We all have heard some true and some myths about bail bond agents. Some may say bail bondsmen are not regulated, or they only take cash. When someone is facing arrest, they get all kinds of advice. But you should only trust advice from the experts. Whether you or someone close to you has been arrested, it is important to hire a licensed bail bond agent. It is also essential to understand how the bail bonds process works.
A bail bondsman will put up a bond to guarantee that an individual will show up on their scheduled court hearing. They will file the necessary legal documents, finance the bail, and take care of other legal matters to ensure that the individual is out of jail quickly. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the work of bail bondsmen. It is indispensable that these myths are debunked to have a complete understanding of how the bail system works, and the advantages and limitations of the Connecticut bail system.
Popular Misconceptions About Bail Bonds and Bail Bondsmen
To dispel some of these common myths about bail bond agents, 3-D Bail Bonds team puts an end to this by sharing true facts.
Myth 1: Bail Bond Industry Is Unregulated
Myth 2: Bail Bond Agents Only Accept Cash
Myth 3: The Service Fees Are Refundable
Myth 4: Bail Bond Agents Can Help Negotiate A Lower Bail Amount
Myth 5: You Are Free To Go After The Payment
Myth 1: Bail Bond Industry Is Unregulated
This is the most common myth about bail bond agents. The bail bond industry is often depicted as shady, and it is believed that it is uncontrolled or not regulated. This is far from true. Bail bond companies are required to follow federal and state regulations. They must be licensed to operate as a bail bond agent. In Connecticut and most other states, bail bond agents are regulated by the Department of Insurance. Failure to comply with the requirements of the state they operate in can lead to fines, loss of license or even criminal charges.
Myth 2: Bail Bonds Agencies Only Accept Cash
It is a huge misconception that if you don’t have cash, you are out of luck. You don’t need to pay the bail bond agent in cash. They do accept credit cards, checks and other forms of electronic payments. They can also accept a form of collateral using assets. So, there is always a way to pay your bail bond agent. Some bonding companies will finance your bail fee at a competitive rate.
Myth 3: The Service Fees Are Refundable
Remember, the bail bond agent’s service fee is not the same as the bail amount. You have to pay the bail amount to get out of jail and service fees as the cost of obtaining the service of a bail bond agent. If the full bail amount has been paid in cash to the court, the amount is refunded after the defendant makes all scheduled court appearances. Also, if the defendant is found not guilty, the bail bond is discharged.
In case the defendant pleads guilty, the bail bond is discharged at the time of sentencing. However, the amount paid as a service fee to the bail bond agent or agency is not refunded. Some myths about bail bond agents are often the reason families expect to have the bondsmen to work for free.
Myth 4: Bail Bond Agents Can Help Negotiate A Lower Bail Amount
Most Judicial courts have standard bail amounts they use for each type of offense in general, but in Connecticut, the judge has the final word in setting bail. The defendant can negotiate the amount or terms of bonds through a bond hearing, but the bail bonds company cannot negotiate on their behalf.
Myth 5: You Are Free To Go After The Payment
When you pay the set bail amount, you can leave the jail premises. This does not mean you are legally free. There are obligations that must be met. For example, you need to attend scheduled court hearings. If you fail to meet any of the conditions, it can lead to more troubles for you, including a re-arrest order.
These are some myths about bail bond agents. In reality, bail bondsmen are thorough professionals who care deeply about their clients and their interests. If you or your loved one has been arrested and needs to be released from jail quickly, a bail bond agent can be of great help.
