If your friend or loved one gets arrested and you aren’t able to cover the bail, you’ll have to take out a bond. Bail bonds allow family members to ensure their relative’s prompt release without paying the entire amount of the bond. Before taking out a bond, you should know what the process entails.

What Is Bail?

Because suspects are generally considered innocent until proven guilty, they're entitled to leave jail after they've been booked and arraigned. To ensure they’ll return for all scheduled hearings, they have to post bail. This one-time payment serves as an insurance policy for the court. As long as the defendant appears as requested, the money will be returned once the case is resolved. 

What Is a Bail Bond?

Since bail is an unanticipated expense—and is usually set at a high amount—most families don't have the cash on hand to cover it. They can still get their loved one released if they take out a bail bond. For a small, nonrefundable fee—10% of the total bail amount—the bondsman will post bail on their behalf. Once the case is resolved, the funds are returned to the bondsman instead of to the family. 

How Do You Get a Bail Bond?

To get a bail bond, you must turn to a reputable local agency. Thankfully, most bondsmen are available 24 hours a day, so you can call them as soon as your loved one gets arrested. The bondsman will need to know your relative’s full name and booking number, as well as the address of the jail. They will also need the total bail amount. Additionally, be prepared to provide documentation, like proof of income, if you cannot pay the entire fee in full and wish to request a payment plan instead. 

 

If you need to post bail for a friend or relative, turn to AnyTime Bail Bonds. Located in Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN, and serving the Greater Metro area, this reputable agency practices with the utmost discretion. Their knowledgeable bondsmen are easy to work with, and they pride themselves on getting people released as quickly as possible. Since they have the only Mobile Release Unit in the area, they can come to you 24/7. To learn more about the bail process, visit their website, and call (612) 926-8688 to speak to a bond dealer today. 

 

Each agent is an independent contractor and reserves the right to refuse service at any time. Each written bond or case can vary. Information is subject to change at any time.