When a loved one calls and asks you to bail them out of jail, your first instinct is to help in any way possible. However, shortly after that the next important question arises: “Can I afford to pay for a bail bond?”
In many cases, the answer is yes. However, in situations where bail is high may leave you wondering if you’ll have to put up personal property as collateral.
Most bail bond companies are cash businesses. They tend to veer away from this type of collateral agreement. At Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds, it’s something we try to avoid. Here’s a look at some of the biggest reasons why we avoid using personal property as collateral and how we can help you make sure your bail bond helps, not hinders, your goal.
Using Real Estate as Collateral
Applying for a bail bond using collateral like your home or a piece of undeveloped land is possible but comes with steep requirements. Collateral requirements are strict and you may not meet them.
In order to use your real estate as collateral, you must:
- Show the deed to your bondsman
- Prove that you are the legal owner of the property
- Prove that there are no liens on the real estate
Gathering this information can take valuable time away from the application process and leave your loved one in jail longer than you’d like them to be. Working out another approach to paying your bail bond is possible with your bondsman and could help expedite the overall process (we’ll get into more on this later).
Risk Losing Your Collateral
Anytime you apply for a bail bond on behalf of another person, you must be certain that they will follow the rules behind the bail bond and attend all essential court hearings until their case is closed.
When an individual decides to go back on their word and leave town or just not attend their court hearings, the bail is lost and you are responsible for paying back the bondsman in full.
Unfortunately, if you’ve put real estate, vehicles, or other forms of valuable personal property up as collateral, it’s very likely that you’ll lose it unless you can repay the bondsman on your own.
Jeopardizes your Relationships
Even if you aren’t the owner of the real estate or property, but know that the owner of the potential collateral is willing to help, they can co-sign the bail bond with you.
Much like the former point where we discussed the risk of someone changing their mind and jumping bail, this can be a dangerous move.
If the worst does happen, not only is the co-signer on the hook for repayment, but they face the possibility of losing their property. This type of stress can easily weigh on even the strongest of relationships and leave them damaged for life.
Get out of Jail Easier with Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds
If you or a loved one were arrested in Fort Worth, don’t spend another minute waiting in a jail cell. Even if paying for your bail bond seems like a challenge, our experienced bondsmen will help you create a payment plan that ensures you won’t have to put your property at risk.
Still have questions? Contact us today to start the bail bond application process.
