7 Common Bail Bond Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding legal procedures is complicated, especially the bail process. The process of bail isn’t a simple one. Individuals must arrange necessary cash, find bail bond agents, and run from one place to another.
However, it’s necessary to have adequate knowledge of the process. You never know when a loved one ends up behind bars and in need of help. In such circumstances, you could help them avoid making mistakes.
Here are seven essential tips to mind while applying for bail for anyone. Remember, a single mistake could result in a significant delay in the entire bail process. So, be aware of the following list of things.
Choosing an Unlicensed Bail Bonds Agent
Choosing unlicensed and inexperienced agents will complicate matters. There are several bail bond service providers in the city, but not each one is authorized. Therefore, you must find someone with the necessary skills and experience to handle your situation.
Do your research before finalizing on anyone. If you choose a reliable person who knows what he’s doing, you won’t face trouble throughout the bail process.
According to the professionals at Fianzas, a bail bond service provider, “Releasing inmates isn’t as challenging as before. There are online bail systems to make matters easier and simpler. You could post bail for friends and loved ones through your smart devices.”
When you opt for a licensed agent, they get you out in no time through proper legal channels.
Providing Incorrect Information
A common mistake that most individuals make is lying or providing incorrect information. Whether you appear in front of a judge or jury, refrain from giving false statements. If someone finds you providing inconsistent details, your case weakens.
Therefore, choose honesty at every step. The court will ask you several questions and touch on several sensitive topics. They might ask about the offense you committed or about your financial standings.
These questions help judges understand if an accused can pay for their bail and if are they trustworthy enough to be released temporarily. When you answer honestly, the chances of getting a quick bail increase.
It’s only lies, deceit, and deception that results in trouble.
Failing to Stay out of Trouble While on Bail
If a court approves your bail, they trust you won’t run into further trouble. That is what you should keep in mind. The minute, you’re out in the free world, be on your best behavior.
Don’t interact with anyone who got you into the problem in the first place. Instead, spend time with family and close friends. If you’re caught doing something illegal while on bail, the punishment becomes severe.
You will lose all the money you spent on your previous bail and might not even get a second chance.
Providing Incorrect Address while Posting Bail
Bail bond applications can be lengthy and consist of several documents. Each of these documents will require individuals to fill in details about themselves. While filling out these forms, avoid making any mistakes.
Most people provide incorrect addresses while filling out forms in haste. Don’t make this mistake. Take your time, and go through each line. See to it that your forms don’t have any errors.
Courts immediately revoke your bond if a single line of information is false. That means you lose all your money and the chance at freedom.
Choosing the Wrong Cosigner
Often, individuals in jail don’t have enough money to get bail for themselves. In such circumstances, they may use a co-signer to help pay for their bail. The cosigner could be anyone who has enough monetary resources to free you. It could be a parent, sibling, family friend, distant relative, or your spouse.
Just keep in mind, that anyone who vouches for you should be someone you can trust and with whom you have cordial relations. A cosigner carries power in this matter. If they back out at any moment, you will land back in police custody.
Therefore, it is important to choose your co-signer for your bail wisely. Treat the co-signer well, and don’t do anything to upset them.
In addition to keeping the cosigner happy, make sure they are approved by a proper bail bonds service, are employed, and are citizens of the country. Don’t randomly choose a co-signer. Give it some time and choose carefully.
Traveling to other Countries or Cities on Bail
While out on bail, you have to follow a few restrictions. For example, you can’t travel to other cities or countries. Travel restrictions are common for people on bail and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Whatever the reason might be, don’t think of traveling if your bail bond doesn’t allow it. In case, it’s an unavoidable emergency, seek permission from your bail bondsman and other authorities before stepping out.
By timely informing these people, you save yourself from punishment. Since everyone knows where you’re headed off to, they can contact you if anything untoward happens.
Missing out on Court Hearings
If a judge asks you to be present at another court session, do attend it. Sadly, several people out on bail, forget to oblige to this condition.
People who don’t show up in courts on the predefined dates put themselves in harm’s way. Judges might find their behavior to be reckless and could revoke their bail.
Your life and freedom are in the hands of a judge, so make sure you don’t do anything to upset him. A single mistake could mean longer jail time or a harsher punishment.