What You Need to Know About Bail Bondsman Services in Indiana

Bail Bonds

Understanding Your Options: Bail Bondsman Services in Indiana

If you or someone close to you has never been arrested in Indiana, you may wonder how bail bonds work and how you would get an Indiana bondsman if needed. People also often wonder when bail bondsman services in Indiana would be the best option and what makes one bondsman a better choice. We will discuss these questions and what you should expect from a bondsman; by the end of this article, you will know exactly how the bail bonds process works, including types of bail the court may impose and when and how to seek the services of a bail bond agent.

How Do Bail Bonds Work?

When someone is arrested, the court can set an amount the defendant must pay to assure the court that they will return for future court dates. The bail amount also ensures that the defendant will not pose a danger to another person or the community upon release. Bail amounts are determined by the bail schedule, which varies from county to county. The amount is further affected by several factors, including the severity of the alleged crime and the defendant's connections within the community.

The court will set the defendant's bail as a cash-only bond, a cash or surety bond, or a property bond. A cash-only bond must be paid in full for the defendant's release. A cash or surety bond is Indiana's most common type of bond. It requires the amount be paid in cash, or if it is too much for the defendant to afford, then the bail bondsman service must assure the court that they will pay the total bond amount if the accused fails to appear. The bondsman will require the accused to pay a fee, often 10% of the total bail amount. A property bond requires a lien on the accused's property.

When and Why Are Bail Bondsmen the Best Option?

The Indiana code states that bail must not be set to an amount more than reasonably required to ensure the accused returns to court and does not threaten others. If the amount of bail is more than the accused can afford to pay and the court sets the amount as cash or surety, the best option will likely be to contact a bail bondsman in Indiana. All bondsman requires a fee for their services, which is not refundable. The cost cannot exceed 10% of the total bond amount in Indiana.

Although the bondsman does not have to put up the cash amount to get the accused released, they will be responsible for paying the court the total amount if the accused fails to appear in court. If the defendant appears as required, the cash never has to be paid to the court, and the bondsman gets to keep the fee collected. This is most beneficial for the accused when the bail amount is set beyond their means, like for violent crimes or those with an extensive criminal history.

What to Look for When Finding the Best Bondsman in Your Area?

When obtaining the assistance of a bondsman, several factors can set one bondsman service apart from the others. Generally, people prefer a bail bondsman who provides fast, friendly services and knows the process and steps to ensure release. Whether a bondsman offers 24-hour service is another crucial factor, especially when releasing the accused after hours or on weekends. Probably the most vital factor when choosing a bondsman is their required fee. Although the amount cannot exceed 10% of the total bail amount in Indiana, some bondsman services have a low cost. Like Smith, American Bail Bonds set their fee as low as 8% of the total bail amount. Two percent seems insignificant until you consider this example. If bail is set at $20,000, a 10% fee would cost the accused $2,000, and an 8% fee would result in a fee of $1,600, saving the accused $400.

What Can You Expect From a Bail Bondsman Service in Indiana?

When you obtain the services of a bail bondsman in Indiana, you can expect the bondsman to require specific information. This includes proof of identity and address for the accused and the terms of the release set by the court. They will also need the premium payment, which will not exceed 10% of the total bail amount. The bondsman will then take the necessary steps to have the accused released. Once the accused has returned for their court date, the bondsman is released from the obligation of paying the bail amount. If the accused fails to appear, the bondsman must pay the bail amount in full to the court. The bondsman may take steps to locate the accused and return them to the court to prevent them from paying the bail amount.

Smith American Bail Bonds Is Your Indiana Bail Bondsman Solution

When you need the services of a bondsman in Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana, Smith American Bail Bonds is here to assist you. We have a friendly, knowledgeable, professional staff to help you secure your loved one's release. We charge a premium fee of only 8% of the total bail amount, and our services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you need the assistance of a bail bondsman in Indiana, call Smith American Bail Bonds at (317)531-5447 and get your loved one released as quickly as possible.