Finding yourself or a loved one in jail can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience.
One of the first thoughts many people have is how to get out of jail as quickly as possible. In these situations, contacting a reliable bondsman in Wilmington NC, like Freedomway Bail Bonds, can help you navigate the legal process with ease.
But when exactly should you call a bail bondsman? In this article, we’ll explore key things to consider when deciding to reach out for help.
What is a Bail Bondsman and How Can They Help?
Before diving into the timing of when to call a bail bondsman, it’s essential to understand their role.
A bail bondsman is an individual who acts professionally, securing the release of persons confined at the time upon payment of bail on their behalf. In return for their services, they expect a fee, usually a percentage of the total bail amount.
Bail bondsmen allow you or your loved one to go free temporarily from jail pending trial on the condition that they return for court hearings.
Defendants can therefore prepare for their legal stand, gather evidence, and return to their normal life while waiting for their trial.
Key Considerations Before Calling a Bail Bondsman
Different things come into play before you can decide to call a Wilmington NC bondsman. Let us look into some of those key points that can aid your decision.
1. How Much the Court Sets the Bail
The first thing you need to assess is how much cash the court expects you to pay. If the bail amount is moderate, then you can speak to a few loved ones to figure out if they can afford it, otherwise reach out to a bail bondsman for assistance. The bail is usually fixed bearing in mind the nature of the crime, the flight risks posed by the defendant, and the defendant’s past criminal history.
The bail amount can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, so most people would not have that much money readily available. Otherwise, they would resort to a bail bondsman to post bail on behalf of their client or a loved one, charging a small percentage of whatever amount is fixed by the court.
2. The Type of Offense Committed
Certain offenses carry higher bail amounts than others. Serious criminal charges such as felonies may require a much higher bail than misdemeanor offenses.
If you or your loved one has been arrested for a more serious crime and the bail amount is significantly higher than expected, it may be out of your financial reach.
That is when a bail bondsman becomes much more important. They will be able to go through options and make the process a manageable one on your behalf even in the most trying situations.
3. Time of Arrest
Equally important is the hour at which you are arrested. Many bail bond services, like Freedomway Bail Bonds, are available 24/7. If you have a close one arrested late at night or on the weekend, the bail process could make you frustrated and annoyed.
Call a bail bondsman as soon as possible to get on with the release process even beyond normal working hours.
One great thing about bail bondsmen is that they operate around the clock. Hence, you don’t have to wait for the normal hours of business before you act. This is most critical if you are required to get someone out of jail fast.
4. The Defendant’s Criminal History
A defendant’s criminal history matters a lot in establishing his/her eligibility for bail and the monetary amount attached to it. Defendants boasting clean records tend to have their cases processed with ease, and they may be afforded lower bail.
However, someone who has been arrested multiple times or has a tendency to flee will likely have a higher bail set or may even have bail denied altogether.
In cases where bail is granted but the amount is still unaffordable, a bondsman can help navigate these challenges. They will work with you to secure the bail payment and ensure the defendant’s release while taking these factors into account.
5. Your Financial Situation
One of the most critical factors in deciding whether to use a bail bondsman is your financial situation. If you can’t afford to pay the full bail amount upfront, a bail bondsman can be a valuable resource.
The typical cost of a bail bond is 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if the bail is set at $10,000, the cost to hire a bail bondsman would be $1,000.
If this amount is beyond your current means, a bondsman can offer you an affordable way out of jail while providing you the flexibility to pay in installments.
It’s important to consider whether you can come up with the full bail amount on your own or if you need help from a professional bail bonds service.
6. The Urgency of the Situation
If time is of the essence, calling a bondsman sooner rather than later is a smart move.
Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, the quicker you secure bail, the sooner the individual can be released from jail. This can help minimize the stress and disruption caused by the arrest.
Additionally, taking care of the situation quickly allows the defendant to return to work, their family, and other personal obligations.
A bail bondsman can help speed up the process and ensure that everything is handled efficiently, allowing you to focus on more important matters like preparing for your trial or working on your defense.
The Benefits of Calling a Bail Bondsman in Wilmington, NC
When you reach out to a reputable bondsman like Freedomway Bail Bonds, you gain access to numerous benefits:
- 24/7 Availability: Bail bondsmen are available at all hours, which is especially helpful if an arrest happens at an inconvenient time.
- Fast and Efficient Service: A professional bondsman can streamline the process of getting your loved one released quickly and smoothly.
- Expert Guidance: Bail bond professionals know the ins and outs of the legal system, and they can help guide you through every step of the process.
- Affordable Options: With a bondsman, you only pay a fraction of the total bail amount, making it more affordable for you or your family.
When to Call a Bail Bondsman?
If you or someone you know has been arrested and bail has been set, calling a professional bail bondsman in Wilmington, NC, like Freedom Bail Bonds, can provide immediate assistance. Whether it’s due to the high cost of bail, the time of arrest, or the urgency of the situation, a bail bondsman offers essential services that make the legal process easier to navigate.
If you’re facing an arrest and need help fast, don’t hesitate to call us. Our team at Freedomway Bail Bonds is here 24/7 to support you and get you or your loved one out of jail quickly. Contact us now for assistance, and let us help you move forward.
