When you find out that a friend or family member has been arrested and is in jail, you may feel a lot of conflicting emotions and to wonder whether or not you should post the person’s bail.
If you ultimately make the decision to post bail for the person, then you’ll need to find a trustworthy bail bondsman. You will likely meet this professional in person in order to go through process of bailing someone out.
When you meet with the bail bondsman, you want the meeting to go as smoothly, quickly, and easily as possible. The best way to make that happen is to be prepared and to bring everything that will be required of you in order to bail someone out.
Cash in the Correct Amount
In order to bail someone out, you will typically need to pay 10 to 15% of the total bail amount.
Be sure you check with your bail bondsman about their particular fee and the exact amount that you will need.
Once you’re clear on how much money you need, get out cash and bring it into the bail bondsman. Many will only accept cash payments. If you need to pay another way, make sure you get it approved by the bail bondsman first to avoid wasting your own time and prolonging the time your loved one spends in jail.
Contact Information
You will have to fill out paperwork when bailing someone out of jail.
Part of this paperwork will typically ask you for several of your contacts and their information and the jailed person’s contacts and their information. This information is provided so that both you and the person who has been jailed can easily be contacted. This information also helps to ensure that the jailed person goes to court as required.
Make sure you have the addresses, phone numbers, and full names of several contacts handy since you will be asked to provide these as a requirement for posting the person’s bail.
Your Driver’s License or Personal Identification Card
In addition to the items above, you should also bring your driver’s license with you to the bail bondsman’s office. If you do not have a driver’s license, then you will need a state-issued identification card.
You may or may not be asked to present this card. However, you will definitely need the number on the card. Thus, it’s best to bring the actual card if you can. But if you cannot, at least have the number available.
Proof of Residence
Depending on the state in which you live, you may also be required to provide proof of residence aside from just your driver’s license or state identification card.
Typically, a utility stub that shows both your name and address will suffice. In some cases, a lease agreement or a piece of mail addressed to you at your current address may also be acceptable.
If you are concerned about whether or not your proof of residence will be valid, be sure to ask the bail bond company before arriving at your appointment.
Social Security Number
You will often be asked to provide your social security number in order to bail someone out of jail.
As is the case with your driver’s license, if you have the card, go ahead and bring it with you just in case. If you do not, at least know the number and have it ready to offer to the bonding agent.
If you can gather all of these required items together, your experience bailing someone out of jail should be fairly easy and stress-free. For more information about the process or to start the bail process, contact us at Affordable Bail Bonds.
