why call bondsman before a lawyer

Benefits of Hiring a Bail Bondsmen Over Lawyers While it’s always important and necessary to hire both a lawyer and a bondsman, there’s a reason why it might be in your best interests to contact a bail bondsman before a lawyer. A lawyer can help you with your case, but only a bail bondsman can get you out of jail prior to trial.

Full Answer

What is the purpose of a bondsman?

What's the difference between bail and bondsman?

When should you call your lawyer?

How do bondsman make money?

Why do you only have to pay 10 percent of bail?

How do I know if my lawyer is good?

Why won't lawyer take my case?

What do you say when you call a lawyer?

You Have More Leverage When Bailed Out

The minute you arrive at your jail cell, it may seem like the County prosecutor is ready to quickly get you through the system via a guilty plea.

A Bondsman Keeps You From County Jail

A holding cell is never a fun place to be. But without the help of a bondsman, you could end up having to wait in the county jail for your hearing. Not only does this mean that you’ll be behind bars longer, but you’ll be in the company of people who have most likely committed far worse crimes than yourself.

How to deal with a bondsman?

The process of dealing with a bondsman can be relatively simple. On the initial call, the bondsman will tell you the fee. If in agreement, the bondsman will next provide the court with a surety bond to have the defendant released. Providing the defendant shows up in court and doesn’t skip out on any other subsequent court dates, ...

Why do bail bondsman work?

Bail Bondsman Help the Defendant Avoid County Jail. When someone is arrested, they are likely to be sent to a local jail on a temporary basis. It’s important that bail is posted before the defendant can be transferred to a county jail, which is much worse. The key is acting fast: someone who’s arrested should post bail within the first few hours ...

What is plea bargaining?

A plea bargain is when the defendant agrees to plead guilty to lesser charges. The reason to do this from a defendant’s standpoint is to get out of jail quicker. However, this kind of deal could result in a conviction for a crime not committed. By arranging for bail first, this actually gives the lawyer more time to work on a case while keeping ...

Can a bail bond get you out of jail?

A Bail Bondsman Will Get You Out Immediately. While a lawyer might be able to visit their client in jail almost immediately upon arrest, they cannot get them out of jail quickly. Plus, bail is not inexpensive and most people do not have the money (potentially up to $50,0000) to arrange their own bail immediately.

What happens if a bond is agreed to by the court?

If in agreement, the bondsman will next provide the court with a surety bond to have the defendant released. Providing the defendant shows up in court and doesn’t skip out on any other subsequent court dates, there’s no further financial obligation to the bail bondsman.

When should bail be posted?

The key is acting fast: someone who’s arrested should post bail within the first few hours of arrest. Once bail has been posted, the defendant is free to leave the local jail and therefore avoid being transferred to county jail.

Why do you have to arrange bail first?

By arranging for bail first, this actually gives the lawyer more time to work on a case while keeping the defendant out of jail in the process.

What to consider when choosing a bail bond agent?

The only thing to consider when choosing a bail bonds agent is whether they are licensed, experienced, and easy to work with. It’s stressful enough having to get someone out of jail. You can relieve some of that stress by working with professionals who are understanding and experienced.

What happens if you sign a bail bond for a friend?

It’s important to understand that if you choose to sign a bail bond for your friend or family member, you are agreeing to take on the financial responsibility if they choose not to show up to court.

What happens if you don't pay bail?

If the bail isn’t paid, then that person will have to stay in jail until their court hearing. The bail amount will be returned as long as the defendant shows up for all court dates. When you call a bail bondsman what you are seeking is a bail bond that is essentially a short-term loan that the agent pays to the court on your behalf ...

Can you pay bail with cash?

You can pay for the bail amount with your own cash. This may save you money as long as the defendant shows up to all of their court dates. Just remember you are taking on that risk and you may be responsible for the entire bond amount. It is also possible to use physical assets as collateral. Such items can include:

Does South Carolina regulate bail bonds?

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. Fortunately, all bail bond offices are licensed and regulated by the State of South Carolina. This means that the fee for all bail bonds are set by local statutes and regulations ...

Is bail bonding regulated in South Carolina?

The last thing you want to worry about is having to bargain shop during a stressful time like this. Fortunately, all bail bond offices are licensed and regulated by the State of South Carolina. This means that the fee for all bail bonds are set by local statutes and regulations and are not set by individual bail bond offices.

What happens if you are arrested and put in jail?

When a person is arrested, they are immediately put in jail. They will then have to wait until a bail hearing, which is when a judge will set a bail amount. That bail amount must be paid to the court if the person arrested is to be released from jail. If the bail isn’t paid, then that person will have to stay in jail until their court hearing. The bail amount will be returned as long as the defendant shows up for all court dates.