Simply stated, being arrested and going to jail in of itself is always a harrowing experience. Imagine that experience being compounded by the fact that the defendant is not at the time of arrest in full control of their faculties. It is important to be aware of this when trying to post bail, and equally important to be aware of the pitfalls that land a defendant back in jail.

When seeking bail for a DUI arrest, the following are some dos and dont’s you may want to follow.

What is a bail bondsman?

A bail bondsman is a party that will pay the courts for a defendants release from jail. For this act the bondsman will charge a fee of approximately ten percent. In addition, the bondsman will ask for some type of collateral for the full price of the bond whether it be a car, a home, or something else of value that can be used to pay the bail if the defendant does not appear in court.

When choosing a bail bondsman it is important to find one that is not only familiar with the current laws in the defendant’s jurisdiction, but also has a long standing working relationship with the courts. This information can be acquired by using the local Better Business Bureau, and to a certain degree the web presence of the bondsman.

It is not simply bail

One of the unique attributes of a DUI arrest is the fact that there may be circumstances that will produce additional costs that a defendant is not aware of. These must be taken into consideration when looking for a bail bondsman. Depending upon previous record, possibility of flight, and severity of this particular offense there may be stipulations in addition to standard bail. As an example, there are judges who, when looking at your particular case may insist upon the installation of an ignition locking device.

In addition to the cost of the installation there is also a monthly fee that can range from $50.00 to $250.00 a month depending upon service centers in your area. Make sure that the bondsman you choose has a list of reputable businesses in your area that can assist you in the most cost effective method.

In addition to the ignition lock the judge may impose a weekly or monthly urine test in order to ascertain if in fact the defendant has been drinking during the period before the court appearance. Depending upon the judge, frequency of test, and the testing facility itself, the costs can range from $25.00 to $75.00 dollars per test. Once again, your bondsman should not only be aware of this eventuality, but in fact, offer suggestions of reputable testing centers in your area that can administer the tests for a reasonable fee.

Ultimately, it is important to understand that although a bail bondsman is not a lawyer they are in fact very familiar with the court system and most eventualities that may occur from a DUI arrest. When choosing a bondsman insist that they explain to you fully the consequences of this particular case, and the costs involved in posting bail with them. Do no simply stop at the first bondsman that is willing to post bail. Make a concerted effort to research your possibilities and make a sound decision that will not cause you any more anxiety.

After you obtain bail your next stop is to find a reputable DUI attorney in your area. DUI arrests are serious and you should have a professional handle it for you.