at least some basic knowledge when it comes to bail bonds in San Antonio, Texas and how they work.
What Are the Basics?
First, you need to learn the difference between bail and bond.
The bail is how much money is paid to the court for a temporary release of someone who is awaiting trial. This isn’t a way to get out of jail permanently—just until the trial. At the end of the trial, if the defendant appeared for all of their court dates, bail is usually returned to them. Unfortunately, bail amounts can be so high that a defendant cannot pay it and must wait in jail until their trial date.
This is why choosing a bail bond can be a good choice. A bail bond is confirmed insurance (from a bail agent to the court) that the bail amount will be paid by the bail agent if the arrestee forfeits their bail. This might happen if the arrestee fails to appear in court.
The professional bail bond company will require that the arrestee or their family pay a fee for this services. The amount of the fee can vary, but it is generally 15% of the bail amount or less. You have to keep in mind that this fee paid to the company offering bail bonds in San Antonio, Texas is not something that the arrestee or their family will have returned to them. It’s a fee that goes to the bail bond company.
You may notice that sometimes, the bail amounts will differ even for similar crimes. The bail schedule gives guidance on how much should be charged for bail. But different circumstances can weigh into a judge’s decision at the bail hearing. Someone who has committed similar crimes in the past, for example, might be saddled with a higher bail.
Top Things to Look for When Choosing a Company for Bail Bonds in San Antonio, Texas
What should bail bond companies offer? There are a few “must-haves” when it comes to bail bonding services. You want a fast bail bond company that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It could also be a good idea to work with a company that has payment plans available. Some other things to consider might be free parking when visiting and whether they accept collect calls, although these may not be deal-breakers.
However, one of the things that you can’t overlook when it comes to choosing your professionals for bail bonds in San Antonio, Texas is customer service. You want to be sure you are working with a company that can provide top-quality service.
They should be patient enough and knowledgeable enough to answer your questions. After all, when someone is stuck in jail, it is a frustrating and worrisome time. You want to make sure you or your loved one gets out as soon as possible. A company that doesn’t treat you well should be avoided at all costs.