Have you ever wondered what to do if you or a loved one was ever arrested for a crime? During this stressful time, you may think you should immediately search for a local bonding company, e.g., “bail bonds Allentown PA.” However, this may not be your first step.

Bail Determinations

The defendant may be released on their own recognizance or offered bail. However, those who are suspected of committing serious, violent crimes or who are flight risks may be denied bail. The jail has a bail schedule for common crimes, but some crimes and criminal histories may require that the defendant attend a bail hearing, where a judge will determine bail based on several factors: type of crime, criminal history and the defendant’s ties to the community.

Gather Information

The defendant must be booked and charged for a crime before bail can be set. You will also need to know the defendant’s name and charges. Find out the accused’s booking number and what jail that person is booked into. The more information you have, the easier it will be to secure the defendant’s release.

Contact the Bonding Company

Share the information with the bonding company. You will also need to pay a 10% fee on the bond. Collateral is typically required to cover the full amount of the bail. This allows the bonding company to recover its losses if the defendant does not fulfill the court’s requirements. You will also need to fill out some paperwork for the bail bonding company and for the court.

Release From Jail

Your bail bondsman will typically meet you at the courthouse. Bonding companies post bail and fill out most of the court paperwork. Because they are familiar with this process, it should take very little time. Then, the company posts bail and the defendant is released. However, the court may require that the accused do more than show up for court. For example, the court may assign counseling.

You don’t have to be taken by surprise in the case of an arrest. Work with a reputable bail bonding company to ease the process.