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How to Help Your Loved One After an Arrest

If you know someone who has been arrested, you automatically begin to panic. While it’s hard to fight these feelings of fear and anxiety, to help your loved one, you need to act quickly. Take these steps to support your loved one through this challenging time.

Determine the Price of Bail

Unless your loved one is accused of a particularly violent crime, such as murder, he or she is probably held on bail. This means that if you pay a certain amount of money, the person in custody can leave jail with the understanding that he or she must attend a trial. The police station where your loved one is held should be able to tell you the cost of bail. Once you know this information, purchase bail bonds Mecklenburg County, with the help of friends and family if needed.

Ask About the Charges

Although the details vary from state to state, most jails are not allowed to hold people for more than three days without filing charges. Look up the limit in your state so that you can ensure your loved one’s rights are respected. Once the charges are announced, the police may be able to keep your loved one in custody until trial, depending on the severity of the suspected crime.

Leave All Evidence Alone

Do not interfere with any evidence you have regarding the case. For example, if your loved one texted you during the time of the alleged crime, do not delete those messages. Screenshot them to have an extra level of protection, even if you think they incriminate your loved one. Leave his or her personal belongings alone so you are not accused of tampering with the evidence.

Having a loved one arrested is an incredibly stressful experience. By keeping these practical tips in mind, you can put your anxiety to good use.

Choosing a Bail Bonds Company

If you are in a situation where you need bail bonds in Allentown, PA, it is important to know what to look for. A professional bail bond service will make your trip through the criminal justice system less stressful.

Serve the Local Area There are a variety of reasons why choosing a local bail bondsman makes sense. The most important is that you want someone that can reach you quickly in your time of need. Another thing to consider is that individuals working who are based and work in the local area will be familiar with the corrections facility you are dealing with. This knowledge can be beneficial as you make your way through the system.

An Established Business You want to work with an experienced company that you know will be around if you need to pick up the phone and call. Working with a well-respected bonding company ensures that you are treated fairly and the process is no more difficult than needed.

Flexible There is no doubt, bad things often happen at the worst possible time. A bail bondsman may be willing to work with you to negotiate more flexible terms in order to get you out of jail. The amount normally required is 10 percent of the bond. Some bail bondsman do give discounts for active duty or retired military or other groups. It never hurts to ask.

When contacting a bail bondsman it may be tempting to go with the first company that answers the phone. Before committing to a particular company, ask how long it will take them to get to your location if they routinely work in the area, and what percentage of bond you are required to have on hand. If you have anything other than cash, make sure that the bail bondsman accepts that as a form of payment.

The ABC’s of Bail Bond Agents

If you’re ever arrested and charged with a crime, you’ll be put in jail. In most cases, a court will decide how much money, or bail, you need to pay to avoid remaining there until your court date. The amount of bail set depends on many things, including the severity of the alleged crime and your criminal history.

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What Is Bail?

Bail may be cash or property you deposit with the court. But what do you do if you don’t have enough cash or property to cover your bail? You could ask a family member or friend. If that’s not possible, assistance from a qualified bail bonds agent like bail bonds allentown pa is your best bet.

What Is a Bail Bond Agent?

A bail bond agent has the legal authority to deposit a percentage of your bail amount with the court. Called a bail bond, this deposit gives the agent legal custody of you until your court date.

In other words, a bail bond agent risks his or her personal funds to guarantee that you will appear before the judge when required. In return, you pay the agent a fee for the opportunity to continue enjoying the comforts of your home, going to work or school and doing everything else you normally do.

Types of Bail Bonds

The amounts of bail bonds vary. As minor offenses, misdemeanors require the lowest bonds. Bonds set for felonies and protection from abuse (PAF) violations are higher and increase with the severity of the crime. Immigration and extradition bonds apply to those awaiting immigration status hearings or wanted by authorities for crimes committed in a different state.

What Happens After Your Court Date?

If you keep up your end of the bargain and appear before the judge as scheduled, the court will return your bail bond agent’s money. Don’t, however, expect the fee you paid the agent to be refunded. Instead, consider it a small price to pay for your freedom!