How Long Does the Bail Bond Approval Process Usually Take
Among the most frequently asked questions to the family after the loved one has been arrested is:
But what is the time that it will take to release them from jail
Although the answer to the question will depend on several factors, it is better to have a feel of the amount of time it takes to have a bail bond company approved so that expectations are made realistic.
Introduction and background of information
This takes place as you call a bail bond firm and give them information about the person in custody. When you are acquainted with the details, you will do well to be able to relate them:
Name of the defendant and his date of birth.
Name and location of the jail.
Booking number
Charge(s) filed
Number of cases and amount of bail.
The following step can be done within 30 minutes or so, but might be prolonged in case there are several charges or jurisdictions. To the extent possible, as accurate information as possible should be shared at this time to facilitate the overall process.
Paperwork and Bond Approval
After verifying the amount of the bail as stipulated by the courts, the bond agent goes through the case and decides whether one is eligible to take a bail bond. Approval time can be influenced by some factors, such as:
Count and amount of charges.
Criminal history
Bail amount
Risk level
Co-signer qualifications
Collateral (if necessary)
In simple instances, it can be approved quite fast – in an hour or two.
Posting the Bond
Once the bond paperwork has been done and payment is made, the bond is then posted. The actual posting of the bond may not be very time-consuming itself; however, processing time may vary based on:
Jail processing procedures
Day or week of the week (nights, weekends, or holidays can be slower)
Facility size and population.
Staff availability
This would be where the services of an experienced bond agent would be handy, since any mistakes or lack of information in the documentation would mean a delay or an increase in processing time.
Jail Release Time
It is usually the most time-consuming stage of the process since at this stage, all is in the hands of the jail or detention facility. Depending on the size of the facilities, release may take 1-3 hours in small facilities, but may take several hours or more in large jails. Slow movements here are usual and normally beyond the control of the bail bond company.
Things that Can Slack Things
Some of the cases will inherently be longer:
More than one charge/hold.
Out-of-county/ out-of-state warrants.
Information that is missing or is inaccurate.
Bail that is in the form of collateral.
This can be learned in advance to deal with expectations of processing and release times.
What you can do to hurry things along
To prevent holding up the process, you can assist by:
Being timely and providing correct information.
Being fast in answering calls for documents or other information.
Having a ready payment and collateral.
Being in contact with the bond agent.
It helps to be organized, open, and responsive, to keep things rolling.
Setting Realistic Expectations
The whole procedure – first call through release – may require several hours or even a whole day in most instances. Although there are certain delays that cannot be avoided, it is best to be prepared and communicate with the bail bond company to secure the quickest possible result.
