Frequently Asked Questions

Need to know more about the bail bond industry? Here are some of the most common FAQs associated with it:

What Happens With an Arrest?

When someone is arrested in Texas they are taken to the jail, where they have the opportunity to contact an attorney. They are also given information about the charges against them, and may be photographed or fingerprinted. Additionally, for some crimes they will be asked to be part of a lineup, to say certain phrases, to give a handwriting sample, or to provide blood or hair samples, among other, similar requests. Then they go before a court official and find out if they will be released without bail, or if they must post bail first. If they need to post bail, that’s where we come in.

How Do You Get Out of Jail?

You can get out of jail on bail for most crimes, but you have to post cash or a bail bond. That’s your agreement that you’ll show up in court when you’re supposed to. Some people are also released without bail, on their own recognizance. That’s your promise that you’ll be in court when asked, and it’s a privilege not granted to everyone. Most people have to post bail to be released.

What Are Bail Bonds?

A bail bond is a written promise. It can be from the person who was arrested, or from someone who represents them. It means that the person who was arrested can stay free from jail until their court case has ended. They may be ordered jailed at that time, depending on the outcome of their case. Showing up for your court date is very important. If you don’t do so, you’ll forfeit the amount of the bond and may have a warrant issued for your arrest.

How Much Do Bail Bonds Cost?

The cost of the bail bond depends on the amount of bail and the type of case. It’s generally 10% of the bond amount, and there are several ways to secure it. Cash is common, but collateral also works. Additionally, some bonds can be provided on credit terms or through personal signature. Every case is different, and what happens in your loved one’s case may not be the same as another case, even if those two cases are similar. We can give you information on the cost of the bond when you come to see us about your loved one’s arrest.

How Fast Can a Bond Be Secured?

In some cases, a person can bond out in under an hour. The sooner you contact us with the information about your jailed loved one, the sooner we can get started bonding them out. We’ll need their full name, the jail they were taken to, and their case number if you have it. Then our licensed agents can find your loved one and see the charges and bond amount. If you can provide the collateral, credit, or cash for the bond, along with proper identification, we can typically bond out your loved one in an hour or less. With missing information or extenuating circumstances, this process can sometimes take longer.