With Help From A Bail Bond Agency Durham NC Accused Can Go Free

By Christopher Ward


Law enforcement agencies are, at any given time, investigating thousands of criminal cases and they make a large number of arrests each year. Many of those arrested never in their wildest dreams thought that they would become involved in such a nightmare. However, people make poor decisions, drink before driving and become involved in suspicious activities. In such cases, without the services of a bail bond agency Durham NC accused may be forced to spend some time in custody.

It is imperative to appoint a criminal defence attorney immediately after being arrested. Until he arrives, it is best for the accused to claim his constitutional rights and refuse to answer questions or make a statement. Once the attorney arrives, one of his first priorities will be to see to it that his client is released until he is required to appear in court. In most cases this is all accomplished very quickly.

If the court decides that the accused is not likely to flee from justice, that he will not interfere in the case and that he will adhere to the other conditions set, he may be released. He will be required to pay a sum, in cash, to serve as guarantee that he will indeed appear in court. If he does not have the required amount available in cash, his attorney can arrange for the services of a bondsman.

Bondsmen are not court officials. They are independent businessmen that specialize in lending money to those arrested and unable to pay the amount stipulated by the court. If he agrees, he will pay the required amount to the court immediately and the accused will be free to leave. These transactions are normally completed within a very short time and the accused seldom have to wait in a cell.

Bondsmen are in business to make a profit. They charge a fee of between ten and fifteen per cent over and above the amount required by the court. The client will have to sign a written agreement and he will have to provide collateral in the form of assets such as the family home. If he cannot provide collateral the loan will not be approved unless family and friends are willing to help.

Failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of the contract with the bondsman can have serious consequences. He will be able to attach the assets that were offered as surety and dispose of them in order to cover his losses. Accused unfortunately often do not read the terms and conditions carefully because they simply want the ordeal to end and to go home.

If the accused do not appear in court or break any of the conditions of being released he can be arrested once more and additional charges can be filed. In addition, he will forfeit his bail but still remain contractually obliged to honour his agreement with the bondsman. In short, not adhering to the conditions of release can mean financial ruin for the accused and his loved ones.

There are good reasons for granting bail to accused that qualify. It is the constitutional right of every accused to be presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Also, prisons and other facilities for holding people awaiting trial are under great pressure and there is simply not enough space.




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