When they or their loved ones are in need of a helping hand when it comes to securing bail bonds, Las Vegas residents know that it’s important to remember the person who plays an integral role in coming to the rescue: the bail bondsman. Those working as bail bondsmen often get saddled with a bad rap, viewed as people who make money from the misfortunes of others and are always looking for ways to fleece those who can afford it the least. However, bail bondsmen are far from loan sharks or shady businesspeople, and provide an invaluable service for virtually anyone who’s ever found himself sitting on the wrong side of a jail cell.
When a person is placed under arrest, whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, the quickest and most efficient way for him to be released is on a bail bond. The purpose of a bond is simple - the defendant puts up money or collateral to ensure his return to court to face the charges against him and, in exchange, he is released from custody. For crimes that carry a lighter penalty, the bond amount will be smaller, and family and friends may be happy to post the payment in the form of cash. If a person doesn’t have a criminal record, he may even be released on a signature bond, meaning no money is needed to guarantee the person will return to court. However, if a person is not offered a signature bond and can’t make bail, he’ll be kept in custody until the time of his court appearance.
For those who are being charged with more serious offenses or have a criminal history, the bail amount will be far more hefty, often requiring anywhere from $2,500 to $1 million dollars before the defendant can be released. Because most individuals don’t have large sums of cash at their disposal, working with a private bail bondsman is often the only viable alternative to secure that defendant’s release. A bond usually requires anywhere from 10% to 20% payment on the bail amount, depending on the state.
The bail bondsman’s job is simply to act as an intermediate agent between a defendant’s loved ones and the court. He puts up the money to secure the defendant’s release and in exchange, something is offered up as collateral, typically an asset such as a home, automobile, or business. If the defendant fails to appear for court, the money or property posted to the bail bondsman is seized, and a warrant issued for that person’s arrest. However, if the defendant reports for court appearances as scheduled, all the money or property posted for his bail is returned.
When the unexpected happens and you or a loved one needs bail bonds in Las Vegas, the bail bondsman is far from an enemy; in fact, he may become your new best friend. Much like everyone involved in the criminal justice system, the bondsman hopes there is never an unpleasant issue, and the defendant will report back to face charges as scheduled. Because a majority of those facing charges do not choose to skip town, there is rarely anything to be gained by the agent other than an affordable and appropriate fee for doing business. However, prompt and efficient release from jail is often considered invaluable.
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