Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Bail Bondsman

 Posted on June 11, 2025 in Bail Bonds

If the judge agrees to bail after your arrest, you will be given three options to avoid pretrial incarceration: Use your own money to pay the full bail amount, use a commercial bail company to secure your release by paying a portion of the total bail, or remain in jail until trial. Each year, more than two million people across the United States enter into contracts with bail bond agents.

Going through the process of being arrested can be one of the most terrifying experiences most people will ever experience. Those who have never been arrested may understandably find the bail bond process particularly daunting. Most bail bond companies only want to help you understand the justice system while being released from jail as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, as with any industry, there are some bail bond companies that will take advantage of your lack of knowledge. It is a good idea to have at least a general understanding of what your obligations are when you pay a bail bondsman and what the bondsman’s obligations are. This can help you avoid the most common mistakes made by those who need the services of a bail bondsman.  

If you or a loved one is in jail and a bond has been set, it can be extremely beneficial to speak to a McKinney, TX bail bondsman from Doc's Bail Bonds. We are one of the oldest and largest bail bond companies in North Texas, with a reputation that is beyond reproach. We work hard to answer your questions thoroughly and honestly during this difficult time in your life.  

What Are Mistakes That Are Commonly Made When Choosing a Texas Bail Bondsman?

Most people, feeling the urgency to get out of jail or get their loved one out of jail, rush into choosing a bail bondsman. While you should definitely take care of the bail bond as quickly as possible, choosing randomly can have adverse consequences. Some of the most common mistakes made by those who require a bail bondsman include:

Choosing the Cheapest Option

Of course, cost is important when choosing a bail bondsman, but it should never be the most important determinant. Most bonding companies charge between 10 and 20 percent of the total bail amount. Some bail bond companies will undercut competitors just to get your business, or they may charge cheaper fees. Unfortunately, once you have signed an agreement, the cheapest company may prove to be, well, the cheapest company that now refuses to take your calls.

Not Choosing a Bail Company That is Open 24/7

People rarely get arrested during "business hours." If you are arrested for DUI at 2:00 a.m. in the morning, you want to be able to contact a bail bondsman right away rather than seven hours later. Bail bond companies that are open 24 hours a day have a higher motivation to get you out of jail quickly.   

Hiring an Inexperienced Bail Bond Company

The Texas court and justice system is complex, with few people having a good understanding of how the system works. It is important to have someone on your team who can guide you through the process. When you hire an inexperienced bail bondsman, it could cost you dearly in more ways than financial.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes Made by Those Who Post Bail?  

People who need a bail bondsman also make mistakes – sometimes because they do not understand the rules, and sometimes deliberately. These mistakes include:

• Traveling while on bail without informing the court or your bail bond company
• Choosing a bail bond company without researching it beforehand
• Being rearrested while out on bail
• Failing to understand the bail bond agreement
• Missing court dates

Contact a Denton County, TX Bail Bondsman

When you choose a Dallas, TX bail bondsman from Doc's Bail Bonds, you will deal with a trustworthy company with multiple locations across the state. Doc understands what it takes to build a strong team from his prior career as the manager of a professional baseball team. Call 214-747-4110 to speak to a skilled Texas bail bondsman.