When a loved one is arrested, you may not feel like you can help. This is especially true if you don’t have the money to help him or her make bail. If you don’t have the full amount on hand, you can always enlist the help of a bail bondsman. Some people forego bail bonds, in fear that they may not be able to afford it. Given the myths surrounding bail, it’s important to debunk them. Here are some common myths.
You Have to Have Cash
A common misbelief is that you have to have the cash to pay the bail bondsman. This can keep people from even attempting to help their loved one because they don’t have that type of cash on hand. The truth is that you can pay with your credit or debit card the same way that you would with cash. There are no rules restricting how you pay the bondsman.They are there to help you, considering most people cannot afford bail.
Your Fees Are Refunded
If you were to pay the bail amount in full, then you would be able to get the full amount back when your loved one showed up for his or her court date. This is not the case when you are talking about bail bonds Harrisburg PA residents utilize. You do not necessarily get all of your money back. You still have to pay the bondsman’s fees. It’s rare that you will receive any refund for what you paid to the bondsman. Then, if your friend or family member does not show up to court, you will have to pay back the total that the bondsman paid.
You Have No Legal Obligations
Once you pay for your loved one to be released from jail, you may think that your legal obligations end there. You are still responsible for the amount of money that you paid and the person who was arrested still has to show up to court. If the person doesn’t show up in court, then you forfeit the money. Keep in mind that you do not pay the full bail amount. It is the bondsman who pays the full amount, hence why you may be accountable for that.
If you have a loved one who needs to be bailed out of jail, you do have options. While it can be stressful, the more that you know about bail bonds, the more at ease you’ll feel with your decision. It helps to know the difference between fact and fiction.
