Bail Bond Company
Being in jail or having a loved one arrested can be very stressful, confusing and frightening. What makes the situation worse is that most likely you and the people close to you might not understand the bail process and the ins and outs of the system. When this happens, you may end up losing a lot of precious time. The good news is that an experienced bail bond company can be ready to pay the bond on your behalf so that you or your loved one can get out of jail and wait from trial at home. However, for a positive outcome, you need to partner with a bail bond company that has the experience, knowledge and resources to make your experience as smooth and stress free as possible.
Not all bail bond companies are the same. Always be sure to do your research before partnering with a bail bond company and be sure to ask questions. Each situation is different. You may even want to contact a few bail bond companies to ensure that you find the best company for your specific situation.
Bail Bond Companies
The next question that most clients have is how to find reputable bail bond companies. With technology becoming more readily available and less face-to-face meetings to conduct business, we’ve put together this list of questions you should ask and characteristics you should look for when choosing a bail bond company over the Internet.
1. Use an Internet search to learn more about the bail bond company. If the company has been in business for a while and has been actively serving the community, you should find a comprehensive online presence. This industry can be very competitive, so expect the most reputable and experienced firms to have a professional web presence.
2. What is their professional reputation? Is the bail bond company part of the Better Business Bureau or another professional group?
3. What percentage do they charge? In California, bail bond companies are regulated by the California Department of Insurance; they must charge 10 percent. In some situations, clients may qualify for an 8 percent fee called the Proposition 103 Rebate, however, this is the minimum that a California bail bond agency is allowed to charge. If the bail bond company is offering a lower rate, they are acting illegally and you should question wanting to work with them.
4. Do they have a bail license? Each bail bond agent should be professionally licensed. Be sure to ask them for proof of their license up front.
5. What is the time frame for release? If a bail bond agent gives you an exact release time, they are not being honest with you. There is no bail agency that can give you an exact time. They can only give you a window, as each jail is different. Whether or not the jail is short staffed, depending on the day of the week, or depending on how long the booking and processing procedures take, it is hard to give an exact time.
6. Ask if you need collateral. Depending on the individual circumstances and the amount of the bond, you may or may not need to put down collateral.
7. What are their payment methods? Does the bail bond company offer payment terms, take credit cards, or offer financing? Always partner with the bail company that can assist you with the payment terms that are most comfortable for your specific situation.
These are just a few of the things you should look for when considering a bail bond company to partner with. At Ernie Lopez Bail Bonds, we have been service the Southern California market since 1956. We are equipped to handle Carson, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Anaheim bail bonds, as well as many other communities throughout California.
We are an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau, members of the California Bail Agents Association, and are fully licensed and insured. Locally owned and operated, we are happy to offer flexible payment terms and will work with you to ensure that your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Connect with our team today to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you soon and to helping you navigate this sensitive situation.