How to Choose the Best Bail Bond Company in El Paso

Scrabble tiles spelling out the words “BAIL BOND” on a desk in El Paso.

If a loved one has found themselves in jail, they have options, and with your help, they can be set free rather quickly. Those who have yet to face a judge have the opportunity for bail. Here are the best tips for finding the right company to get a bail bond in time for your loved one. 

If you require the services of a bail bond company in El Paso, Freedom Bail Bonds is here to help. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 to learn more about our services and how we can help today.

24-Hour Availability 

You never know what can happen, so choosing a bail bond company that is available 24/7 is the best decision to make. While you or a loved one can wait until a bail bond company opens for the day, a 24/7 business can help you get out of jail as quickly as possible. Always pick a company that has someone available to help you at all hours. 

Speak to a Lawyer 

There is no one better to run to than a lawyer, a professional who understands the ins and outs of legal matters. Everyone is entitled to a lawyer if they have been charged with a crime, so if you need help making bail, a lawyer is one of the first people you should try reaching out to. 

Look for Honesty and Transparency 

A bail bond company should be 100% honest about every way that their business works. You will have to pay money to access a bail bondsman, but you will most likely save money by going with a pro than handling everything yourself. Simultaneously, make sure you are aware of their fees and billing. 

Consider Experience and Licensing 

Like any other industry or business, your best choice is working with a bail bond company that has years of experience in this area of work. More importantly, a trustworthy bail bond company should be licensed. Always try to look at their track record to see what kinds of cases the company has handled before, including reviews and ratings.

Cheap Bonds Are Not Always The Best Bail Bonds 

While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest services you can find, that doesn’t always mean they are the best services. Cheap bonds are usually a sign of a corrupt company that is more after your money than actually helping you out. Any company that has lower than an 8% fee aligning with the state cap should raise suspicions. 

Willing to Negotiate 

There are some bail bond companies that would be willing to work with you. Most companies will accept collateral or property in exchange for a bond. But if you do decide to use property as collateral, have someone appraise it. You never want a company to underestimate the value of your assets. 

Quality Customer Service 

And most importantly, a bail bond company should be dedicated to helping you. Finding a helpful bail bond company isn’t easy to work. It requires research and careful consideration. But when you find a company that provides quality customer service, they are most likely worth your time and money.

Choose the Best Bail Bond Company in El Paso. Contact Freedom Bail Bonds, Today 

One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a bail bond company is using your best judgment. We guarantee that our services can help you or a loved one.  Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 today to learn more. 

The 5 Things You Need to Know About Bail Bonds in El Paso

The phrase “bail bonds” is superimposed over a blue background with the image of Lady Justice.

Many individuals like to watch crime TV shows. They feel the exhilaration of solving cases. Some of the expressions we learn come from these shows. You could pick up a lot of knowledge about legal processes, prison regulations, and other topics. You are aware of what bail is, for the most part. But many are unaware of what it is.

Understanding the process can be challenging. Consider your friend or relative being taken into custody. They might or might not be at fault, but you will still try to free them from custody. However, you’re in danger if you don’t have the necessary funds. Asking a friend or family member for a loan could embarrass you. 

For this scenario, bail bonds in El Paso, TX, come to the rescue. Here are the five crucial things you need to know about bail bonds.

1. They Act as Insurance

Like insurance, it ensures that the defendant will show up for court on the scheduled days. The accused need not serve the entirety of their sentence behind bars. They may remain at home, but they have to show up in court. Getting someone out of jail might cost a lot of money.

Therefore, not many families have access to that kind of funding. To free their loved ones from prison, they buy these bonds. When you have selected the ideal business, visit their location. For the bond, you will make a down payment. You can send an agent if you’re too embarrassed to go.

You might always speak with your attorney, or if you still have questions, they’ll direct you on the appropriate path.

2. You Require Some Documents

You will need to carry some paperwork with you when you visit their office. You cannot travel without any supplies. A legitimate ID is needed – it doesn’t matter if it’s a passport or a driver’s license. You should also bring your bank account information.

Finally, you should produce evidence of your address to prevent the defendant from escaping. Not least, among other things, the required finances. They will act as a deposit and as collateral. You will have all you need to free your loved one once this is all done.

3. The Cost Varies

You need to be aware that the judge determines the bail. Everything is based on crime. Additionally, they will likely set a bigger sum if they anticipate that you’ll attempt to run. Sometimes, it’s possible to estimate the cost. But a lot of things could affect the price. But the sum will be formally disclosed by the judge.

