An arrest can be a scary and confusing time. If you don’t know much about bail bonds, you might feel very lost and not sure what to do next. A bail bonds company can help you get out of jail quickly so that you can return home to await your hearing. According to IBISWorld, there are about 9,383 bond businesses in the United States. When you’re ready to connect with a qualified company, there are a few key questions you should ask.

1. How Do Bail Bonds Work?

If you’re not sure how the bail bond system works, you’ll want to get some education before you agree to anything. When you’re arrested, the court will set a bail amount for your release. This is a specified amount of money that can be paid to the court on your behalf. The court holds this money until you appear for your hearing. If you appear, the money is returned. There are sometimes fees involved. If you don’t show up for court, the money isn’t returned.

If you don’t have the cash handy to post the bail, then you can work with a bond company to get the money. You will offer to the company collateral, and they will provide the bail money to the court. If you show up for court, the money is returned to the company, and the collateral is returned to you. If you don’t show up, then the money isn’t returned, and the company sells the collateral to regain the money.

2. What Type of Collateral Can Be Used?

This is an important question as the collateral will be the foundation of the transaction. Most bond companies will accept any type of asset. This could include vehicles, jewelry, coins, and other items of value. The important thing is that the value of the collateral is commensurate with the bail amount you need.

3. Are There Additional Fees?

Although you will likely be in a hurry to make bail as quickly as possible, you’ll still want to take the time to get the details you need to know about the transaction. You’ll need to know about any and all fees associated with the transaction. Knowing the fees will help you know how to pay back the bail bonds company.

These are just a few questions that you should be prepared to ask if you need to post bail. If you’re looking for a reliable bail bonds company in your area, please contact AAA Bail Bonds today.