With Bail Bonds Grand Rapids Accused Can Go Home

By Virginia Morgan


Law enforcement agencies place thousands of people under arrest every year. The vast majority of those arrested are ordinary citizens that can by no means be described as career criminals. They made stupid mistakes such as trying to make an illegal profit, cheating on their taxes and driving while under the influence. After they have been booked, they are normally allowed to go free. By applying for bail bonds Grand Rapids accused are normally released within a few hours.

Being arrested for a criminal offence can have far reaching consequences. Anyone in this situation should get help from a qualified criminal defence lawyer right away. It is the first and most important priority after the arrest. The attorney will investigate the circumstances under which his client were arrested. He will then immediately take steps to secure the release of the arrested person.

It is customary to allow arrested people to go free until their cases appear in court. Before they are released, however, the court must be satisfied that the accused will not tamper with evidence, try to flee from justice or interfere with the investigation in any way. If the court is satisfied, an amount set by the court must be paid as security before the accused is released. If the accused do not have the money he can approach a bondsman.

A bondsman is a type of financier that lends money to arrested people who does not have the cash to pay the surety required by the court. Qualifying clients are normally granted instant loans within an hour or so. The bondsman will pay the surety to the courts and the accused will then be released without further delay.

The services of a bondsman are costly. They charge up to fifteen per cent of the loan amount as a non refundable service fee. They justify their high fees by arguing that a loan to a person accused of committing a crime is a high risk decision. The client will have to sign a contract and he will have to offer his assets as security to cover the loan amount.

Sadly, most accused never study the terms and conditions of the agreement they sign with the bondsman. They are intent only on escaping from the nightmare of being arrested. If they do not adhere to those conditions the bondsman can claim breach of contract. This will allow him to attach the assets that were pledged as security for the loan. It is a good idea to ask the attorney to review the contract.

No accused should even contemplate breaking the conditions of release set by the court. The consequences can be very serious. He may be arrested and charged with additional offences and he may be remanded in custody until his case is heard. This may mean months in prison. He will also lose the money he paid as security for release. The only course of action is to strictly adhere to all the conditions set by the court.

Critics say accused should all be kept in jail until their trials. This is not possible. Firstly, it would be unconstitutional to keep someone in custody if he has not been found guilty of a crime yet. Secondly, the welfare of the family of the accused is also taken into consideration. If the accused is in custody, he cannot provide for his family.




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