Frequently Asked Questions About Bail Bonds
When you have questions about bail bonds, you can rely on the experienced agents at A-1 Affordable Bail Bonds to answer all of your questions. We are here to make getting out of jail quick and easy — that means making sure that you understand the bail bonds process and that you are 100% comfortable with it. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about bail bonds and contact us to get started today.
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
This is one of the most common questions we receive. Generally speaking, the bail bonds process can be broken down into eight steps when you work with a bond agency:
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You or your loved one is arrested and transported to jail for booking and processing.
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The court will determine if you are eligible for bail and how much your bail is.
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You contact a bond agency for help.
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The bond agent collects key information needed to complete the bonding paperwork.
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You pay the bail agent 10% of the total bail amount for their services.
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The bail bondsman secures a bond and posts bail on your behalf.
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You are released from jail so you can get back to your family and work.
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You prepare for trial and the bond amount is refunded to the bondsman after you appear in court.
Learn more: How the Bail Bond Process Works
Who Can Post Bail for Me?
There are no limitations on who can post bail for you. You can post bail for yourself, or a friend or family member can post bail on your behalf. If you, your friend, or your family cannot afford to pay the full bail amount in cash, then you can contact one of our bail bondsmen for help. We can secure a bail bond to post bail on your behalf, all for just a fraction of what you’d be expected to pay out of pocket.
What Information Does a Bondsman Need to Get Started?
It is helpful if you have the following information before contacting our bail bond agency:
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The defendant’s name and date of birth
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The date and approximate time of their arrest
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The jail at which the defendant is being held
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Their booking number, if you have it
If you have some, but not all of this information, please don’t wait to contact us. Our team has years of experience helping individuals across Virginia get out of jail. That means that we have great working relationships within more than 20 counties to help you gather the information we need to start the bonding paperwork. Remember, the sooner you call us, the sooner we can help get you out of jail.
What Can Types of Items Can Be Used As Collateral?
Collateral is some type of tangible property that takes the place of money as payment for your bail premium. The property is returned when your case comes to a close, regardless of the outcome of your case. The key is making sure that you show up for court. If you fail to appear for court or skip bail altogether, you’ll forfeit your collateral. The following are items often used as collateral:
Jewelry — gold, silver, platinum, and pieces containing precious gemstones
Real estate — may include structures and the land on which they are built
Electronics — televisions, gaming systems, computers, laptops, etc.
Motor vehicles — may include cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, snowmobiles, etc.
Bank accounts — savings accounts, college funds, investments, etc.
How Long Does It Take to Post Bail and Get Out of Jail?
Once you contact A-1 Affordable Bail Bonds, we can get started on the bail bonding paperwork. This process takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes once our bondsman begins working on it. The release time after the jail receives our paperwork is typically less than an hour for local police stations and two to 10 hours for larger county jails. Generally speaking, the larger the holding facility, the longer it takes for you or your loved one to be released. Either way, the sooner you contact A-1 Affordable Bail Bonds, the sooner you will be getting out of jail.
Learn More: How Does a Bail Bondsman Work?
How Much Does Bail Cost?
Per Virginia law, the amount you pay to secure a bail bond through a bond agency is 10% of the total bail amount. That means if your bail is set at $10,000, your bail premium is $1,000. We work with jails across Virginia so that we can offer payment plans that allow you to pay this premium in installments. We may also consider accepting collateral in certain situations.
Why Don’t I Get My Premium Back?
A bail premium (the 10% fee that you pay) is the Bail Agent’s fee for posting the bond. This is spelled out in the A-1 Affordable Bail Bonds contract that is executed at the time the bond is posted.
Bail Bonds in Lynchburg and the Surrounding Area
Do you have questions about bail bonds that aren’t answered here? Are you navigating the bail bonds process for the first time and looking for an experienced bond agency to help you? Contact A-1 Affordable Bail Bonds today to speak with a Virginia bond agent. We are here to help you when you need us the most, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get the bail bonds process started right away by giving us a call.