If your spouse has been arrested, you'll need to arrange bail for them. If you don't have the financial ability to pay cash for their release, you'll need to secure a bond release. If you've never done this before, you may be confused by the process. Here are some tips that will help you through the confusion so that you can secure your spouse's release from police custody.
Start Looking for a Bail Bond Agency
If your spouse has been arrested, don't wait to locate a bail bond company. Instead, start looking for one right away. That way, when it's time to arrange bail for your spouse, you'll already be prepared to get moving. When contacting bail bond agencies, try to choose one that is locally owned and operated. That way, you have access to the information you need right away. Also, be sure to understand all the fees and requirements prior to selecting an agency. That way, you'll know exactly what's required when it comes time to secure the bond.
Gather Your Cash and Collateral
Once you've located a bail bond agency to work with, begin gathering your cash and collateral. You'll need roughly 10 percent of the total bail amount in cash. The rest can be satisfied with collateral in the form of real or personal property. You won't know how much bail will be set at until the bail hearing, but you can ask your bail bondsman for an idea. In most cases, bail bondsmen can give you an idea of where the bail might be set at for specific crimes. If you don't have cash or collateral on hand, now's the time to start asking friends and family for assistance.
Attend the Bail Hearing
While your spouse is being processed following their arrest, they'll be required to attend a bail hearing. Make sure you attend that hearing as well. This is where the judge will set bail for your spouse. If you're able to be present when bail is set, you can start working on the bail bond much quicker. Otherwise, you'll need to wait until your spouse is able to call you again before you can arrange for the bail bond.
Arrange for the Bond
Once you have all the details surrounding the requirements for your spouses bail release, you'll need to make contact with the bail bond agency again. This time, you'll want to bring your cash and collateral with you. You'll also need to have information regarding your spouse, such as full name and birth date, as well as the booking information for the detention center where they're being held.
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