How to Find The Right Bail Bonds Company in Jacksonville

Going to jail is never pleasant and it never happens when you are properly prepared. An arrest can leave you scrambling and running around in circles, especially if you have never dealt with this type of situation. You need to find a bail bonds agency who is willing to guide you through the process and make sure all of your questions are answered.

What Is A Bail Bond and How Why Do We Need One?

A bail bond is a contract between a co-signer, a defendant and a bail bonds agency that states the bail bond agent will obtain the release of the defendant after a state mandated fee or premium has been paid. If the defendant has a cash bond, the entire bail amount must be paid in person and in cash. If the judge sets bond, you will need a bail bond agent to help assist in the process. By paying the state mandated 10% fee, as a co-signer, you agree to be responsible for the full amount of bail if the defendant fails to appear for court. Having a bail bond agent at your side protects your rights as well as those of the defendant. The bail bond agent will work with the defendant to make sure they appear in court when they are supposed to.

What Is the Difference Between A Bail Bonds Agent and A Bounty Hunter?

It is important to know the difference between a bail bonds agent and a bounty hunter. While both must be licensed and insured to work in the state of Florida, a bail bonds agent writes and secures the bail bonds contracts. A bounty hunter is capable of capturing a defendant who has forfeited (or is in the process of forfeiting their bond) be missing their court date or violating the stipulations of the court. Many bail bonds agents have fulfilled the eligibility requirements and received their bounty hunter license and work in both capacities.

Ask for A Recommendation

If this is your first time dealing with an arrest, you may not know where to turn. The best way to find a reputable bail bonds agency is to talk to individuals who work with them on a regular basis. In most cases, attorneys will not be able to help you find a bail bonds agent, but you can discuss your options with the local courts and jail staff. Talking to people who work at the jail and have a solid working relationship with several bail bonds agencies and can offer sound advice on which ones work best with specific types of cases.

Check Local Organizations

The Better Business Bureau or local Chamber of Commerce offices will have lists of businesses in their area. Business listings often contain testimonials and ratings based on customer reviews. Contact the BBB or Chamber of Commerce or visit their websites. While the organizations cannot recommend one agency over another, they can provide valuable information about a company's background, history and any pending actions the agency may be facing. These reviews can be extremely beneficial if you have the time to research an agency thoroughly.

You can also call the Bail Agents Independent League of Florida (B.A.I.L. Florida) and the Florida Surety Agents of Florida (F.S.A.A,) to find out if the agency is a member. These two associations are the largest in Florida and are statewide. They can offer recommendations about many bail bonds agencies throughout the state and the types of cases each one specializes in.

Ask To See The Agency's License or Certificate

If you have met with the bail bond agency and are interested in verifying their credentials, ask to see their state license and a copy of their insurance certificate. You can tell quite a bit about an agency from the appearance, attitude and how knowledgeable the agents are about what they do, but when it comes down to business, you want an agency by your side that has the qualifications to do the job right. Before you take an agent for face value, make sure to check their license. A reputable agency will make the license available to you, if a copy of it is not already posted in their office.

If you live in or around Jacksonville, Florida, call Ryan Wells Bail Bonds agency at 904-853-6450 for help with all of your bail bonds needs. Our agents are available around the clock to help you when you need us the most. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, evenings, weekends and holidays to make sure you have the best service possible.