Which Type of Bail Bond Do You Need?

Posted on February 13, 2020 by admin

Did you know there are multiple types of bail bonds? It’s true; aside from the conventional bail bond you use to get out of jail, there are additional bond options that you may or may not qualify for. Continue reading to review some of the more common types of bail bonds offered in Indiana, and learn which one will best suit your needs for getting yourself or a loved one out of jail.

The Importance of Bail

There are several ways bail bonds help people. Having the chance to leave jail and await a court hearing from the comfort of their own home can increase the chances of a person improving their legal situation. You see, when a person is arrested, they are taken to jail to await their court hearing. Depending on the amount of traffic in the jail, and the type of crime the person was arrested for, court dates can be scheduled days, weeks, or even months away from the date of arrest.

So, if a person cannot gain a release from jail before their court date is scheduled, they are forced to stay incarcerated until then. If this happens, not only must a person make certain arrangements for kids, work, school, and all other important personal matters, they also have to make arrangements for their legal situation or use the court appointed legal counselor for representation in court. Neither scenarios are desirable. Fortunately, bail bonds offer some relief. So, always use a bail bondsman to get out of jail.

Here are the Most Common Types of Bail Bonds:

☑ Property Bonds

These types of bonds are used when someone does not have the cash to bail themselves out of jail; so instead, they put up some of their property. This can be a house, car, or anything of value that has the equivalent value of the bond. These bonds are not always available and different from state to state. If the person shows up for their hearing, then the property is released back to them, as if it were just collateral. If the person does not show up for their scheduled hearing, then the courts begin to repossess their property, and often times, auctions it off for money.

☑ Surety Bonds

A surety bond is more commonly called a bail bond. It is the type of bond used in most states to promise the release of someone in jail. In most cases, the bail agency will charge a standard rate, usually 10% of the full bond amount. If the total bond amount is $10,000, then you pay a non-refundable service fee of $1,000 to get that person released from jail. If the person does not show up for the scheduled court date, the bail agency is required to pay the full bail amount for them, unless they can find the defendant who jumped bail, and return them to the courts. These people are called bounty hunters, and really do exist.

☑ Release on Your Own Recognizance (OR’d)

This is usually for first time offenders and very minor charges, like unpaid traffic tickets. This is when the federal law allows a person to be released from jail without bail, under the agreement that they will show up for their scheduled court date, and avoid any more illegal activity.

☑ Citation Release

This is for very minor charges like j-walking. It is a strategy also used by many county jails to avoid over population issues. Instead of being arrested and taken to jail, the police officer will issue you a citation or ticket, obligating you to show up for court. In this situation, a person is free to carry on with their day, but attend a future court date and probably ordered to pay a fine.

Where to Get Fast and Affordable Bail Bonds

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional, 24 hour bail bond services in Indiana. Not only can we get you out of jail fast, we can prearrange a bail bond if you need to surrender to an arrest warrant. We provide all Local, State, and National bonds, and serve over 30 Indiana counties. Request a free estimate, anytime.

What Became of Indiana’s Bail Bond Relief Pilot Program?

Posted on January 30, 2020 by admin

A few years ago, the Indiana Supreme Court issued Criminal Rule 26, which encouraged state courts to let low-risk offenders out of jail without bail. Soon after, several Indiana counties initiated an experimental risk-assessment program regarding the value and efficiency of local bail. Known as Indiana’s Bail Bond Relief Pilot Program, the pretrial release test was intended to evaluate whether or not arrested individuals should be required to post bail while awaiting trial. In 2017, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill asking all Indiana courts to implement evidence-based risk assessment rules by 2020. This means the program is set to go statewide this year, making it pertinent news to us right now.

Continue reading to learn more about this piloted reform program, and how it can affect your county’s bail regulations and requirements.

Indiana’s Pretrial Release Program

Between June 2016 and October 2017, eleven Indiana counties launched a progressive pretrial release program intended to take a different approach to those arrested and awaiting trial. Under the Indiana bail reform pilot program, rather than setting bail for someone who has been arrested, a judge would consider and apply certain risk assessments in order to determine whether or not a defendant should be detained in custody or allowed to go home on the vow to return for their upcoming court date.

