Posted on

What You Need to Secure a Bail Bond

Hands holding on to jail bars in El Paso.

An arrest can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. With the help of a bail bond agency, you and your loved ones can rest easy knowing that prior to the agreed-upon court date, the defendant can return to the safety and security of their own home.

Freedom Bail has served the El Paso and West Texas regions for over 30 years by providing our communities with 24/7 bail bond assistance. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 to get started on the right path to freedom.

Proof of Identity

To begin the process of securing a bond, the defendant must provide proof of identity. This can include common forms of documentation such as a government-issued ID or a passport. However, if neither of these options are available, other acceptable documents can also include the individual’s bank or credit card statements. In some cases, a bail bonds agency may request the defendant’s credit report history to ensure their past or current debts have either been met or are currently met.

A Bail Bond Agency

More often than not, people are unable to raise the funds to post bail. In this case, securing a bail bond from a bail bond agency is a feasible alternative option. A bail bond works like a loan where the person applying will only pay a percentage of the total bail amount. While percentages vary from company to company, they’re typically set between 5% to 15%. In the case of an individual whose bail is set to $100, the person applying will only have to pay $1,500 for an agency that requires 15%. A much more manageable amount compared to the latter.

However, a bail bond agency may require additional paperwork such as:

Criminal History

If applicable, a bail bond agency will require access to the criminal history of the individual in order to gather insight as to why the bail amount is set to what it is. This is also important for the bonds agent, as they will also get a better understanding of whether or not the individual will be a flight risk.

Legal Filings

Before securing your bail, additional paperwork must be filled, including an indemnity agreement. An indemnity agreement is a contract that protects one party from any risks or liabilities created by the other. Essentially, one of the most important terms of a bail bond agreement is that the defendant must show up to all of their court hearings. If they don’t, any agreed-upon conditions will be collected, such as collateral, money, additional penalties, and the hiring of a bounty hunter to return the accused back to jail, all of which will be listed in the indemnity agreement.

Collateral

In addition to paying a percentage of the bail amount, for a bail bond agency to secure the rest of the funds (should the accused not show up to their court hearings), collateral will be required. Forms of collateral that can be used include real estate, jewelry, or stocks that are equal to or greater than the bail amount. The collateral will be listed and documented with collateral agreement documentation to secure a bail bond.

Take One Step Closer to Freedom with a Bail Bond Agency

If you or a loved one has found themselves needing financial assistance in El Paso, our team at Freedom Bail can help. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 to learn more about our services.

Posted on

What You Need to Know About Bail Bonds

A bail bond sign with an arrow in El Paso.

Occasionally, bad decisions can lead to an arrest. If you or a loved one has been placed in jail, you can rest easy knowing that prior to the agreed-upon court date, most incarcerated individuals can return home with the assistance of a bail bond.

If you require bail bond services in El Paso, Freedom Bail is here to help. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 to learn more about our services to help free yourself or your loved one today.

What is Bail?

If you’ve watched any crime show drama, it’s likely you’ve heard the word bail following some unimaginable amount of money. But what does it mean? A bail is an agreement between the court and the defendant where the accused agrees to appear at all of their scheduled court dates. 

But where does the money come into play you may ask? When bail is set to, let’s say, $50,000, it means the accused or their family has to pay that amount of money for the defendant to return home. If no one posts bail, they remain in jail until their court date and charges are determined. Most often, people don’t have $50,000 lying around, and that’s where a bail bond comes in.

How Does a Bail Bond Work?

A bail bond works as a loan between the person applying and the bonding company where you pay a percentage of the total amount of the bail. This can range anywhere between 10-15% depending on the company.

Contracts will be filled and list all of the agreements, expectations, costs and collateral to ensure the accused shows up to court. If the defendant does not show up to their court dates, a bonding company can hire a bounty hunter to track down the accused and return them to jail.

Once this is determined, the bonding company will need to know the booking number, charges, and location to bond the accused out.

Since arrests can happen at any time of day or night, at Freedom Bail, we offer 24-hour service 7 days a week to get you or your loved one out of jail as soon as possible. 

How is Bail Determined and Set?

At the bail hearing, which is the first appearance in the court following the arrest, a judge will sift through many factors to determine and set the bail amount. This can include, for example, the severity of the crime, whether violence was used, the accused’s character and history, and more.

What are the Different Types of Bail Bonds?

There are four types of bail bonds:

 

  • Surety Bail: When a bonding company, agent, or bondsman posts bail on the behalf of the accused for a fee.

 

  • Recognizance Bail: The accused signs a written agreement with the court to follow set conditions and appear in court when scheduled.
  • Cash Bail: When bail is paid to the court in cash by the accused or cosigner.
  • Property Bail: When the accused or cosigner uses property (real estate, jewelry, or stocks) that is equal to or greater than the bail amount.

