Before You Call a Bail Bondsman in Holly Hill, Florida: 4 Facts to Know

Having to bail a loved one out of the Volusia County Branch Jail (VCBJ) can be an unnerving experience. Especially when you are unfamiliar with how the bail bond process works. People may recommend you call a bail bondsman. Should you? If so, what should you know before contacting them? It’s important to know the basic facts before you call an agent for bail bonds in Holly Hill, Florida. These four facts will help set your mind at ease and help you understand bail bonds and the responsibility you will take before you call us!

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Fact #1: Bail Bonds are Loans

When a person is arrested, they are taken to the county jail and they will have to wait for a bail hearing if they didn’t have bond when arrested, in this hearing a judge will set a bail amount, this hearing is called first-appearance. The bail amount must be paid to the courts before the person can be released from jail and Alliance Bail Bonds can help with this process. If the bail isn’t paid then the person will stay in jail until their court case is completed. The bail bond collateral will be returned to you as long as the defendant shows up for all their court dates and on time.

When you call Alliance Bail Bonds, what you are seeking is a bail bond that is essentially a short-term loan that we pay to the court on your behalf so that the defendant in jail can be released. Like all loans, there is a fee. The fee a bail bondsman can charge is set per Florida Statute 648.33. In the state of Florida, the set bond rate is 10% of the bail or $100 whichever one is greater. The fee is non-refundable.

Fact #2: You Might Not Need a Bail Bondsman at All

You do have other options besides getting a bail bondsman. You can pay the bail amount with your own cash. The cash you pay to the courts is subject to any fees, fines, and court cost associated with the bond you posted through the court, unlike a bond posted through a bail bondsman where you are only subject to the fee for service.

Fact #3: The State Regulates All Bail Bond Fees

The last thing you want to worry about is having to bargain shop during a stressful time like this, if you come across a bail bond agent that says they will give you discounts or lower your payments, walk away. All bail bonds offices are licensed and regulated by the state of Florida. This means that the fees for all bail bonds are set per Florida Statute 648.33 and are not set by individual bail bond offices.

Fact #4: You are Ultimately Responsible for the Defendant Showing up to Court

It’s important to understand that if you choose to sign a bail bond for your loved one or friend, you are agreeing to take on the financial responsibility if they choose to not show up for court. Say for example if the judge sets a bail at $5,000. If the defendant shows up to all court dates and on time, you’ll only have to pay 10% fee for the bail bond through a bail bondsman. If the defendant does not show up to court, you may have to pay the full $5,000 if the warrant isn’t resolved. This is where you need to make your own judgment call on whether you should bail your friend or family member out of jail.

Inform Yourself and Then Call a Bail Bondsman

Even if you don’t end up using our services, we can be a great resource for understanding the bonding process. Alliance Bail Bonds will be happy to explain the process to you without expecting anything in return. Be sure to gather information about the defendant before you call such as where they are detained and their full name or booking number. Knowing that information will help you be more informed before you contact us.

Need Bail Bonds Near Holly Hill? We’re Here

For more information on our bail bonds in Holly Hill, Florida, contact us at Alliance Bail Bonds. We are open 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year. Call us at (386) 257-5116.