Bail bonds are becoming more and more popular as a means of securing the release of someone who is in jail and can’t afford to pay the bail amount set by the court. It’s a great alternative to having to personally post bail to release the person being held by law enforcement. That being said, a lot of people are afraid that their friends and family members who are being held by law enforcement won’t be able to get out of jail if they have to use the services of a bail agent.
We’ve put together some of the most common myths about bail bond services here:
Myth 1- Bail Bond Industry is Unregulated
One of the most common misconceptions about the bail bond industry is that it is unregulated. In fact, bail bond agents are licensed and regulated by states. In most states, they must attend training and pass an exam to be licensed as a bail bond agent. They also must comply with all regulations established by the state in which they operate. They can be fined or lose their license if they fail to follow those regulations.
Myth 2- Bail Agents Only Want Payment in the form of Cash
Many believe that a bail bond agent only wants cash as a form of payment. However, that is not accurate. The laws regarding the payment of bail vary from state to state. They accept a variety of payment methods including cash, check, money order, credit card, or PayPal in some instances. Not having enough cash doesn’t mean you can’t get the help you need to get your loved one out of jail. You can easily arrange to pay your bond using a loan from a bank or other lending institution and then make the required payments when it’s due.
Myth 3- Bail Agents Can Negotiate the Bail Amount
Another common misconception is that a bail bond agent can negotiate the bail amount set by the court. Again, this is untrue in most jurisdictions. The court sets the amount of bail based on the charges and the circumstances of the case. The judge has the final say on the amount, and the bail bondsman must follow that order. However, the defendant can negotiate their own bail amount with the court before their hearing.
Myth 4- The Fee is Refundable If you’re Innocent
Another popular myth is that the fees associated with a bail bond are refundable if you’re found not guilty of the charges against you or if your charges are dropped. Unfortunately, you have to abide by the bail schedule set by the court, and you can’t get a refund even if the charges against you are dropped, or your trial is postponed.
Bail Bond Services in Whitley County, IN
If you or your loved ones need bail, our licensed bail bond agents in Whitley County can help! We provide 24-hour bail bond services and offer both transfer and surety bonds.
Contact us today to get our services!
