Families want assurance of release—what due diligence helps?

• A. Always refuse to discuss collateral.
• B. Check for holders/outstanding warrants before writing.
• C. Verify blood type of defendant.
• D. Always secure cash bond only.

Answer: (B)

The important idea is performing due diligence to confirm release is appropriate and there are no hidden issues that would block it. Checking for holders and outstanding warrants before writing a bond is essential because it verifies there aren’t active warrants or other holds tied to the defendant that could lead to immediate re-arrest or complicate the release. It also helps determine who is legally liable under the bond and what conditions must be met for the release to stand. This step protects the defendant, the family, and the agency by ensuring the bond is workable and the release won’t be reversed or jeopardized by unresolved warrants. The other options don’t address ensuring a valid release—collateral discussions, blood type, or insisting on cash bonds alone don’t directly verify release eligibility or risk, which is why checking warrants is the best practice.