It’s a call we never want to receive. Maybe it’s midnight, or 3 in the morning, and you get a call from a loved one that they have been arrested and are in jail. If you haven’t been faced with this situation before, you immediately wonder what you should do. Should I call a lawyer? A friend? The first thing you should do is find a reputable bail bondsman to help guide you through the process and get them released as soon as possible.

After you find a bail bondsman, and describe the charges and which jail the individual is located in, the bail bondsman should immediately begin the release paperwork while you are on the way down to their office to begin the release process. You need to go to their office so they can describe the process going forward, and explain to you the next steps and their fees. Once you feel comfortable with them, you will sign an agreement with them and they will send the jail the release paperwork by email.  The jail will confirm receipt of the email and the release process begins. It is imperative that this happens as quickly as possible.

The fee the bondsman charges you is dictated by Federal law, and can only be 10% of the bond. No more, no less. If the bond is $5,000, you should only pay $500. Before signing any of the paperwork, it’s a good idea to ensure that this is the fee you are being charged. In our business, we accept credit cards, debit cards, or check. I will also take collateral that I feel equals the price of the bond.

Once the release process is finished and your loved one is out of the jail, you must do everything you can to ensure that the individual appears in court on the stated date. This is imperative so that you don’t have to pay the full bond.

There are three things that must happen to get your loved one out of jail.

• You must contact a bail bondsmen as soon as you find out about the arrest.
• You must reach an agreement with the bondsman to initiate and complete the release process.
• You must ensure that the individual appears in court on the scheduled date.

It is critical that these steps happen in a timely manner to ensure that your loved one is released as soon as possible. If this process doesn’t happen in a timely manner, it is possible that they could be moved to another jail and go through the booking process again, which just adds to their woes and increases their time in jail.

I guarantee that I will always answer you call the first time, every time, if you find yourself in need of a bondsman and you contact me – no matter what time of day or night.  I provide the personal attention and guidance that you need during these difficult circumstances and will make the process as simple and quick as possible.

Sincerely

Gerald Madrid,

Owner Gerald Madrid Bail Bonds