Tips for Choosing a Bail Bonds Company
When a loved one is arrested, your first thought is probably how quickly you can get that person out of jail. You may be frantic and not know where to start, but once the bail hearing is complete and you have the defendant’s information, including full name, booking number, crime and the name of the jail, you can start looking for a reputable bondsman.
Get Referrals From the Detention Officers
Your best source of information about bail bondsmen is detention officers. You see, these individuals work with bonding companies every day. These officers see how quickly different bondsmen get their clients out of jail, and they know how easy these individuals are to work with. They may also be aware of any complaints made against any service provider. Therefore, ask them, “who offers bail bonds Columbus OH,” and they will let you know where to find reputable services.
Search for 24-Hour Availability
You never know what time of the day or night someone will be arrested. In addition, because some crimes have a predetermined bail amount, you may not need to wait for a bail hearing to get your loved one out of jail. Therefore, it is best to find a bondsman who is open 24 hours per day. You also want a bonding agency that will immediately go to the courthouse and fill out the paperwork, no matter what time it is.
Choose Reputation and Licensing Over Cost
The state regulates bail bond fees, so you should expect to pay 10-15% no matter what company you work with. Therefore, beware of those that offer lower fees. They may be new to the industry, or they may lack licensing or experience. Before you purchase your bond, check the company’s licensing, and do a complaint search. Find a company that has offered bonding services for several years and has a solid, reputable track record.
It is difficult to be fully prepared when a loved one is arrested. Therefore, if the unexpected occurs, don’t rush the process, and choose the right bail bonding agency.
