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.

Posted on

Bail Bonds in Texas — Your Go-to Guide

Bail bonds superimposed over an image displaying a gavel, handcuffs, and two 100 dollar bills

Many people accused of crimes in El Paso are stuck in jail pending their trial because of high bail bond amounts. More often than not, this is because the individual cannot afford the bail. The creation of the bail system is not to punish a person for not being financially stable. In fact, the law allows an accused to hire a person to pay the bail bond.

If you’re in El Paso and require bail bond services, give us a call at (915) 877-9293!

What is Bail?

Bail is the release of a person who is in custody awaiting a court hearing or trial either on self-recognizance or on specific conditions such as the payment of a sum of money to the court and the promise to be available in court when required. 

What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond or a surety bond is the amount of money agreed to be paid to the court to effect the release of a person in police custody. 

The bond could either be provided for by:

  • The suspect
  • A bonding company
  • A bail agent
  • A bail bondsman

When a suspect cannot afford to pay the bail sum, they can employ the services of a bonding company or bail agent who will act as a surety and provide money to the court for the person’s bail. 

Key Things To Know About Bail Bonds

While the bail bond system is not legal in most jurisdictions, El Paso, TX—like many other cities in the United States—allows the use of bail bonds as a recognized means of securing the release of a jailed person. 

Usually, most bail bond agents will charge defendants a non-refundable fee of 10-15% of the bond sum as compensation in exchange for paying the full bail amount to the court.

Since the bail agency will be posting the entire bail amount and will bear the loss if the accused person fails to appear in court for the trial, some will require additional collateral, especially if it is a hefty bail sum. The collateral could be items of value or having a notable guarantor sign to bear any cost that may arise from the accused persons’ breaching the bail terms.

After the trial, the court will return the money to the bond’s payer; if you posted bail personally, you get all your money back. If you used a bonding agency, the court returns all the money to the agency; even if you obeyed all the bail terms, the 10% deposit could not be returned to you because it is payment for the bail agent’s services.

How the Court Decides the Bail Sum

Every El Paso, Texas trial court has a “bond schedule.” This schedule is a compass for all magistrates and judges in determining the appropriate bail amount. However, the schedule is merely a guideline; hence, individual judges and magistrates can tweak or adjust the bail sum either upward or downward based on the specific circumstances of a case.

Factors that can influence the courts when fixing the bail amount include the following:

  • The severity of the offense charged; typically, a felony will attract a higher bail sum than a simple misdemeanor.
  • The prior criminal convictions of the defendant; a repeat offender will get a higher bail sum than a first-time offender
  • The bail amount might be higher if the person was out on a bail term before the rearrested for another offense.
  • The bail bond may be higher if the defendant is on probation due to a conviction for another criminal act.
  • The bail bond may be higher if the defendant is considered a threat to the community.
  • Whether the defendant is presumed to be a “flight risk,” that is, the prosecutor can show the court that the defendant would possibly jump bail. 

What Happens When a Person Fails to Follow the Bail’s Bond?

A bail bond does not translate to an unconditional release from jail. Hence, a person released on bail or personal bond must meet certain conditions in the bail order to stay out of jail through the trial. 

When a defendant breaches any of these conditions, such as “skipping or jumping bail,” the court will issue a bench warrant for their immediate arrest. Also, you will forfeit all the money you posted as the bail sum with the court if you do not get any back. If you took out a bail bond, the surety will lose its money and try to recover it from you.

Bail Bonds in El Paso, Texas Today

If you or someone you know has been granted bail for an amount they cannot produce by a court in El Paso, you can reach out to Freedom Bail Bonds. When you employ the services of freedom Bail bonds, you have the assurance that they will take swift actions to secure that release, and they will not spend a moment longer than necessary in jail. 

Posted on

Surety Bonds vs Cash Bonds: How to Make the Right Choice

USA Dollar Money Cash, Real Handcuffs And Judge Gavel On Rough Wood Background. Concept For Arrest, Corruption, Bail, Crime, Bribing or Fraud.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and you need a bail bond to get out of jail, there are two possible routes to take. You can bail with a cash bond or a surety bond. The biggest difference between the two is that surety bonds involve more parties while cash bonds do not require this. 

They also differ when it comes to fees and how much money the arrested individual receives in return after their court date. We cover any and every question you have about cash bonds and surety bonds to help you better understand how they differ. 

What is a cash bond?

A cash bond, the simpler of the two, is cash held as a guarantee of payment. When bailing someone out of jail, it is usually much easier to post the full amount in cash. 

When posting bail with cash, the bond court holds the full amount to make sure the arrested shows up for their court date. If you don’t show up for court, they keep your cash. 

Advantages

Cash bonds are relatively simple and easy to understand, which is why they are recommended. If you never have been arrested before, this is the best route to take. The arrested individual can get the majority of their money back after court, with fewer court costs and fees to worry about. Additionally, there is no need to attempt to qualify for a bond. 

Disadvantages

The downside to cash bonds is that you may need to come up with a large quantity of cash. Everyone’s bond is different, depending on what they were arrested for. Most people don’t have that kind of access to large amounts of cash, which could leave the arrested individual stuck in jail as they await their trial. 

If they come up with the cash later on, they may experience problems with liquidity while waiting to receive the cash after court. 

What is a surety bond?

Surety bonds are made when the defendant hires a surety company to pay the bail money. In exchange for covering the bail, a surety company will charge the defendant a fee, which is often 10% of the bail. 

When the defendant shows up for their court date, the surety company is entitled to receive up to $10,000 back from the court and the defendant will get a portion of the 10% fee back. Sometimes, the money given back may be less due to fees charged by the bonding company. 

Advantages 

The best thing about surety bonds is that the defendant can be bailed out right away without having to come up with the cash to cover the entire bond. The defendant only has to worry about paying the small percentage or the standard 10% to the bond company in the meantime and may possibly get this payment back. 

When showing up for court, the defendant doesn’t have to worry about not having enough cash to be able to pay pending payments. 

Disadvantages 

What you need to be aware of when it comes to surety bonds is that a defendant is not always guaranteed to receive one. Surety companies require people to apply for the bond. The company then weighs the potential risks and outcomes before deciding if they want to issue the defendant the bond. 

People with poor chances or poor financial backgrounds may not qualify because, to the company, they do not look financially responsible. Surety bonds also call for higher fees than cash bonds. 

Who pays the bond?

With cash bonds, the defendant or a friend or family member are eligible to pay the full bond amount in cash. If the defendant shows up to their court date, the court returns the full cash amount and no one loses money. 

With surety bonds, more parties are involved. A defendant pays the bail bondsman a non-refundable premium. 

Who is at risk?

The risk always falls on the defendant, even when a bail bond company is involved due to a surety bond. If a defendant fails to pay the full amount, they will be charged extra fees from the surety bond company. When dealing with a cash bond, they will not get their money back if they fail to show up to their court date. 

How do I know what is the better option?

Knowing what works better for you all depends on your situation and how much you can pay upfront. For those who need the money as soon as possible, surety bonds are good options. Cash bonds are better options for people who have the financial means to pay the total bill and do not want to face fees later on. 

Find the Safest Route for You with Help from Freedom Bail 

You can always speak to a professional to learn about which bond is more beneficial. Freedom Bail Bonds of El Paso is here to help. You can contact us at (915) 877-9293 to learn more.