If your loved one ends up behind bars, it’s important to post bail as quickly as possible. This is especially true if your family relies on them for financial support because every day in custody is another day of missed work. Getting released right away will also make it easier to start building a strong defense with the help of a lawyer, which could have a major impact on the outcome of the case. Thankfully, there are several ways you can streamline the process. 

3 Tips for Posting Bail as Soon as the Courts Will Allow

1. Gather Essential Information 

It may be tempting to rush to the county jail with your checkbook as soon as you learn a loved one is in custody; however, you’re going to need certain information before doing so. First, you have to confirm whether you can actually afford the total amount decided by the judge. If you can’t—or you don’t want to tie up your family’s savings in the criminal justice system—you’re going to need to give a bondsman the following information:

• The jail that's holding the suspect in custody;
• The suspect’s full name and booking number;
• The reason for the arrest; and
• The total bail amount.

2. Obtain Pertinent Financial Documents 

In order to help your family, the bondsman needs to know you’ll be able to cover the total bail amount in the event that the suspect fails to appear. As such, you must submit proof of employment or collateral—or both—when applying for the bond. Every agency has specific requirements regarding qualifying documents. Generally speaking, though, you’ll need to provide pay stubs, tax returns, and/or deeds demonstrating ownership. 

3. Call a Bondsman 

As soon as you've gathered all of the above, call a bondsman. Most reputable agencies are open 24/7, so you can call once you have all the necessary information, regardless of the time of day. With the documents you provide, the bondsman will help you navigate the rest of the proceedings so your loved one won’t have to spend any longer than necessary in custody. 

If you need to bail out a friend or family member, turn to Godfrey Bonding. Based in Canton, GA, they’re the oldest bond company in Cherokee County. As such, they have a long history of satisfied clients. A family-run business, they can empathize with those who turn to them for help because they know just how much is at stake when a loved one gets stuck behind bars. To learn more about the bond process, visit their website or call (770) 479-5230 to talk to a bondsman today.