If you or your loved one is trying to make bail but don’t have the funds, bail bonds are the answer. However, freedom comes at a cost — if you don’t follow the rules, your bond may be forfeited. Stick to these rules, and you won’t risk losing thousands of dollars in cash or prized possessions.
What Is a Bail Bond?
Bail bonds, or surety bonds, are personal loans to help you post bail. The deposit fee is calculated as a percentage of your bail, which is determined by state law. Additionally, good collateral is almost always required to secure your bail bond. Good collateral includes anything that the bail bonds agency can sell, including jewelry, cars, antiques, and homes. You can’t supply your own bail bond; the court requires you to have an insurer so that you are more likely to stand trial. Along with a loved one, anexperienced bond agency can secure your bail bond.
Getting a Bond Is Only the First Step
After you receive a bail bond, you’re not out of the woods. You must follow the conditions of your release, which vary by crime. The conditions of your release may include:
- Avoiding the complainant or victim
- Moving from your current address
- Not coming within a set distance of a person or place
- Complying to the parameters of house arrest
- No communication with the codefendants
Besides the conditions of bail, there are a few basic rules you should expect to follow. Though it might be frustrating to make major changes to your routine, these stipulations will secure your bail bond and protect you and your loved one.
1. Follow the Conditions of Your Bail
Violating the conditions of bail leaves your release subject to being revoked. Adhere to all rules outlined by the judge, and don’t take unnecessary risks (such as walking or driving within several hundred yards of where you are not allowed to go). Failure to comply with the conditions of bail might make it more difficult to post bail in the future.
2. Avoid Run-Ins With the Law
If you face new criminal charges, expect to lose your bail bond. Your loved one will also lose the premium paid on your bail bond. This amount does not get carried over to a new bond, so your loved one will have to post two new bonds and pay the premium on both. Avoid associating with anyone who engages in criminal activity, even minor offenses like marijuana use.
3. Attend All Court Hearings
If you skip out on your court date(s), your bail bond will be forfeit. First, the bail bondsman will then attempt to contact you. If you do fail to respond, the bail bondsman will hire a bounty hunter to ensure that you attend your hearing, and your loved one will be responsible for paying the bond in full.
4. Don’t Take drugs or Excessively Drink
Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment, so limit your use when you post bail. Limit yourself to one drink per hour, and assign a designated driver when going out with a group. If you’re not sure you can drive, remember that a cab is cheaper than posting new bail bonds! Surround yourself with people who encourage you to make good decisions and look out for your health.
5. Demonstrate Good Behavior
You may not have been released on your “own recognizance,” but that doesn’t mean that the judge and investigators assigned to your case aren’t looking out for good behavior. If house arrest isn’t a condition of your release, stick to a schedule. Keep going to school or work, don’t speed, and don’t into arguments.
The Benefits of Working With a Bond Agency
After you have been arrested, navigating the bonding process can be difficult and exhausting. Working with a licensed bond agent makes it easier to quickly facilitate your release. A Right Choice Bail Bonds has a team of experienced agents committed to helping defendants reunite with their loved ones. Call us today at (337) 429-2996 orfill out this form to schedule your free consultation with our team in Lake Charles, LA.