If you or a loved one has been arrested, you’re likely experiencing a challenging and emotional time. Securing release from jail is a top priority, and – depending on the jurisdiction – you may have several different bonding companies to choose from. You probably won’t want to spend much time shopping around, but if you have to choose between a few options, there are some things to be aware of.
Each bonding agent, or bail bondsman, has a different way of doing business. Unfortunately, all too many agents in the past were less concerned with providing honest, transparent service and employed disreputable tactics and predatory practices to maximize their profits at the expense of people in need of help.
While these shady operators have become far less common, and their numbers are fortunately continuing to decline, there are still companies that tarnish the reputations of the bail bonds industry as a whole. If you have a choice of bonding agents, here are some tips for finding one that will provide good and honest service.
Tip #1: You May Not Have a Choice of Bail Bondsman
Before you go too far down the rabbit hole of choosing a bail bondsman, understand that you may not have a choice, depending on the jurisdiction. There may be only one bonding company licensed to provide bonding services at the jail where you or your loved one is being held.
In some cases, this is because the jurisdiction is more restrictive about how many licenses they issue or how many agents they’ll allow to provide bonding service. The justice system is no more interested in working with disreputable, ineffective, or predatory bonding agents than you are, and corrections units will suspend or revoke the licenses of bonding agents who have a reputation for poor or predatory services.
In other cases, one superior bonding service may have made it unprofitable for competitors to remain in business. Bail bonds are a business that operates with large, high-risk cash outlays, and debt recovery is typically costly. If a well-established company with plenty of operating capital is operating in a particular jurisdiction, competitors may not want to spend the money and effort of establishing a company in the same area.
Tip #2: Understand the Laws That Apply to Your Bail Bondsman
Due to the potential for abuse, bonding agents are typically governed by laws or regulations that help prevent arrestees from being preyed upon by bad actors. Understanding these laws and rules will help you understand your rights and recourse should there be any dispute between you and your bonding agent. A quick online search should reveal several sites that list and explain any laws that apply to bail bondsmen in your jurisdiction.
In Georgia, in addition to the laws that govern bonding agents, the Georgia Association of Professional Bondsmen maintains a Code of Ethics that agents are encouraged to abide by.
Tip #3: Look for Transparency in a Bail Bondsman
Signing a bond with a bonding company is like taking out a loan from a bank in that they’re putting up money on your behalf. In exchange, you’re paying them a bonding fee and agreeing that you or your loved one will appear for their court date(s).
The bonding fee will typically be a percentage of the set bail (in Georgia, it’s 15%), and there may be additional jail fees or other charges associated with the bond issuance. A reputable bonding agent will provide you with a contract that outlines exactly what fees you’ll be expected to pay and what the penalties will be if you fail to make good on your end of the deal.
If a bonding agent can’t or won’t give you a solid contract with a detailed explanation of the fees and charges, consider another option.
Tip #4: Use a Licensed Bail Bondsman
Bonding agents are required to carry a license from the state, county, or municipality in which they’re writing bonds. These licenses help ensure that a bonding company’s operations are open, honest, and transparent.
Any bonding agent should be willing to provide you with their license information upon request. Any agent who’s reluctant to share their license details or doesn’t appear to be licensed may be operating outside the law or may be running an “off the books” operation that’s not governed or protected by the same laws and regulations that govern legitimate bonding companies.
Tip #5: Expect Respect from Your Bail Bondsman
As you interact with bonding companies, remember that they are providing you with a service that you’re paying for. They should treat you with the same respect and courtesy as any other business.
It’s easy to fall into the mistaken impression that by contacting a bail bondsman, you’re already doing something wrong. You or someone you care about has been accused of a crime, and that comes with all kinds of emotional and social baggage. Disreputable and shady bonding agents may use that against you or make you feel like you’re somehow “beneath” them.
It’s important to remember a few things:
- You or your loved one may have been arrested, but you or they are still presumed innocent until found guilty by a judge or jury or until a guilty plea is entered.
- Bonding out of jail is not just acceptable; it’s expected. The jurisdiction does not want to incur the expense of feeding and housing everyone who’s been arrested while they await trial. It’s in everyone’s best interest to arrange for a secured release for anyone who’s not a danger to others or a flight risk.
- No matter whether you are innocent or guilty, you deserve basic human respect as you traverse this difficult time.
If you’re speaking with a bonding agent and feel they’re not providing you with basic respect and common courtesy during your initial conversation, you certainly can’t expect them to begin offering it when you sign the bonding contract.
Arrested in Macon-Bibb County? Don’t Wait in Jail; Call All State Bonding: 478-745-1966
All State Bonding is located directly across the street from the Bibb County Jail in downtown Macon. We’re available 24/7, and all our bonding decisions are made on-site, so you never have to wait for an answer.