Consider the scenario where the police arrested you for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). You are placed in custody and told that you have to post bail with the help of a professional bail bonds business firm to get released. What should you know?
One important thing to know right off the bat is that many times you may be released on your own recognizance without having to post bail. Many jurisdictions simply keep you in a holding tank until you sober up, and then release you after you sign a written promise to show up to court on a specific day.
But if you are required to post bail in order to get released, there are five key things to know. These are:
- your bail is often set at a bail hearing,
- bail amounts are typically preset,
- you can post bail via a bail bond,
- someone can pay bail on your behalf, and
- you will forfeit your bail amount if you miss court appearances.
Note that “bail” is money that you must post with the court in order to be released from custody. Its purpose is to help make sure that you attend all future court dates.
Most jails will have a list of bondsmen that make bonds in that jurisdiction. Before you choose a bail bondsman or a bail bonds agency for your DUI bond, you may want to have members of your family talk to other people who have posted bail previously. While many bondsmen try to run reputable businesses, some are less diligent. They may take your money and then fail to let you know your court settings or court dates—which will result in your re-arrest.
Make sure that the bondsman is approved to make bonds in your jurisdiction. If the sheriff does not accept your bondsman, you will be required to pay for and post a new bond. If you already have a drunk driving attorney, your attorney can refer you to a good bondsman. If you do not have a DUI attorney, you should find one as soon as possible. Like DUI attorneys, some bondsmen will also specialize in types or levels of offenses so it is important that you find one that fits your DUI situation.
