5 Common Bail Bonds Mistakes to Avoid
When you get arrested and the judge grants you bail, you may be unable to raise the whole amount at once. Fortunately, a bail bonds company can pay most of the upfront bail cost, which you can later repay. Nonetheless, mistakes could cost you your bail bond's contract, and your bail agent has every legal right to terminate the agreement. Then, you will either have to pay the amount or go back to jail.
Avoid the following mistakes to avoid unfortunate bail circumstances and legal complexities.
1. Unauthorized Out-of-State Travels
Your judge always sets conditions for you to follow while out on bail. In most cases, the court will need you to stay within the state to reduce flight risk. If you have to leave, seek permission from the courts. Based on the crime you have allegedly committed, the judge may allow you to leave as long as you show up for all the court dates.
Even if you have permission to leave, always talk to your bail bond agent prior. Let your agent know your destination, when you will be out of state, and how you can be contacted. Failure to involve your bail bond agent in your travel plans could cost you hefty fines for which you will not receive reimbursement.
2. Rearrest
You should be on your best behavior to avoid arrest when you are out on bail. Consequences of rearrests include bail denial for the new offense, a new set of conditions, and a higher bail amount. Also, many judges do not grant bail for a second time. So, you will have to stay in jail until your court date, a situation that may jeopardize your everyday life.
3. Poor Communication With Your Bail Bond Agent
Your bail bondsman always keeps in touch with you while you are out on bail. Some crimes also necessitate your physical presence at the agent's office on predefined dates. Communication should not be one-way, so you should never ignore calls from your agent or fail to show up when needed.
Constant communication allows you to get detailed information and answers to questions about various bail matters. For instance, you might have unrealistic expectations about reduced bails. But, when you talk to your agent, you understand your bail case at a good time.
4. Forfeiture
One of the biggest bond mistakes that could make you lose favor with the judge is forfeiture. Bond forfeiture is when you fail to appear in court during scheduled court hearings. Typical reasons that could result in forfeiture are:
- When you face travel delays that lock you out of the state during the court date
- When you are rearrested during the bail period and remain in jail during the court date
- When you flee due to another crime or fear of an unfavorable court hearing outcome
Courts do not take forfeiture lightly. If you lack any legitimate reason for your absence, you attract penalties, increased judgment, or immediate incarceration. So, always avoid any situation that could keep you out of court on the scheduled dates.
5. False Information
When you seek bail, you will have to provide personal information. Specific information includes your full name, physical and contact addresses, and date of birth. Accurate information is paramount for any contract and speeds up the bail process.
So, do not lie or give partial information to protect your privacy. If your document is inaccurate due to false information, you may have to spend more time in jail. In extreme cases, the bail bond agent may revoke your bail bond application.
You will easily honor bail bond contracts if you cooperate with the courts and bail bond agents. Since you receive help from the bail bonds company, avoid the above mistakes and the associated consequences. Finally, look no further than Don's Bail Bonds if you need a reputable bail bonds company.
