Monthly Archives: October 2019

How Much is Felony Bail in Indiana?

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Felony offenses are more serious than lower level crimes like misdemeanors and common infractions. As expected, the subsequent penalties before and after a felony conviction are more severe. This also applies to bail and bail bonds, which are matters that come into play directly after a felony arrest. If you are someone you love was recently arrested on felony charges, or has an arrest warrant for a felony offense, it is strongly encouraged to learn what you need to know about felony bail bonds in order to reduce jail time and prevent further legal challenges.

Continue reading to review the common penalties and bail schedules per county in Indiana for felony arrests.

Felony Bail Bonds
Felony Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Central Indiana Felony Bail Bonds

Indiana counties use a set bail schedule that assigns a particular amount to particular levels of offense. However, each county has their own unique bail schedule, meaning that a felony arrest in one county will render a different bail amount than another county. Below is a list of local surrounding Indianapolis counties and their current SURETY BOND AMOUNTS (not cash bonds) for felony charges. Keep in mind, there is never bond for Murder, which is separate from a Level 1 Felony.

Allen, Boone, and Cass County:

Level 1 & 2 Felony = $50,000
Level 3 & 4 Felony = $25,000
Level 5 Felony = $10,000
Level 6 Felony = $5,000

Brown County:

Level 1 Felonies = NO BOND until Initial Hearing
Level 2 Felonies = $50,00
Level 3 Felonies = $30,000
Level 4 Felonies = $15,000
Level 5 Felonies = $5,000
Level 6 Felonies = $2,500

Delaware County:

Level 1 Felonies = NO BOND until Initial Hearing
Level 2 Felonies = $50,000
Level 3 Felonies = $30,000
Level 4 Felonies = $20,000
Level 5 Felonies = $10,000
Level 6 Felonies = $5,000

Hamilton County:

Level 1 & 2 = $50,000
Level 3 & 4 = $25,000
Level 5 = $10,000
Level 6 = $5,000

Johnson County:

Level 1 Felony = $40,000
Level 2 Felony = $30,000
Level 3 Felony = $16,000
Level 4 Felony = $6,000
Level 5 Felony = $3,000
Level 6 Felony = $1,000

Marion County:

Level 1 Felony = $50,000
Level 2 Felony = $50,000
Level 3 Felony = $20,000
Level 4 Felony = $20,000
Level 5 Felony = $7,500 (Domestic Violence Level 5 Felony = $25,000)
Level 6 Felony = $2,000

Monroe County:

Level 1 Felony = $50,000
Level 2 Felony = $30,00
Level 3 Felony = $15,000
Level 4 Felony = $10,000
Level 5 Felony = $5,000
Level 6 Felony = $2,000

Felony Bail Bond Services

Unless you want to pay the jail or courts the full bond amount in cash or property, you will need to hire a bail bondsman. They charge a nonrefundable fee that is a set percentage of the total bond amount. For felony charges, bond amounts will be higher, which means the cost of a bail bond will be too. The premium a bail bondsman is allowed to charge is controlled and regulated by the State’s Insurance Department.

Currently, this rates are set between 10 and 15 percent. This means that the total allowable premium that bail bond companies are allowed to charge can be anywhere between these percentages. They get to choose how much they charge within this range. If a person is facing a felony charge and they have a history for fleeing, a bail bondsman will charge on the higher end, closer to the 15% marker. For first time or minor offenses, most stick with the 10% charge.

How to Get Out of Jail FAST in Indiana

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast, safe, and secure Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds you can afford. We serve the entire state, as well as the Indianapolis region, including Hamilton County, Marion County, Hancock County, Hendricks County, and more! From convenient customer services like free jail pick up and drop off, to 24 hour emergency bail bonds, free jail and courthouse information, and more, we are truly your best option for fast bail bonds near you. We operate 24-7-365, even on National holidays. Request a free estimate, anytime!

Bail Bond FAQS for Indiana

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Bail and bail bonds are confusing subjects for anyone who does not work in the legal field. But it is important to understand these topics if you ever have to deal with an arrest, whether of yourself or a loved one. With some basic bail bond knowledge, managing arrests, jail, and court can be less stressful for you and those you love.

Continue below to read through some of the most frequently asked questions about bail bonds, and get the information you need to be prepared for an arrest.

Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

What is Bail?

Bail refers to the amount of money set by a judge for a person to be released from jail to await their scheduled court hearings.  The amount of money set by the courts is determined by the person’s past criminal record, current offense, and their level of threat to society.  Their level of threat includes the likelihood of them committing another crime while awaiting sentencing. 

