Bail Bond Guide: What Happens When You Bail Out a Friend
It is widely known that America has the largest incarcerated population in the world. It is estimated that the number of Americans in jail that have not been to trial yet is a number greater than most other countries’ entire jailed population. A common reason for this lies in the fact that wealth is a greater predictor of relief from jail than culpability.
It is this reason that has resulted in a bail bonds business that is home to over 15,000 agents in America that write over $14 billion dollars of bonds every year. Bail bonds Twin Cities-based and elsewhere in the nation are very busy securing help for those incarcerated.
If you are hoping to help a friend get out of jail, know that you are not alone. Here’s what to do when you want to bail a friend out and aren’t sure what to do.
What Are Bail Bonds?
If you want to bail someone out of jail, they have probably asked you for help in a serious situation. Bail is an amount of money set by the court that will get the individual released from jail.
With that bail comes a variety of conditions the person must comply with in order to stay out of jail. That bail amount is refunded to the person if they comply with all the conditions set forth by the court.
That person can pay the whole amount, or, bond out. They often need help with this.
An easy way to do this without being out a lot of money upfront is with a bail bond. A bail bond is a type of loan, where someone pays a deposit on the amount of bail to a bail bond agent. The bond agent pays the court the full amount, and expects to get it all back. You will not get your deposit back, that is your fee to the agent for their service in helping you.
Are Bail Bonds Legal?
Yes, bail bonds are legal, and they are heavily regulated. The court is accustomed to people using bail bond agents to get out of jail. Bail bonds normally charge a 10 percent fee. If bail is set for $1,000, the deposit will be $100. If the individual does not comply with the conditions, they will have to pay the entire $1,000 to the bond agent.
Call a Bond Agent Today
If you have a friend that can count on you for bail, you are in a unique position to help someone out during a crisis in their life. Bail bonds companies across the country can help you help them. It’s a legal and affordable way to help someone in crisis. Call a bond agent today for help.