4. Requirement of a Collateral

For you to be able to pay the bail, you’ll need to offer collateral. If the defendant doesn’t show up, this is necessary. You may always use some cash as security.

However, there are other choices. You could put up a costly vehicle or home, for instance. Additionally, you might utilize stocks, bonds, or jewelry. Different collaterals are possible as each case is different.

You should know who will take back whatever collateral you have provided. Therefore, whether it is cash or jewelry, you’ll receive it back. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about. They’ll keep the item there temporarily. In this manner, they ensure that you will repay them. Some individuals believe it to be an extra charge for the service. 

5. A Business Like No Other

Bail bonds may be perceived as an aspect of the criminal underworld, but they are insurance firms like any other. They must be well knowledgeable in contract, criminal, and financial law. Additionally, state or federal governments may license and regulate bail bondsmen. The pressure of overcrowding is lessened by allowing those charged with a crime to be released from custody until their trial date. Bail bond companies like this one can help in this situation.

El Paso Bail Bonds

Bail bonds can greatly help ease the stressful situation of the accused and his near ones. If you are looking for a credible resource to get bail bonds in El Paso, TX, contact us for further information and professional guidance.

Bail Bonds in Texas — Your Go-to Guide

Bail bonds superimposed over an image displaying a gavel, handcuffs, and two 100 dollar bills

Many people accused of crimes in El Paso are stuck in jail pending their trial because of high bail bond amounts. More often than not, this is because the individual cannot afford the bail. The creation of the bail system is not to punish a person for not being financially stable. In fact, the law allows an accused to hire a person to pay the bail bond.

If you’re in El Paso and require bail bond services, give us a call at (915) 877-9293!

What is Bail?

Bail is the release of a person who is in custody awaiting a court hearing or trial either on self-recognizance or on specific conditions such as the payment of a sum of money to the court and the promise to be available in court when required. 

What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond or a surety bond is the amount of money agreed to be paid to the court to effect the release of a person in police custody. 

The bond could either be provided for by:

  • The suspect
  • A bonding company
  • A bail agent
  • A bail bondsman

When a suspect cannot afford to pay the bail sum, they can employ the services of a bonding company or bail agent who will act as a surety and provide money to the court for the person’s bail. 

Key Things To Know About Bail Bonds

While the bail bond system is not legal in most jurisdictions, El Paso, TX—like many other cities in the United States—allows the use of bail bonds as a recognized means of securing the release of a jailed person. 

Usually, most bail bond agents will charge defendants a non-refundable fee of 10-15% of the bond sum as compensation in exchange for paying the full bail amount to the court.

Since the bail agency will be posting the entire bail amount and will bear the loss if the accused person fails to appear in court for the trial, some will require additional collateral, especially if it is a hefty bail sum. The collateral could be items of value or having a notable guarantor sign to bear any cost that may arise from the accused persons’ breaching the bail terms.

After the trial, the court will return the money to the bond’s payer; if you posted bail personally, you get all your money back. If you used a bonding agency, the court returns all the money to the agency; even if you obeyed all the bail terms, the 10% deposit could not be returned to you because it is payment for the bail agent’s services.

How the Court Decides the Bail Sum

Every El Paso, Texas trial court has a “bond schedule.” This schedule is a compass for all magistrates and judges in determining the appropriate bail amount. However, the schedule is merely a guideline; hence, individual judges and magistrates can tweak or adjust the bail sum either upward or downward based on the specific circumstances of a case.

Factors that can influence the courts when fixing the bail amount include the following:

  • The severity of the offense charged; typically, a felony will attract a higher bail sum than a simple misdemeanor.
  • The prior criminal convictions of the defendant; a repeat offender will get a higher bail sum than a first-time offender
  • The bail amount might be higher if the person was out on a bail term before the rearrested for another offense.
  • The bail bond may be higher if the defendant is on probation due to a conviction for another criminal act.
  • The bail bond may be higher if the defendant is considered a threat to the community.
  • Whether the defendant is presumed to be a “flight risk,” that is, the prosecutor can show the court that the defendant would possibly jump bail. 

What Happens When a Person Fails to Follow the Bail’s Bond?

A bail bond does not translate to an unconditional release from jail. Hence, a person released on bail or personal bond must meet certain conditions in the bail order to stay out of jail through the trial. 

When a defendant breaches any of these conditions, such as “skipping or jumping bail,” the court will issue a bench warrant for their immediate arrest. Also, you will forfeit all the money you posted as the bail sum with the court if you do not get any back. If you took out a bail bond, the surety will lose its money and try to recover it from you.