What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond, also known as a surety bond, refers to a service or contract that facilitates a person’s release from jail by using a bail bondsman. The bail amounts set by courts can be very high and not everyone has that kind of cash available to them at once, so as an alternative, a bail agency can be hired to secure a person’s release from jail. The agency guarantees the courts that you will appear for your scheduled hearing, and in return they allow the person to await their sentencing dates at home.

How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?

Bail bondsmen charge a non-refundable fee that is a set percentage of the total bond amount, and you do not get this money back after your court case is over. The set percentage for bail bond fees are regulated by the state. Here in Indiana, bail bondsmen can charge anywhere between10 to 15 percent of the full bond amount. For example, a $10,000 bond premium will cost $1,000 to $1,500 for a bail bond.

What is Collateral?

Collateral might be required by a bail bond company under special circumstances, but usually it is not necessary. Collateral can be money, assets, property, and more. The collateral is held until the bail bond is exonerated and the premium is paid in full. See our blog, “What Do Bail Bond Companies Accept As Collateral?” to learn more about this payment arrangement.

How Do I Bail a Person Out of Jail?

If you want to bail a friend or loved one out of jail, your best course of action is to contact a local bail bond company in the county where the arrest took place. For instance, if your friend was arrested in Marion County, they will be transported to the Marion County jail. So you would want to contact a bail bond company near that jail. Once you contact a bail bondsman, they can handle the rest of the process for you. They will give you all the information you need to make a decision on whether or not you want to move forward with the bail bond process. You will have to pay a non-refundable fee and sign a contract that holds you liable for the full bond amount.

What Information Do I Need to Bail a Person Out of Jail?

You really only need the person’s name and county of arrest to get the bail bond process started with a local bail agent. But if you want to possibly speed up the process, it helps to have the following information to give to your bail bondsman:

✏ Full Name
✏ Booking Number
✏ County of Arrest
✏ Arrest Charges
✏ Bond Amount

What Liability Do I Have if I Bail Someone Out of Jail?

If you are assuming the responsibility of signing for a friend or loved one’s bail bond, you are taking on a very serious legally-binding obligation. The co-signer, or indemnitor, is responsible for the full face value of the bail bond, which is the total bond amount. So if a defendant’s bond is set at $5,000 and you co-sign for their bail, if they do not appear for court you will be legally-bound to pay the entire $5,000 or face legal penalties yourself. This is why it is so important to only co-sign bail bond agreements for close friends and family, or people you know you can trust. Never sign for a person you have just met or only known for a short while. See our blog, “The Responsibilities of a Bail Bond Contract” to learn more about bail bond agreements.

Can I Bail Myself Out of Jail for an Arrest Warrant?

Yes, you can post your own bail when surrendering to an arrest warrant. Your Indianapolis bail bondsman can prearrange a bail bond for you, before you turn yourself into the jail. Once you are booked and processed in the jail database, the bail agent will post your bail, pick you up from the jail, and then take you back to their office to complete the rest of the paperwork. See our blog, “How to Post Your Own Bail For an Outstanding Arrest Warrant” for details.

How Soon Can I Post Bail?

The amount of time spent in county jail depends on the circumstances of a person’s arrest. If you have previous charges on your record or happen to be awaiting trial on pending charges, the jail time will usually increase. If you are arrested while awaiting trial on other charges, then you may be held until your next court date, and bail will be prohibited, however, this varies case to case. If you are arrested on alcohol charges, bail will be denied for at least 8 or 9 hours, because under law, a person must be sober to be booked and processed into jail. If you are arrested on battery charges or resisting arrest charges, a judge can altogether deny your opportunity for bail, and keep you locked up until your court date. 

Where Can I Get Fast Bail Bonds in Indianapolis?

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds you can trust, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Not only do we serve both adult and juvenile clients, we also offer prearranged bail bond services for those needing to surrender to an arrest warrant. In some cases, we can get you turned in and released in as little as one hour. Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.

The Difference Between State and Federal Bail Bonds

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When arrested for a crime, an offender will face criminal charges on either a state level or a federal level depending on the type of offense and the severity. Likewise, the laws and regulations that govern state and federal adjudication will differ from one another. This includes the first step that comes after an arrest; bail.

When attempting to understand the difference between state and federal bail bonds, it helps to first learn more about state and federal bonds. Continue reading to do just that.

