When someone is arrested, he or she needs to get out of jail as soon as possible. Jail time is not only a physical and mental hardship; it can also affect a person’s ability to care for young children, earn an income, or even keep a job. Getting a bail bond is the quickest and surest route to freedom, but it’s important to hire a reputable bonding agency. The following are some tips for getting a Professional Surety Bond in Tyler TX.
Choose A Local Bonding Company
It’s always advisable to work with a local company whose employees know the court system and the jail where the defendant is being held. Personal relationships are valuable, and often a bail bond agent is able to get a defendant released more quickly because he or she knows who to talk to at the jail. In fact, jail personnel can offer helpful recommendations when newly processed arrestees are in need of a bond.
Choose A Company That Provides Round-The-Clock Service
The law is enforced 24 hours a day, and an arrest can happen at any time. When people are taken to jail at night or on the weekend, the last thing they want to do is wait around until a bail bond agency is open for business. Thus, one of the most important things to look for in a bonding agency is round-the-clock service. Some companies can even arrange a bond over the phone.
Choose A Company With Clear And Affordable Terms
An arrest is a crisis, and unfortunately, some bonding agents will take advantage of a customer’s sense of urgency. It’s a good idea to find out the going rate for bail bonds in the area. The national average is around 10% of the bail amount, and some states require a minimum payment of $100. In addition, some bonding agencies require that customers put up collateral, such as a car title or deed to a house, while others have no such requirement.
Choose A Company With A Good Reputation
Finally, it’s worthwhile to check a company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau and other review sites before signing a contract.
