Protect Yourself When You Arrange Bail for a Loved One

You can lose your money or property if the defendant fails to appear in court. Bail bond services require collateral before they provide their service. The amount upfront covers the fee for their service, but the collateral is their insurance in case the defendant fails to appear in court.  

Bail bond companies will take ownership of the property if the defendant does not return because the money paid by them to have the person released becomes the property of the court. The collateral covers their loss. The person that provided the money for the bail bond service will lose whatever they have invested — even if they were unaware of the decision to jump bail.

The easiest way to avoid any monetary loss is to insist the defendant use their cash or property. Offer to make a trip to their bank or to find the cash in their home. Ask for the titles to the property they own to take to the bail bond office. You still help by being the one to arrange the bail service and giving them a ride home.

Be honest during the phone call with the defendant about your concern. Discuss how your loved one will repay you for the money you put at risk for them. Talk about payment plans, loans, or holding their property until you receive back what you invested.

The assets used to arrange the bail service (other than the fee for the service) are free from risk once the defendant appears in court. Ask for updates from your loved one about court dates and any changes, and offer to help with transportation or personal support at the hearing.  Notify the bond service if the individual becomes non-communicative with you or has left town.

Bail bond companies like to stay in contact with their clients. The relationship they build enables them to encourage their clients to make smart decisions. The bond service can act as a mediator for you by contacting the client to remind them of the risks they take if they do not show up in court.

Jumping bail in Florida will cause the defendant to receive another legal charge and a fine of up to $1,000 for a misdemeanor or $5,000 for felonies. Although people can have a failure to appear charge removed by a judge, the removal of their charges will not generally return the bail money to you, so stay involved.

Reliable bail bond services have written contracts with no hidden fees. The use of a reputable service allows you to know exactly what is at risk. The help they offer will not include any added costs you did not budget or plan for when you signed the contract.

Sometimes people must accept that they could lose their money if they want to help. It is more likely that this could be the result if the defendant has no way to repay you or has broken promises in the past. Only contribute what you can afford to lose. Reconsider the decision to help if you cannot afford to lose anything.

At Matt McKeehan Bail Bonds, our agents explain the entire process and the cost of the service to all new clients. Anyone seeking bail for a loved one will leave the office with a complete understanding of what is at stake. Contact us if you need help.