Few people anticipate getting arrested and needing to post bail. Most people assume they will go through their entire life never being on the wrong side of the law. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. A police officer only needs probable cause to arrest you, which means you could be doing something as simple as driving home late at night in an area known for DUI’s, or walking by a store that was recently robbed.
That is why it is so important to know these Do Not’s of bail bonds, even if you think you’ll never need the services of a bail bond agency.
Do Not Hire an Agent Without Asking Questions
If you live in a highly populated area like the Inland Empire or San Diego County, you will have a few bail bond agencies to choose from. However, not every agency deserves your trust. Before you hire an agency to help you, you should ask some important questions.
- Is the bail bond agency’s office clean, safe, and professional?
- Are the agents well informed about the bail process?
- Does the agency have a license?
Bail agencies must have a license to operate legally. If the agency you have contacted refuses to show you their license or give you the license number, then you should immediately look for a new agency.
Do Not Accept a Payment Plan That Makes You Uncomfortable
Figuring out how to cover an unexpected bail bond cost can be incredibly stressful. Many Californians already live paycheck to paycheck, and any sudden extra cost can be overwhelming. Some bail bond agencies may try to strong-arm you into a payment plan that you simply can’t afford. They may point out that the only way to get you out of prison is to pay.
Do not let them bully you into accepting a plan you can’t afford. We at Balboa Bail Bonds work with our clients to find a solution that works for everybody. And with our low 10% fee, you will certainly be able to afford to get back home rather than sitting in a jail cell as you await your trial.
Do Not Contact Your Loved Ones Before the Bond Agency
Most police departments or stations will tightly control the number of phone calls you can make after being arrested and processed. Some stations only allow one phone call all together, so it’s important that you make that call count.
While it is natural to want to call a family member or friend and ask them for help, doing so can mean that you end up in jail for longer than necessary. After you are arrested, you should contact a bail bond agency as soon as possible, as your agent can then begin the process of posting bail and getting you back home.
Do Not Lie on a Bond Application
Before they can post your bond and get you out of jail, a bail bond agency will need several pieces of important information from you. They may ask for:
- Your current address
- Your phone number
- Your employer’s name and business address
- The names and numbers of people who can act as references
Giving false information can create distrust between you and your agent. It also may make you seem like a flight risk, even if you plan on attending all court proceedings. That means the agency may very well decide that they can no longer work with you and will rescind their services.
Do Not Get Re-Arrested
This one may seem a little obvious, but the courts will not look kindly on you if you are re-arrested while on bail. The court will likely not grant bail a second time and, even if they do, the agency you worked with will probably not post bail for you again. Your best bet is to follow the law and avoid associating with known criminals while you are on bail.
If you or a loved one are stuck in jail and unable to go home because the bail is set too high, contact Balboa Bail Bonds at (619) 760-2222. Our flexible payment plans and low 10% fee mean that almost anyone can afford to post bail. Our agents are standing by, waiting for your call.