 

 

By showing up, any money or collateral provided will be returned to you or your cosigner. However, failing to abide by agreed-upon conditions or neglecting court dates can result in negative consequences such as the loss of collateral, money, and additional penalties.

Get Bail Bonds in El Paso with Freedom Bail

Whether you or a loved one is facing misdemeanor or felony charges, help is available to you at Freedom Bail. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 to hear how we can help you with your El Paso bail bond needs.

Posted on

How to Choose the Best Bail Bond Company in El Paso

Scrabble tiles spelling out the words “BAIL BOND” on a desk in El Paso.

If a loved one has found themselves in jail, they have options, and with your help, they can be set free rather quickly. Those who have yet to face a judge have the opportunity for bail. Here are the best tips for finding the right company to get a bail bond in time for your loved one. 

If you require the services of a bail bond company in El Paso, Freedom Bail Bonds is here to help. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 to learn more about our services and how we can help today.

24-Hour Availability 

You never know what can happen, so choosing a bail bond company that is available 24/7 is the best decision to make. While you or a loved one can wait until a bail bond company opens for the day, a 24/7 business can help you get out of jail as quickly as possible. Always pick a company that has someone available to help you at all hours. 

Speak to a Lawyer 

There is no one better to run to than a lawyer, a professional who understands the ins and outs of legal matters. Everyone is entitled to a lawyer if they have been charged with a crime, so if you need help making bail, a lawyer is one of the first people you should try reaching out to. 

Look for Honesty and Transparency 

A bail bond company should be 100% honest about every way that their business works. You will have to pay money to access a bail bondsman, but you will most likely save money by going with a pro than handling everything yourself. Simultaneously, make sure you are aware of their fees and billing. 

Consider Experience and Licensing 

Like any other industry or business, your best choice is working with a bail bond company that has years of experience in this area of work. More importantly, a trustworthy bail bond company should be licensed. Always try to look at their track record to see what kinds of cases the company has handled before, including reviews and ratings.

Cheap Bonds Are Not Always The Best Bail Bonds 

While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest services you can find, that doesn’t always mean they are the best services. Cheap bonds are usually a sign of a corrupt company that is more after your money than actually helping you out. Any company that has lower than an 8% fee aligning with the state cap should raise suspicions. 

Willing to Negotiate 

There are some bail bond companies that would be willing to work with you. Most companies will accept collateral or property in exchange for a bond. But if you do decide to use property as collateral, have someone appraise it. You never want a company to underestimate the value of your assets. 

Quality Customer Service 

And most importantly, a bail bond company should be dedicated to helping you. Finding a helpful bail bond company isn’t easy to work. It requires research and careful consideration. But when you find a company that provides quality customer service, they are most likely worth your time and money.

Choose the Best Bail Bond Company in El Paso. Contact Freedom Bail Bonds, Today 

One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a bail bond company is using your best judgment. We guarantee that our services can help you or a loved one.  Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 today to learn more. 

Posted on

How Are Bail Bonds Calculated in El Paso, Texas?

A gavel, handcuffs, and cash on a desk in El Paso.

Posting bail is one guaranteed way of a safe release after being arrested. If your loved one has never been arrested before, the bail acts as a surety that you will attend court hearings as required. No matter what bail bond services you use, many factors will determine how you will end up paying. Learn about these factors below. 

If you require bail bond or felony bond services in El Paso, Freedom Bail Bonds can help. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 today and see how we can help.

Factors That Influence Bail 

Nature and Severity of the Offense

Minor crimes are typically settled with a smaller bail, as you may already know. More severe offenses call for significantly higher bails. These bail amounts are set by state and federal laws and specific jail regulations. That said, misdemeanors call for lower bails than felonies, and so on. 

The Bail Bond Algorithm 

El Paso courts have used math and algorithms to make informed decisions regarding pretrial releases in recent years. Specific information about the defendant is entered into a program, which then releases a score or recommendation. The algorithm uses the following to assess bail: 

  • Age
  • Criminal history 
  • The risk that the defendant could commit another crime or probability of appearing in court 

Criminal Record or History 

On the risk of committing another crime, criminal records and history also play a significant role. If you do not have a criminal record, you will more than likely get a smaller bail than someone who is a repeat offender with a lengthy record. Defendants with outstanding warrants or are on parole may not even have the opportunity to make bail or will need a felony bond.

Employment Status 

A judge also looks at personal status. Believe it or not, factors such as employment and wealth play a major role. For example, if the judge sees you have a stable job and have dependents, you should have fewer reasons to miss court, and you should be able to make bail. 

