Bail Bonds: Licensed Vs. Unlicensed
When people talk about licensed bail bonds and just bail bonds, are they talking about the same thing? It would seem so, considering that bail bonds will release the person in jail until their court hearing date. However, if you are the one in jail, and you have to organize things with someone to get a bail bond, you should know that there are definitely differences between licensed bail bonds and bail bonds.
"Licensed" Bail Bonds Means That the Bond Agent Is Licensed in Your State to Provide Bonds
The key difference, and why you want to ask a bond agent this important question, is that "licensed" refers to the fact that the bond agent is licensed in your state, by the state, to provide bail bonds. They have to adhere to strict regulations and standards of business practice in order to be licensed, and not following those regulations and standards can cost them their license and business. It also means that you are getting a guaranteed bail bond that will hold up in court and release you from jail with no strings attached (except those set forth by the court and the state licensing board).
Just Bail Bonds No License Is Scary Stuff
There are states where bond agents do not have to be licensed. They operate in somewhat unregulated ways. You may want to avoid these bail agencies unless they are highly recommended by lawyers and by the court. Anything might go sideways with unlicensed bond agents, and you could end up with some unpleasant repercussions. If your lawyer does not refer you to a bail bond agent, and you want to find your own bail bond agent, do your due diligence to find one that is either licensed or comes highly recommended by those in legal authority who already know which bond agents to trust. If you live in a state where the bond agents must be licensed, that should be your first question of any agent with which you make contact, and then ask for the agent's license number to make sure their license is current.
Find out What Types of Bail Bond Collateral the Agent Takes
There are actually different kinds of collateral that bail bond agents may accept in lieu of cash for your bail bond. Make sure you understand all of the consequences of whatever choice you make and the collateral type you choose. Then make sure the bond agent is paid if you expect to get out of jail.