The desired outcome from this experimental program was to reduce jail overcrowding, namely the occupancy of low-risk or non-violent inmates. In turn, this program should save taxpayers a lot of money, and therefore, helps support our local economic wealth. More importantly, it is deemed a more humane and rational way to deal with low-risk offenders, especially those who are low-income or below the state poverty level, and who might have trouble affording bail.

Why It Might Not Be Worth It

Many argued that this program was too risky since it could potentially set free dangerous criminals who will commit more crimes before their next court date. Bail bondsmen argued that this reform might work fine for minor offenders, but in the long run, it will cost taxpayers more money searching for those who still skip bail. Bail bond services guarantee the appearance of offenders, therefore saving taxpayer money in terms of law enforcement labor and more.

So, what has been the outcome of Indiana’s Bail Bond Relief Pilot Program so far?

It’s hard to say how long it will last, especially since much of the data was not properly recorded before the program was initiated. It is difficult to evaluate the progress of FTA rates (failure to appear) when counties did not monitor them before. On the other hand, some counties reported lower FTA rates. According to Hendricks county’s court administrator, Catherine Haines, FTA rates have dropped 9% since the program began. In counties like Hamilton and Hendricks, those released without bail are setup to receive email, phone calls, and even SMS messages to remind them of upcoming court dates.

11 Indiana counties partook in the pretrial release program:

⮞ Porter County – Valparaiso, IN
⮞ Hamilton County – Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, IN
⮞ Hendricks County – Danville, IN
⮞ Allen – Fort Wayne, IN
⮞ Bartholomew – Columbus, IN
⮞ Grant – Marion, IN
⮞ Jefferson – Madison, IN
⮞ Monroe – Bloomington, IN
⮞ St. Joseph – South Bend, IN
⮞ Starke – Knox, IN
⮞ Tipton – Tipton, IN

Bail Bond Services Will Always Be Necessary in Indiana

Not all arrests are minor, and not all Indiana counties are on board with pretrial releases. So, you can still find yourself in jail and in need of bail assistance. If you are arrested in Indianapolis, call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9800 to get out of jail fast. We offer 24 hour bail bond services for all arrests, and can even prearrange a bail bond if you need to surrender to an arrest warrant. Best if all, our licensed bail bondsmen serve more than 30 Indiana counties, regardless of time, day, or city. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Did Your Friend Get Arrested on Christmas in Indiana?

Posted on December 26, 2019 by admin

There is nothing worse than a ruined holiday, and nothing can ruin a holiday faster than an arrest. After all, ‘tis the season to be merry, not incarcerated. However, everyone is vulnerable to making mistakes and might even end up in jail for them. In fact, the number of arrests here in Indiana increase during holidays, especially national ones like Christmas. If your friend or loved one is currently in jail after being arrested on Christmas Eve or Christmas, you can quickly get them out with a few simple steps. They true key to a fast release from jail is hiring a local and trusted Indiana bail bondsman. In fact, that is your very first step.

Continue reading to learn how to get your friend or loved one out of jail in Central Indiana using a bail bond.

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Most Bail Bond Services are 24/7/365

Regardless of what day your loved one was arrested on, you can start the process of a bail bond right away. Most bail bond companies operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, including national holidays. Here is what you need to do to get someone out of jail after they were arrested on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day:

🎄 Your First Step

Hire a local bail bond company that serves the county in which your friend or loved one was arrested in. Even if a bail bond company is not headquartered in the county of arrest, they likely still serve that area. Larger, more experienced bail bondsmen keep a broad service area in Central Indiana. See our blog, “Qualities to Look For When Choosing a Bail Bond Service” to learn how to hire a reputable bail bondsman near you.

🎄 Your Second Step

Prepare as much information as you can about your loved one and their arrest to give to your Indiana bail bondsman. Although this step is not entirely necessary since bail bondsmen tend to have the resources and technologies to locate this information themselves, to speed the process up a bit, you can have the information ready and organized before you make a call to a bail bondsman. See our blog, “Information to Have Ready for a Bail Bondsman” for a complete list of data and documents you should prepare to bring to the bail bond office.

🎄 Your Next Step

Go to your scheduled bail bond appointment on time. Once you arrive at the bail bond office, you will turn over all of the information you have prepared for them. At the same time, the bail bondsman will have you fill out a series of paperwork, including a contract that obligates you as a co-signer to certain legal and financial liabilities. See our blog, “The Responsibilities of a Bail Bond Contract” to fully understand the risk you take on when posting someone’s bail in Indiana.