Bail Bonds in El Paso, Texas Today

If you or someone you know has been granted bail for an amount they cannot produce by a court in El Paso, you can reach out to Freedom Bail Bonds. When you employ the services of freedom Bail bonds, you have the assurance that they will take swift actions to secure that release, and they will not spend a moment longer than necessary in jail. 

Don’t Be Caught Unawares: 7 Crucial Things To Know About Bail Bonds

Bail bond system, bailing out of jail and innocent until proven guilty conceptual idea with judge wooden gavel, dollar banknotes and handcuffs with copy space

More than 10 million people are arrested each year nationally. If you or a loved one find yourselves among these numbers, you may consider a bail bond as a way to get out of jail. However, you should know a few things before choosing to use a bail bond.

1. Bail Bonds Aren’t a Get Out of Jail Free Card

Some people look at bail bonds as a get-out-of-jail-free card. It’s a common misconception that you can post bail using a bond and never worry about your arrest again. However, this is far from accurate.

For starters, the bond will need to be paid back. In addition to the total amount of your bail, there may be additional fees. Everything must be paid in full, according to the agreement between you and the bond company.

Additionally, there may be non-monetary requirements that have to be met. These usually depend on what you were arrested for. A few examples include:

  • Attending a drug education or rehabilitation program
  • Attending domestic violence or anger management classes
  • Not possessing a firearm
  • Maintaining gainful employment

2. Bail Fees Are Pre-Determined

It isn’t just a random number thrown out there when your bail is set. Instead, bail fees are calculated using pre-determined amounts that consider numerous factors.

A few examples of factors that affect bail fees include:

  • The crime committed
  • Prior convictions
  • Your determined flight risk
  • The severity of the crime

3. Bail Bonds Aren’t a Legal Right

Receiving a bail bond isn’t a legal right. A bond agency has the right to refuse its service to anyone at any time. If you’re well-established in the community and don’t have numerous prior convictions, you’ll likely be approved for a bail bond.

However, bonds are regularly refused to people who are deemed flight risks. But what does “flight risk” really mean?

A flight risk may mean you’ve previously skipped bail or failed to appear in court. It could also mean you don’t have family, a home, or a job in the area. Without these things holding you to the area, it’s assumed to be easier for you to flee.

It’s also important to know that if you flee or fail to show up for court, the bail bond agency can (and will) send someone after you. The person sent to retrieve you may be a bounty hunter or a bail bond enforcement agent.

When the retrieval specialist finds you, they’ll take you back to prison. Once you’ve been returned for fleeing a bail bond, you aren’t eligible to receive another one. This means it’s crucial to make your payments and show up to work on time.

4. Bail Bonds Can Have Multiple Co-signers

You must have at least one co-signer to receive a bail bond. This will be the person who visits the bail bond agency on your behalf. They’ll need to sign the contract along with you.

These co-signers accept responsibility for the person jailed. Essentially, they’re promising the detained person will attend court, won’t run away, and meet other requirements. Each bail bond can have multiple co-signers, but every co-signer will be held liable if the bond contract is broken.

5. There Are Multiple Bond Types

There are different types of bail bonds you might use. Which type is right for your circumstances will depend on your ability to pay or the kind of crime committed.

For example, a federal bail bond is necessary if you’ve been accused of a federal crime. These leverage higher fees and require more collateral compared to alternative options. If you can pay the total bail amount upfront in cash, it’s called a cash bond.

Most people will need to get a surety bond. This is when a third party (like a bail bond agency) agrees to step in and pay if the accused doesn’t make their appearance in court.

An alternative option is a property bond. This is when a property is placed against the bail fees instead of cash or other forms of collateral.

However, collateral can be often used instead of cash for most bail bond types. Commonly used collateral may include vehicles, high-value jewelry, or collectibles.

6. You May Not Have Your Bail Bond Refunded

In some cases, bail can be refunded in whole or part. This happens after a person makes their appearance in court and proves all bond requirements were met. If you paid the bail in cash, you should get your money back after the accused makes their court appearance.

However, you won’t get your money back if you use a surety bond. For a property bond, you’ll retain ownership of the property so long as the court date is attended.

In the unfortunate event that the person making bail doesn’t appear in court, all of the bail is forfeit. If you used collateral, you don’t receive it back. This includes any property placed against the bail.

7. Make the Process Faster by Having the Right Information

Before you contact a bail bond company, you’ll need to gather certain information. This makes the process faster and ensures you (or your loved one) make bail quickly.

