Release From Custody Can Be Helped Along By A Raleigh Bail Bondsman

By James Jackson


It is a misconception that it is only hardened criminals that are arrested. Every year thousands of otherwise very ordinary people are taken into custody. In most cases this happens due to an error of judgement. Someone decide to drive after having a few drinks, for example. Or someone stupidly gets involved in a physical conflict. Luckily, in most cases and with help from a Raleigh bail bondsman, most of those arrested will be allowed to go free until their cases are heard.

No arrest should be taken lightly. An arrest is just the first step towards a possible criminal conviction. Such a conviction can have a very serious negative impact on the life of the accused and even the lives of his family. It is therefore extremely important to hire the services of a reputable and experienced criminal defence attorney as soon as possible when arrested. Until he takes over, the accused should refrain from making statements.

It would be impossible to keep everyone that is arrested in custody. The court therefore release most of those arrested until their cases are ready for the court. The rules for being released are strict, however. The accused may not meddle in the investigation and he is often required to remain within the jurisdiction of the court. If the court is not sure that the accused will honour these rules release can be refused.

When the court grants a release the accused must first pay a specified amount of cash to serve as surety. This money will be paid back to him after the case is finalized. Many accused do not have the necessary cash at hand. This is where bondsmen can be of assistance. They specialize in loans meant to pay the surety for release from custody. Bondsmen normally process loan applications within an hour or two.

The cost of a loan from bondsmen can be very high. Most bondsmen charge a non refundable service fee of between 10 and 15 percent of the total amount borrowed. They know that those about to be released are not likely to quibble about the fee. The accused will have to sign a legal agreement and in most cases he will be required to pledge some assets to cover the loan amount.

Sadly, many accused sign agreements with bondsmen without studying the terms and conditions. This can easily become a nightmare at a later stage. They sign the agreement blindly because they are stressed and anxious to be released. It is definitely best to rather ask the lawyer to handle all the dealings with the bondsmen. He can often negotiate a much better deal and he will quickly spot serious pitfalls.

One of the worst things any trial awaiting accused can do is to breach the conditions under which he was released. He will be arrested again and this time the courts will not be eager to grant a release again. He will also forfeit the entire amount that was paid as surety for the original release. If released again, he will have to pay a new surety and this can be financially crippling.

The system whereby those accused of crimes are released has many critics. They say that all accused should be kept in custody until their cases are finalized. This is not practical and it is, after all, the right of every accused to be considered innocent until found otherwise by a court.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment