FAQ

How do you get a bond?
There are two ways in which one may be released from custody:

  • 1. You can use bondsmen. This means that you will pay a fee and will need to use some form of collateral.
  • 2. You can post cash for the full amount of the bond with the court or jail.

How do I qualify for a bail bond?
Consider the following points to find out how you qualify for bond.

  • 1. How much is a bond? If the judge sets the bail high, that increases the amount that needs to be paid for the bond. With any financial qualifying situation, the higher the price, the harder it is to qualify.
  • 2. What are the charges? The more severe the crime, the higher the bail amount will be. Also, there are some cases where judges will be reluctant to issue bail.
  • 3. Who is the guarantor or indemnitor (the person signing on behalf of the individual in custody)? If the guarantor has good standing in the community, good credit, hard assets (in case the individual in question should disappear before the trial), the individual applying for the bail bond has a greater chance of approval.
  • 4. The character of the person arrested is also brought into question. Does he/she have a job? What is his/her prior criminal record? Does he/she have a family? Is he/she an American citizen? Does he/she have a passport (if yes, the passport is usually confiscated until the trial is over).

What happens if the charges are dropped the next day or two after the bond is posted for me? Can I get my money back?
Once a court accepts a bond, the money paid to the bail bond agent has been earned and cannot be returned. It is the same whether the charges are dropped the next day or after a trial.

How long is the bail process?
After the paperwork has been completed and received, release time is between 30 minutes to one hour. These times are not guaranteed but are general timeframes.

What is collateral?
Collateral is some type of property placed within the bondman's legal control, which may be sold in the event the defendant does not show for the next court proceeding. The bondsman can then sell the property to cover the amount paid to post the bail. Collateral is a way of insuring that the defendant will go back to court.

What do bondsmen accept as collateral?
Each office will have their own standards, but most will accept real estate, cars, credit cards, stocks, bonds, personal credit, and bank accounts.

Can I finance the bond fee?
Yes. We do offer payment plans for those who qualify. We accept the following forms of payment: cash, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, personal checks, cashier's checks, traveler's checks, or electronic bank transfers.

Do I get my money back after the case is over?
There are a few exceptions to this, but you do not get the premium you paid to the bonding office back. This fee is what allowed the defendant to get out of jail and is fully earned once the defendant is out of custody.

Can I leave the state or country while I am out on bond?
You will have to get permission from the bonding office in writing before to do so. If the court has given you direct instructions not to leave the state or country, you then get permission from the bondsmen and the court before leaving. If not, you will then be subject to arrest.

What happens if the defendant misses the court date?
When the defendant misses the court appearance, a bench warrant is issued for the person's arrest. The defendant's name is then entered into a nationwide database as a fugitive. The defendant's bondsman is obligated by law to arrest the individual as well. This will cause the indemnitor to incur further costs.

What happens if I think the defendant is not going to show up for court after I have already posted the bond?
There are solutions that can be done here. Contact us as soon as possible.

What happens if the defendant gets re-arrested while out on bond?
There are remedies that can be done here as well. Contact the bondsmen as soon as possible so that they can discuss your options in detail with you.

Are some bondsmen less expensive than others?
Bondsmen are licensed by the state in which they practice. State guidelines provide a set rate. Some bondsmen are licensed to write at 10%, meaning that the cost to you, the customer, will be less. There are, however, certain provisions for this rate. WE OFFER DISCOUNTS. CALL TO DISCUSS OR LOOK AT OUR COUPON PAGE.

What information should I have before I contact the bail agent?
You will need your first and last name and where you are located.

Big Fish Bail Bonds will help you get your friends or family members out of jail.