Spending the night in jail after you have been arrested is never an ideal situation. The problem becomes even more complicated if you don't have the funds available to pay your bail and get out of jail quickly. Luckily, there is an option to help you generate the dollar amount that you'll need to go home and await your court date. A bail bond agency will cover your bail in exchange for some collateral on your part. While it may be tempting to work with the first bail bond company that you find when you're in a jam, it's best to take the time and find the right service for a smooth and easy process. Here are 3 mistakes to steer clear of when you are selecting a bail bond agency to help you.

Mistake # 1: Failing to check into the bail bond agency's reputation

While you're in jail, you will likely receive the contact information for several bail bond companies in your area. Once you have these details handy, enlist a family member or friend to research all of the agencies to pick one with an excellent reputation. Since there is money involved, it's important to choose a trustworthy agency. To ensure that a company is safe to use for your bail bond, you'll need to look for a few crucial factors. Confirm that the agency is legally insured and licensed to perform work in your state. You should also read online reviews about the company, and look for positive remarks from other clients, especially those who were arrested for charges similar to yours. Knowing that the bail bond agency has a reliable track record will help you make a good decision.

Mistake # 2: Picking a bail bond agency with inconvenient hours 

It's impossible to predict when you may need assistance from a bail bondsman. As arrests happen around the clock, you'll need to select a bail bond agency that can provide 24-hour service. Courts typically won't allow your release from jail without a written agreement from the agency promising your ability to appear back in court on the specified date. If you pick a company that isn't readily available to generate that document, then you may find yourself sitting in jail longer than expected. Always confirm the company's working hours before making your choice.

Being careful to avoid these mistakes will ensure that you select the right bail bond agency for your situation.

To learn more, check out local bail bond agency websites.

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