Choosing the right bail bondsman can make an unpleasant situation much more manageable. Since there are many bail bonds companies to choose from, here are some questions you can ask yourself to make sure you're picking the right one.

How is Their Reputation?

The first thing to look at when choosing a bail bonds company is their reputation. You can start by looking on the BBB's website to make sure that there are not any major complaints with the company. One thing to look carefully for is a claim that the bond's terms weren't carried out fairly— it's crucial to find a company that will present their terms clearly, make sure you understand them and work with you for a fair reconciliation in case there is a misunderstanding. Another thing to check on is to make sure that the bail bondsman has a current license in your state. If you have time, request to speak with some recent clients to see how the process went.    

Can You Provide Adequate Collateral?

Another thing that you should look at is whether you can provide the amount of collateral requested. You may want to shop around at a few different places to see what kinds of collateral are being requested. Also, be aware of their policies on dealing with collateral. For instance, if you miss a single payment, will the bail bonds company begin to foreclose on your home or will they be more lenient? 

Other companies will ask that friends or family provide collateral for you. This provides them with some extra security and a deterrent to late payments, since missing a bail payment will also affect your friends and family. If you're unable or unwilling to meet this requirement, then be sure to choose a bail company that doesn't require this. 

Do You Agree with the Terms?

Before you sign anything, be sure to read the conditions of your bail and make sure that they are reasonable. The conditions of your bail bonds contract will likely depend on the severity of your bail, and they can vary greatly between bail bonds companies since setting bail is a subjective process. Look at the interest rates to make sure that they compare well with other offers.

If you have the flexibility to be choosy about your bail bonds company, then it pays to take a close look at each of these qualities to make sure you've got the right fit. Both the personality fit and the logistical fit are important parts of starting a working relationship with an excellent bail bondsman (such as one from Alda Pauline's Bail Bonds).