No one expects to receive the call “I have been arrested, please can you help me get out of jail” from a friend or family member. Most people go their entire lives without needing to help rescue someone. In many cases, the only exposure they have had to our industry is based on what they have seen on television. That can be scary.

At this point, the only thing you can focus on is getting your loved one out of jail quickly. They can start their search for a surety in their local yellow pages or on the Internet. This can quickly become overwhelming because surety companies are a dime a dozen. How do you know which one to choose?

References are always a good starting point. Do you know someone who has previously worked with a surety or do you know a criminal defense attorney who can make a recommendation? If someone has had a good experience with a particular company in the past, they may consider calling them.

If you can’t get a referral, you may want to do a little research on a company before hiring it. How long have they been in business? Are they accredited by the Better Business Bureau? Do you offer 24/7 lease bond service? What kind of payment do you accept? Do you have a website and, if so, do you provide customer testimonials? Customer testimonials are a great indicator in terms of shedding some light on the type of service the company provides.

You may also want to ask if they require you to appear with their officer or if they can help you with the bonds by fax and email.

When you rescue a person, first of all you are assuming the responsibility that the defendant will go to court and take their case. The surety you are working with will need you to sign a contract acknowledging that responsibility. You will also be asked to provide basic contact information for yourself and the defendant and to sign the agreed payment method for the bond.

Some companies require you to complete this paperwork in person. Others allow their clients the ability to complete paperwork by fax or email. This can be especially convenient if you are stuck at work, cannot immediately travel to your office, or if you are calling from another state. It may be even more convenient if you get the call for help in the middle of the night.

Getting someone out of jail is much less complicated than many people think. The biggest challenge is choosing the right guarantor. All California bail bond agents are required by law to charge the same rate, but that doesn’t mean they all provide the same level of customer service. Do you have the feeling that you can trust the person you are talking to? Does it seem like they really care about your situation, or does it seem like they are trying to “roll and negotiate” with you?

Finding out that someone you love has been arrested can make your world feel like it’s turned upside down. Finding a reputable bail bondsman you can trust can make a huge difference when it comes to navigating an unfamiliar situation and ensuring that the defendant can get out of jail quickly.