3 Ways Your Bail Bond Arrangement May Be Affected By A National Pandemic
During a national pandemic, numerous aspects of everyday life can change. During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021, even how bail bonds were handled had to be adjusted in some situations. If you are seeking a bail bond amid a national pandemic, getting familiar with how some processes may be affected will be valuable information to have. Here is a look at just a few of the ways your bail bond arrangement may be affected by a national pandemic.
You may have an easier time finding a bail agent available to work with you.
Emergency prison releases during a pandemic can sometimes be necessary to keep prison populations low and prevent the spread of illness. During COVID-19, the prison populations were reduced by as much as 11 percent, according to Reuters. In addition, some states implemented new measures that lowered the number of arrests by issuing citations for non-violent crimes.
With that being stated, if you do go to jail during a pandemic, you may have easier access to a bail bonds service provider. Fewer arrests and fewer inmates can leave these service providers more available and accessible to new prisoners who need their help.
Your check-ins after being released on a bail bond may look different.
Checking in after you have received a bail bond is commonly required by the bail bonds service until you go back to court. These check-ins typically involve stopping by the agency for an in-person visit. However, during a pandemic, the agency may not be as open to the public and may have to follow statewide mandates regarding being open to the public. Therefore, you may need to arrange for alternative check-ins with the bail bonds service via phone, video conference, or otherwise. Just be sure to discuss the details surrounding your responsibilities with your agent to avoid any problems.
You may see longer wait times between receiving your bail bond and returning to court.
The time frames associated with getting out of jail and having to return to court can vary depending on a number of factors. However, most court systems do try to get bonded individuals back to court as quickly as possible. During a pandemic, you may see a longer period of time between receiving your bail bond and your returning court date. If you do have a longer wait time, make sure you are consistently keeping in touch with your bail bonds agent to stay current on payments and check-ins.
To learn more, contact a resource like Abel Bail Bonds.
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