Many things must be considered when finding the right bail bonds company for your needs. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to find the best fit for your situation.
Collateral
Collateral is something of value that the defendant offers to a bail bond company to secure their release. This can be a house or other property of the appropriate value, jewelry or other valuable items.
In general, the collateral a person offers must be of a value equal to or greater than the amount of bail. This ensures that the defendant can make all court and contractual obligations and are held accountable if they fail to appear in court or otherwise violate the terms of their bail. Real estate is one of the most common forms of collateral, but it must be unencumbered without any mortgages or liens. Property types, such as cars, boats and motorcycles, can also be used.
Fees
Bail bond fees are regulated by state law, and the amount you pay is usually set at a minimum percentage of the bail amount. You can always ask your bondsman to negotiate their fee, however. The charge can be paid in whole upfront or over time. You can also pay it with collateral, such as the equity in your home or a car you own. According to Luzerne County bail bonds experts, collaterals can be a good way to avoid paying a large deposit upfront and make payments over time. But be aware that the collateral will only become valuable if you repay the fee in cash. A bail bond is a surety contract in which the party agrees to contribute funds in return for a pledge to show up for court dates as scheduled. The court usually releases the defendant’s money back to the person who bailed them out, but that can happen only if they show up and comply with all the court’s rules.
Reputation
The bail bond industry is competitive, and agencies live or die by their reputations. A robust online presence is necessary, but collecting positive testimonials from happy clients and co-signers is even better.
There are several ways to collect the good stuff, and one of them is a nifty little tool called a review management system. The software automates the process of collecting, categorizing and distributing testimonials.
You can also use it to track trends and respond to feedback in real-time. This can help you spot a trend before it snowballs and save your agency from investing in costly marketing campaigns.
The right review management system will highlight your business’s strengths and minimize the negative feedback that can erode your reputation. It’s also the most economical weapon you have at your disposal. The secret to using it correctly is to be patient and persistent. The rewards are well worth the effort.
Experience
A bail bond company must have a high level of experience dealing with the criminal justice system. They need to know how the court system works and understand the county jails first-hand. Bail bondsman companies also need strong communication skills as they interact with a wide range of people who are in trouble and seeking help. This job can be emotionally draining, but it can also be a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
