If you are inquiring for someone else, click here. If this is for yourself, continue reading.
Can I Post Bond When I Turn Myself In?
Before you turn yourself in, you may want to email a bail bondsman. In many cases, they can often prepare the paperwork for you in advance, and make arrangements to be at the time and place that you will be turning yourself in. They can help expedite the process and sometimes post bond the moment you are booked so you don’t have to spend a minute more in jail than you have to. By emailing them first, you can retain your privacy and identity, while gathering all the information you need. Email addresses for bail bondsmen can be found on any bail bondsmen websites.
We have even heard of cases where a credit card and permission to use, was given to the bail bondsman in advance and they were able to post bail immediately without any further requirements or paperwork.
Can I get bail with a warrant?
There have been cases where a person has a warrant out for them, has sent the bail bondsman to the police station or sheriff’s department and bail was posted, WITHOUT the accused even having to appear. Again, you should email a bondsman and find out what the options are in that jurisdiction to see if something like this is available to you.
If you have a warrant issued because you missed your court appearance, there may still be options available to fix it. One option is to ask your bail agent to reschedule a new bail hearing. If that doesn’t work, another option is to ask your bail agent to come with you to turn yourself in. Allow yourself to be booked and request that a new bail be set. If allowed, your bondsman will there and ready to get you out.
TIP: See if the court has a walk in calendar. If so, you may be able to attend it, pay a fee, ask for the warrant to be dismissed, and basically get a fresh start. This is a rarely known option.
Are bail conversations confidential?
Confidentiality may be very important to you under these circumstances. Fortunately, we are living in an age where websites make that possible. The advantage for you is that you can get information and communicate with bail bondsmen anonomously on their websites. They always have an email address on their home page, and today, more so than ever, they understand that people often need privacy. So they have alternative ways to communicate outside of email and phones. For instance, many offer online chat rooms where you can talk to a representative, or online forms where you can submit a question.
They also often can work with you to get a bail bond without your ever having to step into their offices. It can be done by downloading forms from their site, or descretely by phone, email, fax and other means.
TIP: Bail bondsmen can often recommend lawyers in these cases as well. They often have a good feel for which attorneys may be best for certain charges, or working in certain courthouses, or with specific judges. If you do not have an attorney, you may want to email a couple bondsmen and get recommendations.
I recommend that you are upfront with the bondsman and don’t hold anything back. They will find out anyway, and you may only make things more difficult for youself later.
If you are inquiring for someone else
This can be a very tricky situation. Most likely, your son, husband, or boyfriend has made a mistake and now is not sure how to handle it. You want to get them help without getting them in more trouble. So what do you do?
I recommend that you visit a bail bondsman’s website and use their online chat room. This will give you the privacy and anonymity you need without worrying about someone tracking you from using a phone. You will be able to ask the hard questions and your loved one will remain safe until they are in a position to turn themselves in. Some of the questions you may need to ask are:
-If you know the charges, you can ask what the typical bail amount is.
-You can ask if they can meet you for a confidential consultation.
-You can ask for advice as to what the best way is for someone to turn themselves in.
Do not be embarrassed by these questions. You have someone that needs help so be strong and if you use their website, they won’t know who you are anyway. Trust me, the bondsmen have seen worse and I have found that they are non-judgemental. More than likely they will be sympathic and helpful as well as explain how does a bail bond work in that jurisdiction. Good luck to you.
Nothing stated herein should be construed or interpreted to grant rights or remedies not otherwise granted under federal or state law. This information is provided as a public service and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice or representation by a lawyer or bail bondsman. We recommend you email a bail bondsman for more information about your situation.