Myth: Bail Bonds Only Accept Cash Payments
In the age of electronic payments and credit cards, bail bond agents accept alternatives to cash payments. Bail bonds companies are happy to receive payment through credit cards, checks, or money orders. You also have the option to put up collateral to pay for your bond.
Myth: Bail Bondsmen Can Negotiate Bail Costs in Court
Bail bond agents have no authority to negotiate bail bond amounts. The court is responsible for setting the bail amount, and they rely on factors such as the nature of the charge, the defendant’s past records, and other legal considerations. It is possible, however, for a judge to change their mind and reset a bond amount.
Myth: Bail Bond Fees are Refunded Once the Case is Over
A bail bond acts a guarantee that the temporarily released prisoner will appear at court later on for their trial. The circumstances when someone can get a refund from a bail bond agent are rare, however. The one-time fee is usually non-refundable and costs 10-20% of the total bail amount that was set.
Myth: A Bail Bonds Agent is a Bounty Hunter
It is possible to confuse a bonds guarantor with a bounty hunter, but they are two different things. A bail bondsman is a clerical worker whose responsibility is to make sure that a defendant doesn’t serve unnecessary jail time. Bail bond agents may hire bounty hunters to get possible bail jumpers back to court, however.
Debunking the common myths surrounding bail bond services can help in portraying the industry more accurately. With a full understanding of the industry, people will feel more comfortable making use of these valuable services.