🎄 Your Final Step

At your appointment, you will be required to provide payment for their services. The cost of a bail bond depends on how much bail was set at by the judge. The Indiana Department of Insurance regulates how much bail bond companies can charge for a bail bond, so no company can charge more or less than the state standard. Generally, this standard is set between 10% and 15%, but right now in Indiana, companies can go as low as 8% if they choose. So, if your loved one’s bail is set at $5,000 and the bail agent charges 10% for their service, you would pay $500 for a bail bond. This fee is not refunded.

How to Get a Quick Bail Bond in Indiana

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. And don’t forget that right now, we are offering 8% bail bonds! Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.

4 Ways to Get Released From Jail in Indiana

Posted on December 4, 2019 by admin

In Indiana, there were only four ways a person can get out of jail. Whether you are facing an arrest warrant, or your loved one is currently in custody, this is the information you need to get started on a path toward arranging a release. Continue reading to learn what you can expect when it comes to being released from county jail after an arrest in Indiana.

24 Hour Bail Bonds in Indianapolis 317-876-9600

You Can Hire a Bail Bond Company

Your best option for getting a safe and secure release from county jail in Indiana is to hire a local and experienced bail bond company to obtain a bail bond. In this scenario, you would sign a bail bond agreement which is a legally binding contract, as well as, pay a nonrefundable fee which is a set percentage of the bail amount set by the judge. For instance, if the judge sets bail at $2,000 and the bail bond company charges nonrefundable a percent fee, you would pay $160 for bail bond. See our blog, “Your Options for Covering the Cost of a Bail Bond” to learn more about paying for bail bond services.

You Can Post Cash With the Court or Jail

Another option you have for obtaining a release from jail is to pay the full bail amount in cash directly to the court or jail. Using the same example before, you would pay $2,000 upfront, but then be refunded in full once you appear for your scheduled court hearing. This option is inconvenient, and therefore, less desirable, for most since very few people have thousands of dollars in disposal cash that can be fronted for several weeks or more. Most families need this extra cash for emergencies, groceries, gasoline, and monthly bills. See our blog, “How Long Do I Have to Stay in Jail if I Can’t Afford Bail?” to learn more.

You Can Put Up Collateral to Secure Your Appearance

In another option, you can put up collateral, or something of significant value that will cover the cost of your full bail amount, to obtain a release from jail until your hearing. This placement of collateral is meant to secure your appearance at your upcoming trial. If you fail to appear, you forfeit your collateral, and will have a warrant issued for your arrest. Examples of collateral include real estate, vehicles, boats, fine jewelry, stocks, and bonds. This is typically not a popular option since no one wants to risk losing their house or car in the case that they accidentally miss their court date. See our blog, “What Do Bail Bond Companies Accept as Collateral?” to learn more about collateral bail bonds.

A Judge Might Release You on Your Own Recognizance

Also known as being “OR’d”, a judge might decide to forgo setting bail for you, and instead, simply allow you to leave custody under the agreement that you will appear for your court hearing. This is called being released on your own recognizance, which implies you are being trusted to obey the law and related court orders while waiting for trial. Generally, OR’s are granted in cases of minor crimes, such as adolescent offenses, traffic offenses, shoplifting, and similar minor infractions. See our blog, “Can I Get Out of Jail Without a Bail Bond?” to learn more about this possibility.

Ask a Trusted Indianapolis Bail Bondsman!

If you or a loved one needs bailed out of jail anywhere in Indiana, call 317-876-9600 right away. Our licensed Indianapolis bail bondsmen are ALWAYS standing by, ready to answer your questions about bailing a person out of jail, or turning yourself in for an outstanding arrest warrant, and more. We also provide free estimates, jail information, inmate searches, 24 hour services, and much more.

The Top 4 Ways to Run a Free Warrant Check

Posted on November 21, 2019 by admin

When you are not sure whether or not you have a warrant out for your arrest, your most important priority should be to find out as soon as possible. There is no sense it ignoring an arrest warrant because the consequences only become more severe the longer you wait. So the moment you discover your arrest warrant, be sure to take the proper steps to remedy your legal situation. The first step is to confirm the arrest warrant. There are several ways you can do this, some of which cost money, while others are free of charge.

Continue reading to learn the top four ways to run a free arrest warrant check before making your decision.

