It’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to such a crucial legal process. You don’t want to rely on the Law and Order television show for answers!
Believing the wrong myths about bail bonds could lead to costly mistakes or missed opportunities. That’s why we’re going to tackle the five, most common bail bond myths head-on.
Whether it’s assumptions about eligibility, payment requirements, or the overall bail bond process, we’ll clear up the misconceptions that Hollywood and fake news on the internet have normalized. At Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds, we know that with the right knowledge, you can approach getting a bail bond with confidence and make well-informed decisions.
Myth 1: Only Rich People Can Afford a Bail Bond
When you hear the official bail amount, the cost can be daunting. When facing thousands of dollars for release from jail, it’s easy to believe that only the wealthy can afford a bail bond.
Yes, you can pay your bail in full. However, for those of us who aren’t filthy rich, bail bonds are a more accessible option.
Bail bonds are part of a legal process that makes getting out of jail affordable for most people. The average cost for a bail bond is roughly 10% of your bail’s cost. This significantly reduces how much you or your family will pay a bondsman to start the release process.
Keep in mind that the total cost will be based on the severity of your crime and could still cost thousands if the bail is high enough. However, if you need help paying a bail bond fee, most bondsmen can help you set up a payment plan or coordinate alternative forms of collateral.
Myth 2: Judges Regularly Deny Bail
In a fictional tv world, the crime drama tends to climax when a judge dramatically denies an offender’s bail.
However, in reality, we usually don’t face plot twists like tv. Bail is usually granted, although there are reasons why you might be denied bail; if the crime is severe, the offender is deemed a flight risk, the offender is a public threat, or the crime is a repeat offense.
Sure, the judge is the person who announces the bail amount, but they don’t have much of a say in what that amount is.
Most judges will follow a selection of set guidelines that determine the bail amount based on factors such as the crime committed, the age of the offender, and whether the offender has any previous criminal record.
Your fate doesn’t rest solely in the hands of a judge, but rather, in the circumstances of your particular situation.
Myth 3: Bail Equals Freedom
Yes, once your bail has gone through and the literal handcuffs are removed from your wrists, you’re “technically” free to go.
Posting bail is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. It comes with stringent conditions that you must follow, such as attending all scheduled court appearances, abiding by travel restrictions, and refraining from any further criminal activity. Violating these conditions can have severe consequences, including having your bail revoked and being rearrested and returned to custody.
Myth 4: Bail Bond Fees Are Refundable
Many people mistakenly assume that if they pay the full bail amount, they’ll get that money refunded after attending all required court dates. However, this refund only applies when you post bail directly to the court.
If you utilize the services of a bail bondsman, the fees paid to them are non-refundable.
When working with a bail bond agency, you don’t pay the court the full bail cost upfront. Instead, you pay a small percentage, and we post the full amount to the court on your behalf. The non-refundable fee you pay our bail bond company covers all services and costs.
The only refund that occurs is when you’ve fulfilled your legal obligations, and the court returns us the amount we’ve put up. However, if you miss any appearances, the court keeps that bond money, and you become liable to repay the full bail amount to us.
Myth 5: Bondsmen Have Power in the Legal System
Contrary to popular belief, bail bondsmen do not possess as much legal power and authority as many people assume.
It’s important to understand that we have no influence over the bail amount set by the court. This figure is solely determined by the judge presiding over your case and the severity of the alleged crime. Bail bond companies must operate strictly within the confines of the law and the court’s rulings.
We do not have the ability to negotiate or alter the bail amount in any way. While bondsmen facilitate the financial arrangements to secure temporary release from jail, we do not actually make the decision to grant bail.
That power rests exclusively with the judge. If the crime is deemed too severe and the judge denies bail, even a bondsman cannot override that ruling or provide bail bond services. Our role is to assist once bail has been authorized, not to circumvent the court’s judgment.
Top 5 FAQs about Bail
Do I have to use a bail bondsman or can I pay the full bail amount myself?
Yes, if you can afford the full bail amount, you can definitely pay the courts yourself. However, if you want to pay a small percentage of the bail and guarantee affordable freedom until court hearings, working with a bail bond agent is your best option.
How much does a bail bond typically cost?
Bail bonds typically cost ten percent of your total bail cost. So, if your bail was set at $2,000, you’d pay $200 to a bail bond company to start the release process.
If I use a bail bondsman, do I get that money back after my court case is resolved?
No, the bail bond fee you pay is entirely non-refundable.
Can anyone get a bail bond or are there eligibility requirements?
If a judge grants you bail, you are eligible to apply for a bail bond. If finances are an issue, we are happy to work out a flexible repayment plan or set up alternative collateral for your bail bond fee.
How long does the bail bond process take from start to finish?
Based on the date of your arrest, most bail bond companies can secure bail within a couple of hours.
Reliable Bail Bond Company
Don’t let bail bond myths and misconceptions add more stress to an already difficult situation. If you need trustworthy, reliable bail bond services in Denton, Fort Worth, or Arlington, look no further than Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds. Our bondsmen is available 24/7 to assist you, and we can cover any bond at any cost.
Call Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds today to get the facts and professional help you need!
