Deciding To Live On A Budget

Whether it's one of your own children, a relative, a friend, or even a coworker, getting a call from jail is surely not on the top of the list of things you hope to do. However, if you suspect that that call might come to you -- if you're waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop -- it's good for you to be prepared. Here are some things that will be helpful for you to know.

Of course, the first step is for you to find a licensed bail bond company. Expect to be treated professionally and courteously.

• Bring your personal identification with you. It will have to include a picture, so a voter card won't do, but something like a driver's license will be good.
• You'll need to give a a bunch of information to the clerk at the bail bond company. It will include your name, address, the name and address of your workplace, and your home and cell phone numbers.
• Also, be ready to provide the names and addresses of character references. You usually can't list anybody that lives in your own residence.

After you have completed all the paperwork, you usually have quite a bit of time before the arrested person is released, as detained people are usually released in groups and paperwork needs to be completed for every person in the group. When you finally have the arrested individual with you, you will need to return to the bail bond company to complete the process. Part of it will be similar to what you went through. The arrested person will need to provide the following information:

• His or her complete name and an address where he or she can always be found. If the person is employed, information that might include a supervisor's name will be noted.
• The arrested person will also have to give references, but they usually can't be the same names you've given.
• An affidavit will be signed that guarantees checking in with the bail company on a regular basis. This part is extremely important as failure to comply might end the prisoner right back in jail.

You won't be expected to pay the entire amount of the bond. Instead, you will pay a percentage of it, but you usually can't write a check or give cash. Instead, you'll need to give a money order or a cashier's check. Consider preparing a contract that you and the person whom you helped will both sign so that he or she can be held accountable for some form of payment back to you. If you're looking into bail bonds as an option, contact local agencies, such as Brad's Bail Bonds, to discuss your questions and concerns.