You’ll need the full, legal name of the person arrested and the charges they’re being accused of. You’ll also need to know their booking number and the name of the jail where they’re being held.

If you can gather any other information about the arrest, this could be useful. For example, additional information may help determine whether you’re eligible for a bail bond.

Learn More About Bail Bonds

Although these are the most crucial things to know about bail bonds, this doesn’t cover everything. If you still have questions about bail bonds or the process of posting bail, contact us today.

Did You Get Locked Up? Here’s How Bail and Bail Bonds Work!

Happy guys in casual hugging each other. Close friends meeting on outdoor building terrace, embracing and greeting each other. Bonding concept

Have you or a loved one recently been thrown in jail? Are you confused about the bail process and what it means for your case? If so, then you need to learn as much as you can about bail and bail bonds.

Doing so can give you leverage, even in a murky situation. Knowing your options could mean the difference between sitting in jail or getting some freedom leading up to your court dates. It never hurts to learn more.

See below for an in-depth guide on how bail bonds work, as well as answers to other common questions regarding bail bonds.

What is Bail?

Everyone has heard of the phrase: “making bail”, but very few people actually understand the role that it plays after someone is arrested

Bail is the technical term used to describe the predetermined amount of money that a court sets for someone that’s been put in jail. If this bail is paid for in cash, then it allows the defendant (the person in jail) to be released from jail until their court date (which is also predetermined). 

Sounds easy enough, but here’s the catch: courts intentionally place the bail at a very high threshold. It’s often thousands of dollars. 

Why would they do that? To try and ensure that you can’t cover the bail. Most people don’t have $20,000 or more in cash to be placed towards paying bail, and if they do, then they’ll be sure to attend every court date that they’re given to avoid further penalty.

That’s the entire thought process around bail: to give the court insurance. Since the person in jail often can’t cover the cost of bail, they reach out to trusted bail bondsmen to post the bail for them. In doing so, the defendant is allowed to be released from jail on the understanding that they appear for their upcoming court date(s).

What Are Bail Bonds?

Now that you know what bail is, what are bail bonds? What does the term mean and how can it help you during this hectic time? 

As we just covered, when a defendant can’t afford to post bail for themselves (which is usually the case), they hire a bail bondsman to come in and post the bail for them. After that, the defendant is allowed to return home and await their court hearing.

Even though the defendant doesn’t have to sit in jail, there are still certain responsibilities that they are on the hook for. Those responsibilities depend on the case.

For civil cases, a bail bondsman will use a civil bail bond, which ensures that the defendant will pay back the entirety of the bond with interest as well as any additional costs the court assigns to them.

For criminal cases, a bondsman will use a criminal bail bond. This insinuates that the defendant will appear for his or her trial at the place and time that the court summons them. It also ensures that they will pay back the fines that the court assigns to the defendant. 

How is the Bail Bond Paid?

Once a judge sets the bail amount, the defendant can choose whether or not to post the bail. If they can’t afford it themselves, then they can hire a bail bondsman with the understanding that the defendant pays 10-percent of the total.

The rest of that bail bond is secured through various collateral that you might have. For example, you may use your car as collateral for your bail bond. 

Once all of the math adds up, the bail bondsman will post the bail, thus allowing you to return home to your family.

Why Are Bail Bonds Important?

You probably have a few answers for this question by reading this far into the article already. It’s no secret that being arrested is one of the most stressful moments in a person’s life. It doesn’t just affect them, but their loved ones as well.

Without bail bonds, most people wouldn’t be able to afford to post their bail. In other words: most people wouldn’t have any way to get out of jail before their court date.

That means that you’d be away from your family for what might be several months. There’s no way for you to get your affairs in order or reconnect with your loved ones before the court date occurs.

A bail bond ensures that you have time with your family during this time. Rather than sitting in jail, you can make the most of your time and try to start the path to correction.

What Happens During Court?

As we’ve touched on already, the bail is posted with the understanding that the defendant appears for their scheduled court date. But what happens from there? 

If the defendant doesn’t appear for court, then they’ll be forced to pay for the bail bond via the assets they used as collateral.

If the defendant does appear, then the bail bond is no longer needed. You’ll be able to receive all your collateral with no risk of losing it. Everybody wins and your court will conclude as quickly as possible.

Consider Bail Bonds for Your Situation Today

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on what bail bonds are and why they’re so important, be sure to use all of this information to your advantage.

Take the time to read this article for more information on the impact that coronavirus has had on court proceedings. To get started, call us right away at 915-877-9293 and we will be happy to assist you further.