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A bail bondsman's mission is to help people get out of jail when they can't pay the full amount of bail. When a person is arrested, depending on the crime and its circumstances, he/she may be released on bail, the amount of which is established by a judge. Paying the bail money permits the person in jail to be released and return home until the trial, that will be held at a later date.
The bail amount is usually significant and acts as a guarantee that the accused will be in court at the set date. At the end of the trial, the bail money would then be paid back to the person who posted bail. Frequently, the amount is too high for a defendant, their family members, or friends to pay, but they can turn to a bail bondsman for help.
Bail bondsmen contribute the funding needed to get the release of a client from custody until their appointed court date. For taking the risk of the bail, the bail bondsman charges a fee that is usually 10% of the total bail amount. This contract places on the bondsman the responsibility to guarantee that the client will appear in court.
King Triton Bail Bonds can offer up to a 30% discount, which would be a 7% rate. We can also work out a payment plan. For example, we can first take a down payment, then work out monthly payments for the rest.
What Are a Bail Bondsman's Duties?
A bail bondsman's responsibilities include:
- Writing contracts
- Managing legal documents for clients
- Posting bail
- Explaining the court information and the client's obligations. We can push the 1st court date back so the client has time to prepare.
- Maintaining contact with the client. We ask that the client checks in with us and give us a phone call after each court date to let us know what happened.
Jails often operate at full capacity or are overcrowded. If bail bonds did not exist, the capacity of jails would be exceeded even more. Bail bonds are a good way of freeing up jails.
How to Choose the Best Bail Bondsman
It is important to select an experienced and skilled bail bondsman, able to understand your needs. Bail bondsmen are contacted in situations that demand urgency; however, it is essential to take the time and check out their
- License. Bail bondsmen licensed in California are at least 18 years of age, have passed criminal background checks, don't have any felony or misdemeanor convictions, have completed a pre-licensing course, have passed the Commissioner exam for licensing, and have the sponsorship of an insurance company. Most bail bondsmen start off their career working for a full-service bail bond company.
- Experience. Our bail bondsman, Ian Pellegrini started as a posting agent for a large bail firm and after 6 months worked his way up to being bail agent, then manager, and finally director in the corporate office. He was a bail bondsman for about 6 years prior to starting King Triton Bail Bonds, earning a lot of experience in underwriting bonds and in finding ways to get clients out of jail as fast as possible.
- Accessibility. This is an essential trait. The bail bondsman has to be available whenever clients or their families need them. This applies in the period when bail is posted as well as after the client's release from jail. Choose a bail bondsman who will be by your side when professional assistance is necessary.
- Flexibility. This is another essential trait of excellent bail bond services. King Triton Bail Bonds offers a fully mobile service and can come out to you if you are not able to get to our office. All the documentation can be done in your home or by e-mail or fax and we accept electronic signatures. Also, we are fast. As soon as we are called, we put everything together for you and we'll be heading to the jail so that we can get everything done.