Getting arrested is a traumatic, life-altering experience. The last thing you need is to make things worse by picking a bad bail bonds agency.
One of the mistakes people make is that they are in such a hurry to get out of jail, they don’t take the time to make sure they’re dealing with a legitimate bail bonds agency. We constantly hear horror stories from people who were victimized by con-artists who were simply posing as a bail bonds experts, had to sign away all of their possessions or dealt with an agency that either refused to cooperate or who constantly hassled the person.
Each time we hear one of these horror stories, we notice that if the person had followed just a few tips for choosing the ideal California bail bonds agency, they would have saved themselves a great deal of grief.
We understand that you probably didn’t have time to do any research before you were arrested and that conducting research for a jail cell isn’t easy, but there are still some things you can do to make sure you’re not about to enlist the services of a horrible bail bonds agency. The quick research you should do includes:
✨ Making sure the company is properly licensed and insured
✨ That they have a good reputation for bailing people out
✨ That the employees at the jail you’re currently being held at are familiar with the bail bonds agency and don’t wince when you mention their name
If the employees at the jail can’t provide you with the information, ask your lawyer to do a quick search of the company. The peace of mind you’ll get when your lawyer confirms that the bail bond agency is reputable will be worth the bill you get for the search.
A surprising number of people we speak to think that the free consultation only exists so that the bail bond agency can decide if you’re the type of person they want to bail out of jail. The truth is that the consultation goes both ways. Yes, we use it to learn about you, but you should also use it to learn about us. The consultation provides you with the perfect opportunity to ask questions about our history, or business policy, how we handle each case, and the process we use to provide you with the bail bond you need.
A reputable bail bonds agency will always require a contract. Don’t simply sign the document without first reading it. Read the exact terms of the contract carefully so you understand how much you owe, what is being used for collateral, and what happens if you fail to make your court dates. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the contract
Don’t assume that you have to sign up with the first bail bonds agency you talk to. We encourage you to talk to other agencies and to ultimately choose the one you’re the most comfortable with.
When you find yourself in need of bail in California, contacting Bail Bonds in Visalia is your best move. We’re a family-owned bail bond agency that has served California for decades. We have a reputation for zero interest bail bonds, flexible payment plans, and outstanding customer service.