There is nothing worse than when a loved one is sent to jail for a crime that he or she didn't commit. Even if the charges are ultimately dropped, you may feel as if an injustice has been committed because your loved one was forced to spend time in jail for a crime he or she didn't commit.

This problem can be solved if the judge allows for your loved one to post bail, though, and you may be able to rely on domestic bail services to provide you with the bail money you need. If you choose such a service, you will have obligations after you sign the dotted line.

Be Prepared to Look After the Defendant

When you are pursuing a domestic bail bond service, you will not only be responsible for paying for the bail bond fee, but you will become responsible for the defendant in every way. You will not be able to change your mind and will not be free from the contract until the defendant has attended court or until the bail bondsman has been compensated if the defendant does not arrive at court. Even if the defendant does not show up for court, but he or she is later arrested, released and the charges are dropped, you will still be responsible for the bail money.

Pay Additional Fees if the Defendant Misses a Court Date

When the defendant misses a court date, you may be responsible for paying additional fees. For example, you may need to pay for a recovery agent to locate your loved one so he or she can be brought to court. However, paying for a recovery agent is much less expensive than paying for the full amount of the bail in most cases.

Get Involved in Your Loved One's Life

To avoid unnecessary headaches, make sure to know each court date and remain in contact with your loved one to make sure that he or she attends each court date. One option is to make him or her promise to allow you to take him or her to court.

This is the best way to make sure and is worth the effort when so much money is on the line. Also, offer to take him or her to work or to get groceries just to establish a habit of going places with him or her. Staying involved in his or her life will help you protect your money.

For more help, get in touch with a company like HB Bail Bonds.