Three Things You Should Know About Bail Bonds

Most people who are arrested and charged with a felony will have to post a bond to get out of jail. While just signing a paper promising to not leave the jurisdiction and come back for your court date is good enough for a misdemeanor, a judge rarely does that for major infractions. If you're not guilty as charged, this won't seem fair, but that's the way it works in American jurisprudence.

So, what happens if you don't have the money and none of your friends and family are willing or able to help pony up the money? Your only option then is to seek the assistance of a bail bond company. Here's what you need to know.

Can A Bail Bond Company Turn You Down For A Bond?

In most situations, a bail bond company will either help you or they won't. They aren't required to offer a bond. They may turn a person down if they have a reason to believe they may abscond, or flee the jurisdiction, or not show up for court. But as long as they don't turn someone down specifically for their race, religion, sexual orientation, or another protected class, but instead because they have a legitimate concern, that's their right as a private business owner.

Does A Bail Bond Company Require You Have Good Credit?

No, most won't run a credit check. But if you can't find a co-signer who will commit to making sure you do what you are supposed to do, they will probably insist you put up collateral to secure the loan. If your bond is substantial, they will also likely require collateral, even if you have a co-signer.

What Constitutes Collateral For Bail Bonds?

If you have a vehicle that is paid for and is a nice vehicle worth something, a bail bondsman may be willing to take the title on it, but a car that isn't paid for or is a worthless junker isn't going to help you out.

Real estate is your better option. If you have a home, you can let the bail bond company place a lien on your home and file a deed of trust with the clerk of courts. If you jump bail or fail to appear, they can take your home. If you don't have a home and ask your parents to do it, they would both need to be on board if both their names are on the deed.

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