Being arrested is a stressful and overwhelming experience for anyone, and the uncertainty surrounding what happens next can make matters even worse. One crucial decision that can have a significant impact on both your immediate freedom and the overall outcome of your case is whether or not to contact a bail bondsman as soon as possible.
While many people may not fully understand the role of a bail bondsman, having one on your side immediately after an arrest can make all the difference. Here’s why timely intervention is vital and how delays in contacting a bondsman can negatively affect your situation.
Immediate Release Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Being taken into custody is a traumatic experience. Depending on the severity of the charges, being locked up can have far-reaching consequences, affecting your work, family, and personal life. The sooner you can get out of jail, the better equipped you will be to handle these challenges.
A bail bondsman helps expedite the process of securing your release by posting bail on your behalf. When you’re out on bail, you’re in a better position to:
- Speak with your attorney freely
- Maintain your employment and income
- Be with your family and loved ones during this stressful time
- Begin preparing for your defense with a clear mind
A Bail Bondsman Helps Secure the Best Bail Conditions
After an arrest, the court will set bail based on various factors, including the nature of the charges and the defendant’s flight risk. Sometimes, the amount of bail is too high for most people to pay upfront, which is where a bail bondsman comes into play.
A bondsman will typically require only a percentage of the total bail amount as a fee (12% in Louisiana), which allows you to avoid paying the entire sum in cash. In addition, a bail bondsman has the expertise to guide you through the system, and may even negotiate with the court on your behalf for a more reasonable bail amount or favorable conditions, such as the possibility of a lower bond or alternative release options like ankle monitoring.
Faster Access to Legal Counsel
Your defense is strongest when it begins early. After being arrested, you’ll need to work with an attorney to strategize your defense and understand the full scope of your legal rights. However, the logistical challenges of being behind bars can make it difficult to connect with your attorney.
Getting out of jail quickly gives you the freedom to communicate with your lawyer, review evidence, and prepare for hearings or trials. If you wait too long to contact a bail bondsman, your lawyer’s ability to represent you effectively could be delayed, which might result in missed opportunities to build your defense.
Avoiding Additional Charges or Penalties
Time in jail also means increased risks. For example, if you’re detained for an extended period, there’s a chance you could miss important deadlines, such as court appearances, or fail to comply with specific release conditions.
Missing court dates could lead to:
- A bench warrant for your arrest
- Additional criminal charges (failure to appear)
- A revoked bail, resulting in a longer stay in jail
Preserving Your Reputation and Livelihood
Being arrested can be damaging to your reputation, especially if you’re held in jail for an extended period. The longer you’re incarcerated, the more your personal and professional life is disrupted. This may impact your job, relationships, and social standing.
Getting out of jail as soon as possible helps you protect your reputation. Whether it’s reassuring your employer that you’re still available to work or giving you the time you need to sort things out at home, the quicker you can return to normal life, the less likely the arrest will affect your future.
Minimizing the Emotional Toll on Loved Ones
An arrest not only impacts the defendant but also affects their loved ones. Family and friends may be left anxious and worried about your well-being while you’re behind bars. By contacting a bail bondsman right away, you can reduce the emotional toll on your support network.
Your loved ones will feel more at ease knowing you’re doing everything you can to get released quickly. This is especially important if you have children, elderly parents, or other dependents who rely on you.
Securing the Best Outcome for Your Case
While being out on bail doesn’t guarantee an acquittal, studies show that defendants who remain free during their legal proceedings often have a better chance at a favorable case outcome. Being out of jail allows you to better prepare for trial, participate in plea negotiations, and even attend counseling or rehabilitation programs that may help reduce your sentence or influence the judge’s decision.
The Bottom Line
Timely intervention from a bondsman ensures a smoother release process, better bail conditions, and more time to prepare for your defense. By taking swift action, you not only protect your immediate freedom but also increase your chances of a positive outcome in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why You Need to Contact a Bondsman Right After Your Arrest
When should I call a bail bondsman?
If you are arrested, your first call should be to a bondsman. If you choose to call a loved one first, their first call after this should be to a bail bondsman.
What information do I need to provide when I call a bail bondsman?
A bail bondsman will need the following information from you:
- The full name of the arrested person
- Where the arrested person is being held (jail location)
- The charges the arrested person is facing
- The bail amount set by the judge
What is the role of a bail bondsman?
A bail bondsman helps the person who was arrested secure their release from jail by posting bail on their behalf, charging a fee for their services.
Can I get a refund on the bail bond fee?
No, the fee paid to a bail bondsman is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the case.
Is bail always required?
No. For minor offenses, a judge may grant release on one’s own recognizance, meaning the defendant does not have to pay bail.
About Affordabail
Affordabail is a local bonding company. With several locations throughout the state of Louisiana, we service St. Tammany Parish Jail in Covington, Livingston Parish Jail in Livingston, Jefferson Parish Jail in Gretna, Tangipahoa Parish Jail in Amite, St. John Parish Jail in Laplace, and many more.
For more than 20 years in the industry, Affordabail Bail Bonds has been providing both families and individuals with expedient and efficient bail service. We are reliable at any time, day or night. We are always here for our clients and we treat people who require bail as people, not criminals. There is no way of knowing the circumstances behind what has happened to an accused, and we firmly believe in “innocent until proven guilty.” This respectful approach to our clients is part of what makes Affordabail better than the competition.
We process all bond payments securely, and our friendly staff is efficient and hardworking, getting all the required paperwork done as quickly as possible. We do not want loved ones to stay in custody longer than necessary. Our bail bondsman will make the entire process of obtaining bail simple and painless. Let industry knowledge work for you.
We offer payment plans, too. For more details on the types of bail bonds we offer, and to get started, call any of our locations, or fill out an online form.
