FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS I have someone in jail who wants bailed. Now what do I do? Call us. We can quickly and easily verify bail and charges with our online computer system. Once we know what jail they're in and why they're being held, we'll explain exactly what you need to bail them out.   How does bail work? The purpose of bail is to guarantee the defendant's appearance in court until the case is completed. The jail computer automatically sets a bail based on the charge (or warrant amount).     After arrest, the inmate has three choices: S/he can post the full amount of the bail at the jail which will be returned by the court after the case is completed. S/he can stay in jail until they appear before a Judge who may release them on a PR--their own promise to return to court. S/he can call a Bail Bond Company who'll post the full amount of the bail for a fee. If I use a bonding company, what exactly do you do? Utilizing the services of a Bail Bond Company, in our opinion, is the best option. We'll answer all questions. We'll post the bail bond for the defendant and afterward, help navigate the individual through the legal system. We even simplified the bail process to make it quick and easy. How much do you charge?   That depends upon the bail and charges. Most bonding companies charge 10% of the total bail as our fee (premium). The price depends upon how many bonds we have to write, the specific location of the jail, and other factors. Call us for an exact quote. Do I need Collateral?   In most cases, no. For smaller bonds, we try to take the signature of a working cosigner with a steady work history as collateral. Larger bonds may need more collateral depending upon various factors. Call us and we'll be able to tell you exactly what we need.   How long is this going to take?   With over twenty years experience, we streamlined the bail process to make it as fast and easy as possible. Completing the paperwork takes just a few minutes. After the bond(s) are posted at the jail, the release time varies from jail to jail. Larger jails take longer to release the inmate than smaller ones. After so many years, we can pretty much tell you how long it's going to take depending upon the specific jail. Anything else I need to know?   It's important to understand a bonding company is much like a bank or a finance company. What we're actually doing is loaning you the bail money posted at the jail. In exchange, we charge 10% of the total bail amount as our fee (premium). If the defendant appears in court until the case is completed (which usually means at least three or more court appearances), the court will return our money in full. But if the defendant doesn't appear, the court gives us a limited time to get the defendant back into court or we forfeit our money. As cosigner on the bond, you're guaranteeing to the bonding company, that if the defendant fails to appear in court, you'll "produce" the defendant to obtain a new court date--and ensure the defendant actually appears. OR if that isn't possible, you'll pay us the full amount of the bail upon demand. Since you're assuming a financial obligation--and signing a legal and binding contract to that effect--we strongly suggest you don't cosign for someone you don't know well or as a "favor" to a friend.    Aren't all Bail Bond Companies basically the same? Shouldn't I just go with the cheapest?   We're all similiar in the fact we specialize in bail bonds but in PHREE'S opinion, that's where the similiarities end. Most of us charge the same fee--10%. Some charge less, but what you're actually paying for, in our opinion, is customer service. Before you bail anyone out of jail, it's important to have a good rapport with your bail agent. You'll want someone who answers all your questions, someone who takes the time to explain your financial obligation to you fully and clearly--and in writing. Some companies have "hidden fees." In a reputable company, all fees are disclosed "upfront" before you incur them. As conditions can vary widely from company to company, make certain you completely understand all the terms of the contract before you sign your name on the dotted line.   If I have any more questions, can I call PHREE? Absolutely. As Bail Bond Specialists, we're here to help.