A Basic Understanding of the Bail Bonds Process

by | Mar 16, 2015 | Bail Bonds

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Have you ever wondered why many people are freed soon after being arrested? Most of the time, their release is accomplished with the help of businesses such as Free At Last Bail Bonds, which provide 24 Hour Bail Bonds in Atlanta. Their agents work with the legal system, represent defendants’ interests, and follow very specific guidelines to free clients until they appear in court.

Bondsmen Provide Guarantees to the Courts

Basically, bail bond agents get defendants out of jail by guaranteeing that they will appear in court when required. For example, no matter what time a Georgia resident is arrested, they can call a business that offers 24 Hour Bail Bonds in Atlanta. An agent will usually take the defendant’s information over the phone, usually visit their client, arrange payment, and pay the bail to the courts. If the arrested person does not appear for their court date, the bond company is liable for the amount of bail and has the right to apprehend their client.

Freedom Often Requires Collateral

The amount of the bail that client pays is determined by the court. Bond agents also charge a non-refundable fee for their services, and it is usually a percentage of the bail amount, often 10%. That means that a defendant with a $10,000.00 bail needs to pay $1,000. Since clients often do not have ready cash, agents generally accept collateral instead. It can range from the title to cars to boats and jewelry. Bond agents can keep the collateral if their clients fail to make their court dates.

Agents Represent Clients in the Legal System

Bond agents do not judge clients and compassionately reassure them, explain all procedures, and represent them in the court system. They also try to get defendants freed as soon as possible, although courts vary, so the process can take from 30 minutes to 8 hours.

Bail bond agents are often the first people that defendants call after being arrested. Agents act quickly to get defendants freed by writing bonds that guarantee their court appearances. In exchange, bondsmen charge a fee and will accept collateral in payment if clients do not have the necessary cash.