by AZLaw

criminal defenseApril 13, 20120 comments

Phoenix Criminal Lawyer | Choosing a Bail Bondsman

When you get the dreaded call that a friend or loved one has been arrested in Phoenix, you aren’t thinking about anything except getting that person out of jail and back home. It’s usually an emotional and vulnerable time for you, as you try to figure out what happens next. Unfortunately, there are people out there who will try to take advantage of you in this trying time. As experienced Phoenix criminal lawyers, we have unfortunately seen many of our clients and their families taken in by unscrupulous bail agents shortly after an arrest.

What Makes a Phoenix Bail Agent “Shady?”
Shady bail agents are those who seek to take advantage of you when you are under stress and in a hurry to get everything taken care of. Although there are many ways to check into a bail bondsman’s history and reliability, most people don’t have time to do this research while a loved one is waiting in jail in the middle of the night. Not every bail bondsman is out to scam you, but, as a general rule, you should be wary of any bail agent who:

• Contacts you at the jail. Shady agents know that you are most vulnerable in the panic shortly after the arrest. If a bail bondsman approaches you at the jail, make sure you fully understand what you are getting into before accepting his or her services.
• Offers “cheap bail.” If a bail agent seems to be offering you a much lower rate than other agents, be suspicious. Most of the time there is some “fine print” that you’re missing – or it could be outright fraud.

How Can I Choose a Reputable Bail Bondsman?
One of the easiest ways to choose a reputable bail bondsman is to contact a criminal defense lawyer whom you trust. We can help in referring you to reputable bail bondsmen in your area, and we can explain more about what needs to happen next and what to expect.

If you’re not sure about hiring a defense lawyer, we’d be happy to speak with you in a FREE consultation to talk about how we can help. Many times, a skilled Phoenix criminal defense attorney can get the bail amount reduced or even convince the judge that your loved one should be released on his or her own recognizance without the need to pay bail.