Federal Bail Bond Services in Indiana 317-876-9600
Federal Bail Bond Services in Indiana 317-876-9600

State Crimes

State crimes originate in the state court system, who appoint a state prosecutor to bring charges against an accused offender. These charges are called misdemeanors, which are divided into three “classes”, from most to least serious: Class A Misdemeanors, Class B Misdemeanors, and Class C Misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, and Class C misdemeanors are the least serious.

Each state has their own ordinances, procedures, and limitations surrounding state-level crimes and penalties. Accordingly, each state also has their own rules regarding bail bonds. Bail bonds used to get an offender out of jail who was arrested for a state-level crime are referred to as state bail bonds.

Federal Crimes

Federal crimes originate in the federal court system, in which the federal government brings charges against an accused offender. Those arrested for a federal crime face being charged with a felony. Felonies are divided into 7 categories in Indiana: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6, and Murder. Level 6 felony crimes are the least serious type of felony, and are commonly referred to as “wobblers” since they can most often be reduced to Class A Misdemeanors. Bail bonds used to get an offender out of jail who was arrested for a federal-level crime are referred to as federal bail bonds.

Their Primary Difference is Price

State bail bonds are generally cheaper than federal bail bonds. In fact, the difference in price is the main factor that separates the two types of bail bonds. Since federal crimes are more serious, courts assign higher bond amounts, which increases the price for a bail bond. You see, bail bond company rates are regulated by the state, so all bail bonds pretty much cost the same. Right now, bail bondsmen can charge anywhere between 8 and 15% for their services, at their own discretion, depending on the history of the client and other related factors. So a bail bond fee would be higher for a person whose federal bond is set at $100,000, compared to a person whose state bond is set at $10,000.

Need to Get Out of Jail in Indiana?

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure state and federal Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds you can trust. We also offer prearranged bail bond services for those needing to surrender to an arrest warrant. In some cases, we can get you turned in and released in as little as one hour. And don’t forget that right now, we are offering 8% bail bonds! Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.

What are the Indiana Bail Bond Rules?

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Within the United States Constitution, and decreed in the Bill of Rights(also referred to as “Declaration of Rights” or “Charter of Rights”), all citizens are protected against unfair or callous to suspected criminals and convicts, including unusual punishments and excessive bail and fines. For residents of Indiana, the laws governing such rights remains steadfast. If you or someone close to you might be facing criminal charges, it is wise to familiarize yourself with your 8th amendment rights.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about your right to bail, bail bond conditions, and bail schedules.

24 Hour Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
24 Hour Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Your 8th Amendment Rights

According to the Bill of Rights, our 8th Amendment gives us certain rights surrounding bail. Basically, it prohibits the federal government from being unfair or callous to suspected criminals and convicts. Specifically, it states, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

Although your 8th amendment rights protects you against certain judicial injustices, there are still additional rules and requirements for bail, set forth by the state. One such rule is referred to as Indiana Bail Schedule. Each city, and county within, has their own bail schedule, which can be confusing for many. This is why it is important to always consult with a licensed and experienced bail bondsman who can provide accurate information regarding your case.

As an example, review the current Marion County, Indiana Bail Schedule:

FELONY:
Murder = NO BOND
Habitual Offender = $50,000 Surety
Level 1 & 2 = $50,000 Surety
Level 3 & 4 = $20,000 Surety
Level 5 = $7,500 Surety
Domestic Violence: Level 5 Felony = $25,000 Surety
Level 6 = $2, 000 Cash Bond

MISDEMEANOR:
Class A Misdemeanor = $1,000 Cash Bond
Class B Misdemeanor = $1,000 Cash Bond
Class C Misdemeanor = $250 Cash Bond

Bail Bond Costs and Contracts

Bail bonds cost different amounts, depending on the state.  Bail prices are mandated by law, and are not set by the bail bondsmen themselves. The standard rate in Indiana among bail bond companies is 10 to 15 percent of the full bond amount. For example, a $10,000 bond premium will cost $1,000 to $1,500 for a bail bond.

A bail bond company takes a significant risk when bonding a person from jail and underwriting their bail. The company is basically “fronting” the money to the courts to get a defendant out of jail. If the person fails to appear for their scheduled court date, the bond company can lose that money. If the defendant shows, they get that money back. For this reason, bail bondsmen can refuse service to someone if they do not trust them.

See our blog, “Standard Bail Bond Terms and Conditions in Indiana” to learn more.

Indiana Bail Bondsman at Your Service 24/7

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds you can trust, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Not only do we serve both adult and juvenile clients, we also offer prearranged bail bond services for those needing to surrender to an arrest warrant. In some cases, we can get you turned in and released in as little as one hour. Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600