National Public Radio reports that taxpayers fork out some $9 billion a year to house jail inmates who are only there because they can’t afford bail. In states that have bail bonding services, defendants have a better chance at pretrial release because the bonding fee is just a fraction of the cash bail. A bondsman in Annapolis can provide a surety bond to the court in exchange for the defendant’s freedom before trial.
Obtaining a Bail Bond
California is on track to eliminate cash bail altogether, but most states have not taken this bold step. In Maryland, defendants who cannot afford cash bail turn to a bondsman in Annapolis for assistance. Customers may have the option of setting up a payment arrangement if they do not have the entire fee available immediately. Bail bonding agencies also typically accept credit card payments.
Who Makes the Arrangements?
Most commonly, a close friend or relative of the defendant arranges for the bail bond from an agency such as 1st Class Bail Bonds. This person receives the call that the loved one has been arrested and is in jail. The bail has been set according to a court schedule and is far too high for the family to afford. Even $5,000 may be out of reach.
This is a terrible, frightening moment, and the person on the other end of the line must be able to stay calm and think clearly about what to do next. Searching online for an answer turns up information about bail bonds and some local licensed companies. These agencies are heavily regulated, so area residents can feel comfortable about doing business with them.
Important Considerations
This individual must also take a moment to consider the possible consequences of bailing a loved one out of jail if that person is a flight risk. What are the chances the defendant might run away rather than face a possible conviction? The person that must deal with the bail bond agency will be responsible for the full cash bail if this happens. The court will demand bail from the agency, and the agency turns to the customer who signed an agreement.
It may be a lot to take in, but contacting a bail bonds agency is a good first step in order to clear any doubts and get all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
