Looking for a bail bondsman often takes place during a stressful time when decisions have to be made quickly. If you find yourself in the position of needing a bail bondsman, there are some key things to look for to keep yourself protected and to ensure you do not make mistakes because you feel rushed.
To make matters worse, there are many unscrupulous individuals posing as bail bondsman. Unfortunately, bail bond scams are common. Sometimes a person will receive a telephone call from an individual claiming to be a representative from a bail bond company. The alleged bondsman informs them their loved one had been arrested and that they need cash cards to guarantee their release from jail. Do not ever use pre-paid cash cards to bail anyone out of jail.
When choosing a bail bondsman, it’s crucial to choose someone reliable that you feel comfortable with. Here are 4 important tips to keep yourself protected:
How to choose a good bail bondsman
- Make sure the bail bondsman has a license.
A bail bonds person is a licensed insurance agent that is heavily regulated by the Department of Insurance. They are required to complete coursework in order to receive a license. You can usually check for this online at the State’s Department of Insurance website or the appropriate regulatory agency website for that state. Our license # is: A144746 - Be sure they have a physical office.
Beware of a bail bondsman wanting to meet you in a parking lot or restaurant or hanging out in front of the jail, soliciting visitors. We are the bondsman conveniently located closest to the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater. - The bail bondsman should be able to:
Easily produce a department of Insurance I.D.
Have a solid reputation and a track record of service.Action Plus Bail Bonds has been in business for over 32 years. How many companies can say that? Learn more about us. - Ask the bail bondsman how the bail bond process works.
If he/she asks for fees in excess of what the law allows or promises that the charges can be “dropped for an additional fee”, leave immediately and report them to law enforcement. For more information visit our How Bail Works page.
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At Action Plus Bail Bonds, we don’t just get you out, we get you help.
An important part of our business is doing everything we can to assist you or your loved one during this difficult time. This truly is a business where we do NOT want to see repeat customers. We offer specific services for those who want to be proactive regarding the charges they are facing as well as assistance after the case has been resolved to ensure the defendant stays on the right track.
Read More: Bail Bond FAQ’s
