Bail is an essential part of our judicial system, allowing individuals to return to their lives while they await trial. However, due to Hollywood portrayals of bail bondsmen, many people need clarification about this process.
A bail bond company only charges a small fraction of the actual bail amount set by the court. They also offer flexible payment options.
Bail Bonds Are Only for the Rich
A common misconception is that bail bondsmen are criminals who help criminals get out of jail. While some bail bond agents may have an image like that, they are highly regulated and must follow strict federal and state laws.
Furthermore, people bailed out of jail must abide by all terms and conditions set by the court. Failure to do so can result in re-arrest and increased bail amounts. If someone is poor, they are more likely to be arrested and jailed before their trial because of their inability to pay cash bail. Erie County bail bonds offer a simple way to reduce the money that must be paid upfront so that everyone has a fair chance of getting out of jail before trial.
Bail Bonds Are Only for the Innocent
A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and money bail allows people to remain free while awaiting trial. Unfortunately, many people can’t afford the full bail amount, and some are forced to rely on private bond companies to escape jail.
Countless individuals have reported being slammed with thousands of dollars in upfront fees and interest, as well as for services they don’t need, such as ankle monitors. Many of these people are also being hounded by their bondsmen, sometimes on the phone and in person, with threats to throw them back in jail until they pay more.
Bail bondsmen can accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, money orders,, and approved checks. They may also require a co-signer and some collateral, such as property or vehicles.
Bail Bonds Are Only for the Poor
The bail system unfairly punishes poor people, causing them to miss work and risk losing their homes. The solution is to eliminate money bail and replace it with a system that guarantees pretrial release for all.
Another common myth is that bail bondsmen are big men wearing sunglasses and thick gold chain jewelry who look like bodyguards or club bouncers. This is a product of Hollywood, but bail agents are professionals who live in the communities they serve and have families that depend on them.
Bail bond agencies require a small percentage of the total bail amount, which can be paid with credit cards, money orders, approved checks, or other payment arrangements arranged through your bond agency.
Bail Bonds Are Only for the Criminally Innocent
Millions of people churn through the nation’s jails yearly, with many facing low-level charges. Bail amounts are often set arbitrarily, and most incarcerated people are black or poor.
Rather than restraining an accused person in jail until proven guilty, the Sixth Amendment gives them the right to a public trial before an impartial jury. Moreover, it is unfair to force the poor and middle class to stay in jail while the rich get to walk free, regardless of whether they are innocent.
Fortunately, the bail bonds industry helps individuals of all income levels afford to post bail and avoid being stuck in jail until their trials. However, those on bail need to understand the risks of skipping court dates, violating probation, or breaking other laws, as these mistakes can result in being re-arrested and sent back to jail until they reach their trials.
Bail Bonds Are Only for the Criminally Guilty
Bail bonds are a great way for people to avoid spending time in jail who can’t afford the entire bail amount. They also allow for flexibility, as a person bailed out can use various payment methods, including credit card payments.
They are being forced to stay in jail while awaiting trial, which results in job loss, homelessness, and emotional and financial stress for families. Everyone must know that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty and shouldn’t be punished. Research shows that cash bail is a major factor in racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Moreover, other low-cost, evidence-based strategies, such as text message reminders, have reduced failure-to-appear rates and saved jurisdictions millions of dollars annually.
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