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Frequently Asked Bail Questions

  • Do I Qualify For A Bail Bond?
  • Does The Jail Accept Credit Cards Or Personal Checks For Bail?
  • How Can Some Bail Companies Advertise An 8% Fee?
  • How Long Does It Take For Someone To Be Released?
  • How Much Does It Cost?
  • If I Have The Full Bail Amount In Cash Do I Need A Bail Bond?
  • What Are My Responsibilities As A Co-signer Or Indemnitor?
  • What If I Sign For Someone Who Misses Court?
  • When Do I Get My Collateral Back?

     

    Do I Qualify For A Bail Bond?
    With over 60 years experience in the bail bonds industry, S&H Bail Bonds has helped people in almost every situation imaginable. We'll work with you to get your loved one out.

    Does The Jail Accept Credit Cards Or Personal Checks For Bail?
    No. Jails and courts do not accept credit cards or checks. S&H Bail Bonds on the other hand does accept credit cards, checks, and cash. We also can arrange a reasonable payment plan for you.

    How Can Some Bail Companies Advertise An 8% Fee?
    Be sure to read the fine print or look for the asterisk (*). Most likely they're actually advertising a down payment of 8% and once you've signed all the contracts and gotten your loved one out of jail they will press to collect the balance. Unfortunately there are bail companies out there that will take advantage of unknowing people and break the law in an attempt to make fast cash. If a bail company seems to be rushing you or hiding information about the process it's best to walk away. Even if you don't use our service we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process.

    How Long Does It Take For Someone To Be Released?
    It varies from jail to jail but after the warrant check has been cleared you can expect a local jail release time to be 30min to an hour and a county jail to be 4-8 hours.

    How Much Does It Cost?
    Bail Bond companies must charge an industry regulated fee that is 10% of the bail amount. We offer flexible payment plans and low down payments.

    If I Have The Full Bail Amount In Cash Do I Need A Bail Bond?
    No. If you put up cash directly with the jail or court you don't need a bail bond and you won't have to pay the 10% fee. The downside of putting up cash bail with the jail or court is that your money will stay in their custody for the duration of the case and may take 2-3 months to be returned once the case is over. With bail amounts today generally ranging between $10,000 and $50,000 most people will find themselves unable to post cash bail. Release of collateral varies from county to county so a standard release of cash bail is difficult to estimate. If you have more questions about the difference between cash bail and a bail bond we would be happy to help you.

    What Are My Responsibilities As A Co-signer Or Indemnitor?
    The Co-signer or Indemnitor is financially responsible for the defendant to make it to all of their court ordered appearence dates. This responsibilty lasts either until the defendant's last court date or the judge exonerates the bail bond. In the event that the defendant fails to appear and has no intention of going back to court, the indemnitor will be responsible for the cost of apprehending the fugitive defendant. If we are unable to apprehend the fugitive defendant the indemnitor will be responsible for paying the full bail amount. If collateral is received it may be used to pay the court if the indemnitor is unwilling or unable to pay the full amount. Due to the large financial responsibility of the indemnitor you should be sure that the person you are signing for is someone you can trust. If you are signing for someone that is not a relative or close friend, you need to be confident that they'll make to all of their court dates. We want you to be comfortable with your decision to sign as an indemnitor and we're here to help you with any questions you may have.

    What If I Sign For Someone Who Misses Court?
    Contact us immediately. If the defendant just missed a court date and intends to go back to court we will get them a new court date. There will be a fee to reschedule a missed court date. If the defendant has no intention of going back to court, you are responsible for the cost of apprehending them and bringing them back. If we're unable to locate the defendant to bring them back to court you are responsible to pay the full bail amount.

    When Do I Get My Collateral Back?
    Collateral will be returned after any money owed is paid in full and the defendant has gone to all of their court dates. To expedite the process we will need documentation from the court clerk showing that the bail bond has been "exonerated" (no longer necessary).



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