Danger to the Public 

A judge has to look at criminal records and history for another major reason: determining whether or not the defendant poses a risk to the public. This is because if there were victims of the committed crime, a judge has to know whether or not the defendant could compromise their safety after making bail. 

Ties or Involvement in the Community 

While this may seem like an odd consideration, involvement in the city or community can say a lot about a person. Usually, those who are involved with their community, organizations, and their families pose little risk due to a good reputation and background. Therefore, a judge will issue a lower bail. 

Police Practices

El Paso police tend to arrest suspects for the most serious criminal charges that the facts of the crime can support. For example, while possession of marijuana could be charged as a misdemeanor in most states, police could charge a felony if the suspect possessed marijuana with the intent to sell. Although these kinds of charges are most often reduced to a misdemeanor after investigation, it may call for a higher bail bond. This is where Freedom Bail Bonds can help.

Bail Schedules 

In many cities, defendants can post bail with the police before they are even brought into a court hearing or an arraignment. This is because many jails have specified amounts for certain crimes. So, if a defendant is brought in for a crime that is posted on the jail’s bail schedule, they will be able to make bail before attending a hearing, if possible, all through a bail bond.

Work with the Fast and Knowledgable Services at Freedom Bail Bonds 

Here at Freedom Bail Bonds, you can trust that our services will help you navigate the legal system in no time. Learn more about how our services can help you with bail and felony bonds. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 today.

Posted on

The 5 Things You Need to Know About Bail Bonds in El Paso

The phrase “bail bonds” is superimposed over a blue background with the image of Lady Justice.

Many individuals like to watch crime TV shows. They feel the exhilaration of solving cases. Some of the expressions we learn come from these shows. You could pick up a lot of knowledge about legal processes, prison regulations, and other topics. You are aware of what bail is, for the most part. But many are unaware of what it is.

Understanding the process can be challenging. Consider your friend or relative being taken into custody. They might or might not be at fault, but you will still try to free them from custody. However, you’re in danger if you don’t have the necessary funds. Asking a friend or family member for a loan could embarrass you. 

For this scenario, bail bonds in El Paso, TX, come to the rescue. Here are the five crucial things you need to know about bail bonds.

1. They Act as Insurance

Like insurance, it ensures that the defendant will show up for court on the scheduled days. The accused need not serve the entirety of their sentence behind bars. They may remain at home, but they have to show up in court. Getting someone out of jail might cost a lot of money.

Therefore, not many families have access to that kind of funding. To free their loved ones from prison, they buy these bonds. When you have selected the ideal business, visit their location. For the bond, you will make a down payment. You can send an agent if you’re too embarrassed to go.

You might always speak with your attorney, or if you still have questions, they’ll direct you on the appropriate path.

2. You Require Some Documents

You will need to carry some paperwork with you when you visit their office. You cannot travel without any supplies. A legitimate ID is needed – it doesn’t matter if it’s a passport or a driver’s license. You should also bring your bank account information.

Finally, you should produce evidence of your address to prevent the defendant from escaping. Not least, among other things, the required finances. They will act as a deposit and as collateral. You will have all you need to free your loved one once this is all done.

3. The Cost Varies

You need to be aware that the judge determines the bail. Everything is based on crime. Additionally, they will likely set a bigger sum if they anticipate that you’ll attempt to run. Sometimes, it’s possible to estimate the cost. But a lot of things could affect the price. But the sum will be formally disclosed by the judge.

4. Requirement of a Collateral

For you to be able to pay the bail, you’ll need to offer collateral. If the defendant doesn’t show up, this is necessary. You may always use some cash as security.

However, there are other choices. You could put up a costly vehicle or home, for instance. Additionally, you might utilize stocks, bonds, or jewelry. Different collaterals are possible as each case is different.

You should know who will take back whatever collateral you have provided. Therefore, whether it is cash or jewelry, you’ll receive it back. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about. They’ll keep the item there temporarily. In this manner, they ensure that you will repay them. Some individuals believe it to be an extra charge for the service. 

5. A Business Like No Other

Bail bonds may be perceived as an aspect of the criminal underworld, but they are insurance firms like any other. They must be well knowledgeable in contract, criminal, and financial law. Additionally, state or federal governments may license and regulate bail bondsmen. The pressure of overcrowding is lessened by allowing those charged with a crime to be released from custody until their trial date. Bail bond companies like this one can help in this situation.

El Paso Bail Bonds

Bail bonds can greatly help ease the stressful situation of the accused and his near ones. If you are looking for a credible resource to get bail bonds in El Paso, TX, contact us for further information and professional guidance.