Ending up in jail isn’t something anyone ever plans for, and in almost all cases, it is an embarrassing and frustrating experience. If you’ve found yourself in jail then the chances are good that you’re there for the first time and you’re feeling trapped in a strange place wondering how exactly you can secure your release while minimizing the risk of making your situation even worse than it already is.
If you’re a friend or loved one that is looking for a way to help someone you care about get out of jail, then you’re probably going through similar feelings of uncertainty as you search for the best available option while trying to understand the complicated rules of the legal system surrounding bail.
The good news is that there IS a quick, reliable way to secure a release from jail. The answer is to contact an experienced bail bond agent who can work with you to cover the cost of bail while also handling all of the complicated and confusing paperwork that’s involved in the process. At the same time, there are some important things to keep in mind when deciding to work with a bail bond agent that will help the experience go smoothly, and protect you from even more headaches and frustrations down the road.
At ABC Bail Bonds, our team has years of experience helping people in Texas secure a release from jail while guiding them towards successful outcomes in their follow-up proceedings. To help people avoid making this process harder than it has to be, we’ve decided to spend a little time focusing on the things to avoid when working with a bail bond agency.
Don’t Work with a Shady Agent
The first thing to keep in mind when deciding to work with a bail bond agency is the validity of their claims. Not all bail bond agencies have your best interests in mind when offering to cover the cost of your bail.
It is always important to take a few measures to protect yourself when searching for a bail bond agency you can trust, including:
- Ask to see a bail bond license – Most agencies will have a license on clear display in their office. If the bondsman won’t provide a license number then it is a clear signal to walk away from any deals you are being offered.
- Know their office address – If a bail bond agency provides a PO Box or refuses to give you a physical address, then you’re better off finding someone else to work with immediately.
- Research online – A great way to get an idea about any company is to research reviews from past customers online so you can feel more confident about the services they offer.
Don’t Contact a Loved One Before a Bail Bond Agent
Once you’ve been arrested, your access to the phone will be severely limited, and you may be given only one phone call. Instead of calling your family or friends, reach out to a bail bond agency right away to make sure that your release is handled as quickly as possible by an experienced professional.
Don’t Lie to the Bail Bond Agent
Asking for specific pieces of information is an important part of the application process. If you decide to lie to your bail bond agent about certain things like your name, address, phone number or other basic details, then not only will you be ruining your chances of getting out of jail, but you may also end up in even more trouble down the road once the truth is revealed.
Don’t Get Rearrested
Regardless of the conditions of your bail, certain conditions won’t be tolerated under any circumstances, especially getting arrested a second time. One of the most important things to do once you’ve been released is to make sure that you don’t engage in any kind of activity that could lead you back to jail again, especially while your current court proceedings are ongoing. Getting arrested a second time after you’ve been released is a tremendous risk, and could lead to your bail being forfeited to the courts, which will land you in even more hot water with your bail bond agency.
Get a Clear Understanding of Your Bond Conditions
Depending on the specifics of your situation, you may be expected to fulfill certain expectations as part of your release. These could include public service, follow-up hearings, or regular contact with your bond agency to maintain an awareness of your location. Failing to fulfill any conditions of your release could lead you straight back to jail with additional charges. The best way to avoid this is to always ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand and to work closely with your bail agent to avoid making any mistakes along the way.
ABC Bail Bonds: We Get You Out of Houston Jails Fast!
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Harris County, you need a bail bond agent you can depend on to secure your release. Call ABC Bail Bonds for trusted bail bond services in the Houston area any time of day or night!
