If you are in a position where you need to get a bail bond, either for yourself or a loved one, then you want to be sure that you pick a reputable company that offers competitive rates. It is also important to understand that the laws governing bail bonds can vary significantly from state to state. If you need to get a bail bond, then here is an introduction to how they work:

Licensing

All bail bondsmen must have several specific and regulated state licenses in order to operate legally. Regardless of where you find your bail bondsman and how much you trust them, you should always ask to see their licenses to verify that they are legitimate. Some bail bondsmen will have websites that list the proper documentation, while there are some third party websites that can help you locate reputable agents in your area, such as Better Bail Bureau.

Failure to Repay and Bounty Hunters

If a bail bondsman does not get their money back, then they have several options available to them, depending on the state you are in. This situation usually arises when a client fails to show up to court (which is the exact reason that bail exists). In such a case, the bail bond essentially becomes a debt between the bondsman and the client that will remain until you pay off your outstanding balance.

Some states will allow bail bondsmen to hire individuals known as bounty hunters to track down customers that failed to pay the bail bond. 

Cost

The cost of a bail bond can fluctuate due to a variety of factors, but 10% is a common number. For instance, say you need to pay a $500 bail, but don't have enough money to cover that. You would talk to a bail bondsmen and pay them $50. In exchange, they would sign a contract with you and pay the $500 to the government on your behalf. If you show up at your trial dates, then the government will give the bondsman their $500 back. What this ultimately means is that you paid $50 to stay out of jail.

If you had the money to cover the bail yourself, the entire process would not have permanently cost you any money, but you would have been down $500 until the date of your court appearances. If you are able to pay bail on your own, then it's a good idea to do so. However, you might also need to weigh the benefits of having that extra $450 in the interim. Talking to a bail bondsman can help you understand what the best option is for you and how you can make the entire process a lot less stressful. For more information, contact a professional about bail bonds.

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