If you’re a loved one who is considering posting bail on behalf of someone close to you who has been arrested and jailed, you may have a lot on your mind to consider during this process. One vital element that should not be glossed over, even if you’re concerned about your loved one and want to keep most of your focus on them: Saving money and keeping the amounts you pay as low as possible.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we’re here to offer 24/7 bail bond service to clients around Salt Lake County, Wasatch County, Summit County and other areas of Utah. We work regularly with loved ones or others who are close to those who have been jailed, helping them obtain release as quickly and affordably as possible. Here are some basic ways you can keep your costs down if you’re posting bail or a bail bond for a loved one, plus some important tips on protecting yourself in these scenarios. 

Know Your Risks

Before we get into several specific ways of keeping your costs down when posting bail or a bond, it’s important to recognize the risks you’re taking on. While we often think of bail as simply a financial transaction, there are serious implications if the person released doesn’t show up for their court date.

If this happens, not only will you lose any collateral or money put down on the bond, but you may also be responsible for paying the full bail amount to the court. This can lead to serious financial strain, so it’s important to weigh this risk carefully before posting bail for someone else. Be sure you trust the person and are confident they will show up for their court date.

If you’re confident here, move to our next several sections for tips on how to keep your costs as manageable as possible.

Work With Experienced Bail Bond Agents

One of the first and simplest ways to keep costs down when posting bail is to work with experienced, reputable bail bond agents like those at Beehive Bail Bonds. Our experts have years of experience in this area and understand exactly how the system works, allowing us to offer you the best possible rates on any given bond.

In addition, we can advise you on which types of bonds are most appropriate for your situation and even help you negotiate with the court for lower costs. Our experience in bail bonds can be a huge asset here.

Negotiate Bail Amounts

Another tactic you may consider, particularly if your loved one has been charged with a non-violent crime or is considered low-risk by the court, is to negotiate the amount of bail required. This can sometimes be done directly with the court or through a bail bond agent, and may allow you to post a smaller amount of money for release.

Ask About Recognizance Release

While it is not necessarily possible in every case or even most, there are some scenarios where a person may be released on their own recognizance, meaning they do not need to post any money at all for their release. This is typically reserved for low-risk individuals and non-violent crimes, but it’s always worth asking about as it can save you a significant amount of money.

In fact, we have begun to see a rising trend of courts allowing more recognizance releases due to overcrowding in jails and other factors. It never hurts to ask about this possibility.

Consider Financing Options

Another related option is to ask about financing options for posting bail or a bond. Some bail bond agencies may offer payment plans or other options to help you cover the costs over time, rather than requiring one lump sum upfront. This can be a good choice for those who are struggling to come up with the full amount all at once.

Timing of Posting

In certain cases, such as when a person is arrested on a Friday night or over the weekend, posting bail immediately may not be necessary. In some cases, it may even be more cost-effective to wait until business hours and post bail during the week. Our experienced agents can help you determine the best timing for your specific situation.

Document Everything

Finally, no matter which route you go in terms of bail posting, be sure to document everything. Keep copies of all contracts and agreements, receipts for any payments made, and records of any communication with the court or bail bond agency. This will protect you in case of any disputes or issues that may arise later on.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we are committed to helping our clients through this often stressful process as smoothly and transparently as possible. If you have any further questions about posting bail or bonds for a loved one in Salt Lake County, Wasatch County or Summit County, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information.