FAQ's
FIRST STEPS
Contact us and we will walk you through the process.
The justice system in Phoenix Arizona is often slow, complicated and confusing for the public. Attorneys often explain some of the processes to their clients, but their advice is usually limited to the courtroom, and they are not able to help with problems like posting bail. A responsible, knowledgeable bail bond company like Nice Guy's Bail Bonds in Phoenix, AZ is able to help you through the system and get you or your loved one out of jail while preparing for the actual court date.
It is better to appear in court properly dressed with your attorney and family by your side than to be herded in chained to other inmates in stripes and pink jumpsuits.
HOW DO BONDS WORK?
Within 24 hours after arrest, a judge or magistrate sets a bail amount in proportion with the charges. For minor crimes, especially if the accused is a first-time offender, the magistrate has the option of choosing to release someone on their own recognizance, which means that they sign a form stating that they are able to return for future court dates and that they understand the consequences if they fail to appear.
However, repeat offenders and more serious crimes require a bail payment. Although a good defense lawyer attempts to persuade the judge to offer a low bail amount, sometimes the amount asked is too high to easily afford. If this happens, purchasing a bail bond in Phoenix, AZ with Nice Guy’s Bail Bonds gets you out of jail until you have your day in court for much less than the required bail payment issued by the court.
Bail in Arizona is typically set at a defendant’s initial appearance and is intended to guarantee a defendant’s appearance in court if released. “Bail” can be paid in full by cash or a secured appearance “Bond” may be purchased from Nice Guy’s Bail Bonds in order to satisfy the bail amount set by the court.
Bonds usually cost 10-25% of the actual bail amount due. If you don't have enough cash to pay the full bail amount, we do offer payment plans. In addition to the down payment, bail bonds usually require collateral to secure the full value of the bail bond. If you're using a major piece of property like a house or car as collateral, it is possible to keep the item and simply turn over the title in trust until the client’s trial is completed and the bond is exonerated, released or discharged.
If, for example, the bail amount is $10,000 then a client would need either $10,000.00 in cash, charge to a credit card or physical tangible collateral equal to or greater in value to the actual amount of $10,000.00. The base premium fee amount would be $1,000. If the bail amount is $25,000, then the premium amount would start at $2,500.00 and so on. The bail amount is set by the courts and collateral values are set by the bond company. Fees may vary depending on the collateral used, location of the defendant, times of service, possible travel, etc.
The premium fee is not returned because this is the fee for providing the service of loaning the bail amount and processing that bail with local jails, courts and/or institutions.
Also, additional fees may be required as needed for any expenses incurred by the bail bonds company in the securing of said bail.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We accept Cash, Western Union, Money Gram, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
OPTION 1
Pay the full bond amount in cash or via wire transfer, Zelle, CashApp or Venmo, plus a 10% premium fee. We will then post the bond immediately to the location that the client is being detained.
OPTION 2
Pay a minimum 10% premium fee, with full value collateral required. Additional fees may apply.
OPTION 3
Pay 5% down, and finance the balance for 30 - 120 days with full value collateral required. Additional fees may apply.
OPTION 4
Pay 25% - 50% down and finance the balance with interest charges, partial collateral may be required. OAC. Additional fees may apply.
OPTION 5
Custom payment option tailored to you. Some restrictions apply. OAC.
WHAT IS GOOD COLLATERAL?
Collateral must be something you own that has significant RESALE value.
Collateral must be something you own that has significant RESALE value.
A house with a mortgage is considered good collateral if you have equity in your home. This is the only time that something you do not own OUTRIGHT is considered good collateral. Usually, if you are still making payments on an item (like a car, or something paid for on credit) would not be considered acceptable collateral.
Possible forms of collateral:
· Cash.
· Liquid Assets
· Credit Cards.
· Real Property: Owned outright or having substantial equity available.
· Vehicles with clear titles: Truck, Car, RV, Motorcycle, Boat, Trailer, ATV, Jet Ski, Etc.
· Personal assets; Jewelry, Gold, Silver, Collectibles, Bikes & Sporting Goods, Construction Equipment, Generators, High-End Newer Electronics, Etc.
When do I get my collateral back?
When the court case is complete, and we get the original "LETTER OF EXONERATION" or Discharge. This happens when:
- The charges are dropped
- The person is found innocent at trial
- The person is found guilty and then sentenced and taken into custody.
Collateral will be returned upon receipt of "Proof of Exoneration" and once all fees have been paid and there is no longer any outstanding balance due.
Finding a reliable bail bonds company can be a difficult task if you are not experienced or knowledgeable in the process. Use these simple tips and considerations to help in your search for successful bail bonds in Maricopa County, AZ.
Make sure the bail bonds company can educate you thoroughly throughout the process. There are many regulations and factors in play when acquiring a bond including court dates, additional appointments and follow-ups.
Check with your bail bonds company to be sure they are able to provide support throughout all appointments and follow-ups.
Find a company that takes pride in providing not only professional services, but takes action in making sure all clients are treated as clients and not criminals. Innocent until proven guilty is the basis of our judicial system.
Another important consideration for choosing a bail bonds company in Maricopa County, AZ is the company's payment options. Look for a bail bonds company that has the ability to provide payment options for you to choose from to fit your needs. You want this as a sign of truly wonderful customer service and consideration for you as their customer.
Expect a 10-25 percent premium for their services, depending on the plan you chose. You know you have a great bail bondman if they have a payment option tailored to your specific financial situation.
Strive to work with an established company that has over 10 years of expertise in the field and celebrated integrity. Thoroughly investigate the professional's website and information to confirm they are a trustworthy and respectable company.
Give Nice Guy’s Bail Bonds a call at any time @ 602-795-9000. We will take the time to answer any of your questions and to confirm all bail and court information is up to date and can even assist in locating your defendant.