Tampa Bail Bonds

Armando Arcos Bail Bonds FAQs

• What makes Armando Arcos a good choice for bail bonds?

  Unlike other bail bond companies, we help nearly everyone that comes through our doors, which are always open and someone is always physically in our office. Our repayment plans are structured to meet the customers’ budgets so that everyone has the opportunity to be released from jail on bond. We are also located right across the street from the Orient Road jail and our office is comfortable and safe. We are the oldest bail bond agency in Florida, opening our doors in 1948 and proudly serving our community for the last 70 years. We started this business when the bail bond system was first established in Florida and over time we have built both expertise and a positive reputation for our prompt and responsive service.  This is our commitment to our community and we look forward to another 70+ years of service.

• Do you offer payment plans?

  Our philosophy is to never leave anyone in jail because they don’t have the funds to post bail.  As a result, we accept almost everyone who comes to us for help and we rarely have an issue with non-payment because we work hard to structure payments to meet each person’s budget. We request weekly installments but are willing to work with clients to match the payment plan to their needs, even approving extensions when necessary. We do this because we appreciate that a bond is a significant cost that is incurred during a very difficult time when our customers also have legal and court expenses.

• What forms of payment to you accept?

  We strive to make this bond process as simple and easy as possible and accept a variety of payment forms including cash, credit card, checks, money orders and cashier’s checks. We also work with customers to institute a payment plan.

• How does the cost of Armando Arcos bail bonds compare to other bail bonds companies?

  Florida law sets the pricing of bail bonds for all bail bonds companies.  All Bail Bonds companies have to charge the exact same thing. Consequentially, pricing will not be a factor in any decision you make about which Bail Bonds company you use to get a friend or family member out of jail. The only factors will be service on the phone and at the office, proximity to the jail and the comfort and safety of the office.

• Should I get a defense attorney before posting bail?

  In most cases, it is best to get out of jail as soon as possible. It is easier to spend time vetting the right defense attorney for your situation. In some cases, such as when bail is set very high or you know your defense attorney, it can help to have them available to increase your odds of a release before the bail hearing or reduction in the amount.

• Why is the cost of my bond greater than 10% of the total bond amount?

  As required by Florida law, the payment for a bail bond is 10% of the total bond. Bonds under $1000 cost the minimum flat fee payment of $100. What is important to understand is that when someone is arrested, they may face multiple charges and each charge will have its own bond. For example, if a person faces five charges for an incident, and each charge carries a bond of $1,000 or less, then the will pay the bail bondsman $100 for each bond for a total of $500. In contrast, if they face one charge with a bond of $1200, then they will pay $120 to the bondsman. Ultimately, the cost of the bail bondsman will depend on the amount of the bond per charge and the total number of bonds that must be posted for release.

• I’m out on Bail, what happens next?

  Once the bond paperwork is complete and fees are paid, you will receive a letter in the mail from the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts with your court date and time. The letter usually arrives within 20 to 30 days of the arrest and the court date is often set for 15 days from then. If you are represented by an attorney, that person will also receive a copy of the letter with the date. We also make it a point to contact our customers to alert them of their court date. However, you still need to read the letter and make arrangements to be at the court on the date or you be proactive about finding your court date yourself and showing up. You can also find your court date on this link, www.CourtDateSearch.com.

• What if I don’t receive the letter with my court date?

  The biggest mistake people make is not appearing on their court date because they didn’t know when it was. This may happen for many reasons, including that the notice letter was sent to an old address. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts will mail the letter to the address that is on your driver’s license and so if this address is out of date then you may not receive the letter or not receive it prior to the court date. This situation does not change the fact that it is your responsibility to be to court on the right date and time. If you haven’t received the notice letter, call the County Clerk of Courts at (813)276-8100. Missing your court date will make a bad situation worse so again, be proactive.