How To Find a Reputable Bail Bonding Company

Statistics show that up to 5% of people will be incarcerated at some point in their lives. This means that one in 20 people will see a jail cell. The offense may be as small as a traffic violation or as significant as a violent crime, but when an arrest occurs, your first thought may be how to get your loved one out of jail. Although you may have heard of bail bondsmen, if you have no experience with them, you may not know where to start. Therefore, consider these tips for finding a great bail bonding company.

Get Referrals

Referrals are going to be your best source of information about Wayne County bail bonds. If you know individuals who were arrested and had to post bail, you can speak to them about their experiences. You may also ask criminal defense attorneys. Many of these professionals have existing relationships with reputable bondsmen. Finally, you can ask detention officers. They see bonding agencies posting bail all day, so they have valuable information about them and how they work.

Do Some Additional Research

You don’t want to choose the first bond agency you hear about. Instead, shop around a bit. Research three to five companies. Compare how they do business, their transparency levels and experience. Find out their bond requirements, including the types of collateral they accept. You should also check their Better Business Bureau and local chamber of commerce status. Search for outstanding complaints. Finally, check their online reviews.

Ask for Proof of Licensing

Bail bonding companies need a state license to operate legally. The state also has specific bonding laws. For example, your state will set a fee limit, typically around 10-15%, so you aren’t overcharged for your bond. If you are unsure about an agency’s license, check the state’s website. It should list all the bondsmen who are licensed to operate in your state.

With a little homework and patience, you can find the best bondsman for your situation.