A bail bond agency can allow you or your loved one to enjoy freedom until your court date. This ensures that those accused of a crime can spend time with loved ones, gather evidence to fight their case, and keep their job. Plenty of agencies are available nationwide to assist. According to IBISWorld, as of 2023, there are 8,881 bail bond companies nationwide. Be sure to choose one that can answer the following questions!

1. Payment Option

Every agent wants a full payment. However, this can be a problem for families who don’t have the money for the entire payment. Some agencies will accept collateral as a method of payment. They may require that you pay the fees in cash and put something up as collateral for the rest of the payment, such as the title to a house. Always ask about the various options.

Cash is usually accepted, but more bail bond agencies are modernizing their systems to accept debit and credit cards. Some may also accept checks. It can be inconvenient to work everything out with an agent only to discover they don’t take the type of credit or debit card you have. Instead, ask them what payment forms they accept before entering their office to sign an agreement.

2. Total Cost

It’s essential to ensure that you understand everything regarding the cost of the bail bond. Many agencies charge a fee for their services. This is common, but it can be a source of confusion for clients. Most clients are under the impression they’ll receive the total amount they pay back, but you don’t get the portion of the fee payment in the refund. Learn what the bond cost is and how much additional fees are.

3. Release Time

Ask a bail bond agency how long it will take for you or your loved one to be released. They often must wait until the next business day to pay the bail. There are processing times to consider. Many agencies work on a first-come, first-served basis. However, it doesn’t take them long to pay the bail, so you shouldn’t have to wait several days. Most agencies can give you an approximate timeline.

We understand you may have several questions, especially if this is your first time working with a bail bond agency. We’ll explain the terms and conditions to ensure you completely understand the process. Contact Amigo Bail Bonds today to learn more.