First-Time Arrest? A Simple Guide for Families Who Have Never Used a Bail Bond Before
When someone you love is arrested for the first time, it can feel overwhelming. Most families have never stepped foot in a jail, spoken to a bondsman, or navigated the legal system—and that’s completely normal. At Angels Bail Bonds, we help first-time families every single day. Our job is to make the process simple, clear, and as stress-free as possible.
This guide breaks down exactly what to expect, step by step, so you can get your loved one home as quickly as possible..
1. The Arrest & Booking Process: What Actually Happens?
Once a person is arrested in Wake County or the surrounding areas, they are taken through booking, which typically includes:
- Fingerprinting
- Mugshot
- Entering personal and charge information into the system
- Waiting for a magistrate to set bond
This can take anywhere from a few hours to several, depending on how busy the jail is.
When you can take action: As soon as a bond is set.
2. What Is Bail, and Why Is It Required?
Bail is the amount of money the court requires to ensure the person will appear at future court dates.
A bail bond lets you pay only a fraction of that amount, instead of paying the full bail upfront.
Angels Bail Bonds covers the rest, guaranteeing to the court that your loved one will show up for every hearing.
3. How to Contact a Bail Bondsman (and What You’ll Need)
The fastest way to begin the process is to call Angels Bail Bonds 24/7. We’ll ask for:
- The arrested person’s full name
- Date of birth
- The jail they are in (if known)
- The charges
- The bond amount (if known)
If you don’t know all the details—don’t worry. We can look up the information for you.
4. Completing the Bond Agreement
After gathering the details, we’ll walk you through the bond agreement, which explains:
- The cost of the bond
- Your responsibilities as the signer (called the indemnitor)
- The defendant’s requirements, such as appearing at all court dates
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We provide the forms electronically or in person, whichever is easier for you.
5. How Payment Works
Families often panic, thinking they must come up with thousands of dollars. But with a bail bond, you only pay a small percentage of the total bail.
We accept:
- Cash
- CashApp
- Card
- Online payments
- Payment arrangements in qualifying situations
Our goal is to make the process accessible, not stressful.
6. Posting the Bond & Release Time
Once payment and paperwork are complete, we post the bond at the jail.
Release times can vary, but in most cases, you can expect:
- 2–6 hours, depending on staffing and activity levels inside the jail.
We stay in communication with you so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
7. Supporting Your Loved One After Release
Getting them home is just the first step. We also help:
- Remind them of important court dates
- Explain next steps
- Answer questions throughout the case
Our goal is to make sure your family feels supported from start to finish—not just during the bond.
8. Why First-Time Families Trust Angels Bail Bonds
A first arrest can be one of the most stressful moments a family experiences, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Angels Bail Bonds is known in Raleigh for:
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Fast response, day or night
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Clear communication with no judgment
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Experience navigating Wake County courts and jails
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Compassionate support for families who’ve never faced this before
When you call us, you’re not just another case—you’re a family who deserves understanding, honesty, and help.
Need Immediate Help? We’re Here 24/7
If this is your first time dealing with an arrest, our team is ready to guide you step-by-step. Call Angels Bail Bonds anytime, day or night, and we’ll help you get through this—even if you don’t know where to start.
📞 (919) 280-1830
📍 Serving Raleigh, Wake County & surrounding North Carolina areas
💙 Here when your family needs us most.
















