If a friend or family member has been arrested for a crime, a bail bond is the fastest, most affordable way to secure their release. Instead of paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars, which most families don’t have available, a bail bond agency only charges a small percentage of the bail amount and advocates for the defendant’s appearance at court. Here’s what you should know about navigating the bail bond process.

What Should You Know About Bail Bonds?

1. There May Be Additional Conditions

In many cases, bail simply guarantees that the defendant will appear at all their court dates, but the judge may place additional conditions on their release. For instance, they might be required to attend drug or alcohol addiction treatment, stop associating with other defendants in the case, or stay within the court’s jurisdiction. Violating those conditions can trigger a bail forfeiture, even if they don’t miss a court date.

2. Bail Amounts Must Be Reasonable

While courts have considerable discretion when setting bail amounts, the Constitution provides valuable protection for defendants in criminal cases. Under the Eighth Amendment, bail amounts must be reasonable and proportional to the alleged offense and the defendant’s criminal history.

3. Many Bail Bond Agencies Offer Payment Plans

Bail bond agencies charge a small fee, based on a percentage of the bail amount. If you don’t have the funds to cover even that cost, many bail bond agencies will often offer easy payment plans designed to fit into your budget. However, when financing the premium, most agencies will require a co-signer. 

If you or someone you care about has been incarcerated, Nicholas Bail Bonds offers the expertise and compassionate treatment you deserve in these difficult situations. For over 15 years, they’ve been providing reliable, 24-hour service to defendants throughout Howell County, MO, and the surrounding areas, helping those accused of a crime get back home where they belong. Visit their website for more information on how they can help, or call (417) 255-1109 for prompt, 24/7 service.