Bail bond agents provide funds to those who cannot afford to pay the bail set by a court. Bail is a court-ordered fee that grants temporary jail release to an individual accused of a crime. It is a type of “insurance” that helps guarantee the accused person will appear for his or her court date. The money is refunded upon the person’s court appearance. Since bail is typically thousands of dollars, agents are used to supply this money and take a percentage as their fee.

5 Myths About Bail Bond Agents

1. They Are “Shady”

Bail bond agents must pass exams to perform their work and meet annual educational requirements to continue serving the community. They also must partner with sureties to supply their customers with bonds. The idea that these hardworking agents are “shady” people out to take their clients’ money is simply untrue.

2. They Negotiate Costs

Bondsmen have nothing to do with setting the bail amount. That amount is set by the judge based on factors, such as crime severity and past convictions. All the agent does is supply the money to the court, so an individual can relax at home before his or her court date.

3. They Are Bounty Hunters

While bail bond agents may hire bounty hunters to track down people who do not appear for their designated court dates, they are not in the business of finding fugitives. Most of the time, they simply charge the person extra fees.

4. They Only Accept Cash

Agents are often happy to accept collateral via assets such as residences, jewelry, and vehicles. Most people do not have thousands of dollars immediately available to pay the court, something these agents are well aware of. Credit cards and checks are usually accepted as well.

5. They Can Get Any Accused Individual Out of Jail

Again, this is up to the court, not the bail bond agent. If the accused person is deemed a flight risk based on past convictions, it is unlikely the individual will be released prior to the trial date. It is up to the judge alone to decide if the defendant should remain in jail or not.

Godfrey Bonding in Canton, GA, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is the oldest bail bond company in Cherokee County. As a family-run business, you can expect compassionate bail bond agents to assist you or a family member. Call (770) 479-5230 to schedule a free consultation or visit the website for more information. Follow the Google+ page for additional helpful tips.