Receiving an unexpected phone call informing you that someone you care about is in custody can be overwhelming. Suddenly, you find yourself responsible for bailing your loved one out of jail. This implies navigating the legal system and posting bail. You might wonder where to start. At 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, we provide prompt bail bond services in Douglas County. Our Douglas County bail bondsmen are available whenever you need them, even after work hours, on weekends, and on holidays.
Understanding Douglas County Bail Bonds
A bail bond is a contractual agreement whereby you pay a Douglas County bail bondsman a premium. In exchange, the bail bondsman guarantees that you will pay the court the full bail amount if you do not honor the court dates. A premium is typically 10% of the bail figure and is non-refundable. Once the bail bondsman posts the bail, you will be released from custody until your court dates. Posting bail through a bail bondsman helps you seek release from jail even if you have no money to post bail by yourself. A bail bondsman assures the court that the defendant will attend your court hearings as scheduled.
Co-signing A Bail Bond
Bailing a family member or a friend out of custody can be a beneficial and selfless thing to do. However, you should also protect your own financial status. The things you should take into account before co-signing a bail bond are:
The Long-Term Repercussions
Bailing a family member or friend out of custody gives them sufficient time to do the following:
- Prepare for their case from the comfort of their home
- Look after their children
- Be surrounded by relatives and friends during challenging times
- Go to work
Unfortunately, some individuals have had strained relationships or faced challenges when co-signing a bail bond without considering the possible repercussions. Bail a person out of custody only if you are sure he/she will attend court dates as required.
The Reliability Of The Person You Are Trying To Assist
Putting your finances and name on the line for your loved one is good, but it is also risky. Ensure the person you are bailing out is trustworthy and well-known to you. It is best to avoid co-signing if you are being coerced, tricked, or manipulated into posting bail for someone.
Whether You Are Financially Able
Bail bond companies often demand 10% of the bail amount as a premium before processing the bail. You should ensure you have enough money and are comfortable funding 10% of the bail amount to help your loved one get out of custody. Most Douglas County bond companies offer repayment plans to allow applicants to pay the bail bond premium in affordable installments.
Determine Whether You Have Sufficient Collateral
A bail bondsman can demand collateral to have assurance that the money will be returned if your loved one skips the court dates. You can present assets like land, jewelry, an RV, or a house as collateral.
The Attributes To Consider In A Douglas County Bail Bondsman: Trustworthy
You could end up paying a high price both financially and figuratively if you fail to properly assess your bail bondsman. Ideally, you should hire a bail bondsman with the following attributes:
Flexible
Criminal cases vary, and regardless of your financial status or credit rating, a professional bail bondsman should be willing to adapt to your specific situation. Consider how willing a bail bondsman is when assessing them. A good bail bondsman will offer you a variety of payment options, payment plans, or collateral options for bail. He/she should also be flexible about meeting times and places. Avoid a bail bondsman who does not want to leave the office or who only talks to you during regular business hours.
Reliable
Reliability is essential in the bail bond industry. You should avoid a bail bondsman who appears distracted, impatient, and untrustworthy. A bail bondsman is considered unreliable if he or she promises to release your loved one promptly but fails to deliver. Assess the bail bondsman’s responsiveness and availability.
Knowledgeable
Knowledge is power when it comes to navigating the challenges of the legal system. Most people do not understand what to do when a loved one is arrested. An experienced Douglas County bail bondsman will guide you on how to proceed with your specific case. The bail bondsman will also advise you and your loved one on the options you have about posting bail. Your bail bondsman will also let you know how your local judge will handle the case.
You should inquire about the following when assessing whether a bail bondsman has the knowledge required to handle your case:
- The period a bail bondsman has been in business
- The instances the bail bondsman handles per year
- If the bail bondsman has any references, you can reach out
- Whether the bail bondsman has a website where you can read reviews
Ways To Keep Your Loved One From Skipping Bail
Some of the ways you can use to keep your loved one from jumping bail include:
Become A Support System
Keep the defendant close if they live with you. The defendant might feel like you are invading their personal space, but let the defendant know that it is just a way of ensuring he/she adheres to the bail conditions.
Maintain An Open Communication With The Bail Bondsman
You can reach out to your Douglas County bail bondsman if you notice any of the following signs in your loved one:
- Less involvement of the attorney in the case
- Elevated agitation
- Drastic change in mood
If the defendant fails to cooperate, the bail bondsman can revoke the bail and have your loved one in custody.
Keep The Defendant Busy
Your loved one might be stressed if he/she is idle, start to fear the worst, and contemplate ways of running away from the predicament. Having the defendant engage in activities to keep them occupied can help them comply with the bail conditions.
Jail Information
Douglas County Department of Corrections
710 S 17th St, Omaha,
NE 68102, United States
Buena Vista Correctional Complex
15125 US-24, Buena Vista,
CO 81211, United States
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock,
CO 80109, United States
Court Information
Douglas County District Attorney
4000 Justice Way ste 2525-a,
Castle Rock, CO 80109, United States
Douglas County Courthouse
4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock,
CO 80109, United States
Parker Town Court
20120 Mainstreet, Parker,
CO 80138, United States
Find A Skilled Douglas County Bail Bondsman Near Me
After an arrest, a defendant does not have to remain in jail until the trial. Upon posting bail, the defendant is free to go home and prepare for trial. If someone you care about is in jail, you should contact a skilled Douglas County bail bondsman to commence the release process.
At 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, we understand the agony of being in custody; thus, we do not keep our customers waiting. We will respond when you contact us, and our bail bond services are available throughout the United States. Contact us at 800-930-8999 to speak to one of our bail bondsmen.