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Free Arrest Warrant Checks

❶ Government Websites

You can visit any government website to learn about the existence or status of an arrest warrant, free of charge. Be sure you are using an authentic county, city, state, or federal government website that ends in .gov for arrest warrant information and scans. For Indiana, you can visit www.in.gov to begin your arrest warrant search by location.

❷ County Clerk’s Office

Another effective way to perform an arrest warrant search for free is to contact the county clerk’s office in the county you suspect your warrant is issued from. For Indiana, you can view a list of all county clerk’s offices at https://www.in.gov/judiciary/2794.htm and visit a link for additional contact information.

❸ Police Station

A quick and free approach to confirming an arrest warrant might not be the best option for someone who does in fact have a warrant issued for their arrest. That is because a cop can arrest and detain you on the spot if the search comes up positive, even if you are not in the same county. But if you do wish to use this approach, you can either ask a cop on the street and they can scan your information through their system, or you can visit to the local police station and carry out your task in person.

❹ Bail Bond Company

Arguably the safest and most secure approach to confirming an arrest warrant is to use the services of a bail bond company. They can locate any arrest warrants out for you, and then prearrange bail bond services so you can surrender quickly. They will drop you off and pick you back up from the jail during the arrest warrant surrender and bail bond process, making this approach the most convenient.

Where to Get Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds in Indiana

How Long Do I Have to Stay in Jail if I Can’t Afford Bail?

Posted on November 14, 2019 by admin

If you are facing an arrest warrant, you already feel the pressure to turn yourself in to authorities. But once you do, you must remain in custody until the judge sets your bail. This can give you even more reason to put off your surrender to your arrest warrant considering you might be worried about paying for bail. After all, not many people have a few thousand dollars of disposable cash on hand, which is what’s required of offenders who wish to post their bail through the jail.

To reduce the cost of bail, you can choose to use a bail bond service instead of dealing directly with the jail, which would allow you to pay only a portion of the total bond amount, thus giving you some financial relief. However, this still requires you to pay out-of-pocket for their services. Overall, posting your bail is up to you. You can choose to pay for bail, or you can choose to remain in jail.

Continue reading to learn the most common factors that influence how long you will have to stay in jail if you cannot afford to pay for bail.

Factors That Influence Time in Jail

There are many factors that influence how long you will sit in custody before being allowed a release from jail. The first and most influential factor is the charge you are being arrested on. More serious crimes might not be eligible for bail, which means you stay in jail until your court hearings are complete and you are given a verdict. Another factor is your criminal history. If you are a habitual offender, a judge might not grant you bail.

Accordingly, if you have failed to appear for court in the past, the same consequence might occur. Smaller, but still impactful, factors include the activity and traffic within the jail, including how well-staffed they are at the processing center. Also, anyone arrested under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have to wait at least 8 hours to gain sobriety before being booked and processed in the jail.

If You Cannot Pay for Bail

Your first hearing is usually held within 24 to 48 hours from the time of arrest (in the case of a warrant, the time of surrender), and is called your arraignment, or initial hearing. At the time of your arraignment, the judge will either set bail for you, or release you without bail (also known as “OR”, or “own recognizance”). If you cannot pay for bail or a bail bond, your only option is to remain in jail until your next court hearing, which is likely your trial where you will be found guilty or not guilty. You will be entered into “remand detention”, which is for defendants waiting for their trial.

The time between your arraignment and your trial can range from a few weeks to several months, or even years. Most trials take place within two or three weeks. If you can’t pay for bail, it is important to consult with your public defender lawyer who can help locate a local Indianapolis arrest warrant bail bondsman that can get you out of jail fast, and at a price you CAN afford.

24 Hour Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds in Indianapolis

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional, arrest warrant bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only can we get you out of jail fast, we can prearrange a bail bond if you need to surrender to an arrest warrant. And we provide our services in over 30 Indiana counties, regardless of time, day, or city. Request a free estimate, anytime.

The Benefits of a Pre-Trial Release

Posted on November 7, 2019 by admin

After being arrested or finding out about an arrest warrant, you might feel entirely defeated. But if you are not a habitual offender, and your charges are not categorized as homicide, you can take a deep breath and relax. That is because you will most likely be granted a pre-trial release, which ultimately means you get to go home before appearing for court.

Continue reading to learn more facts about pre-trial release procedures in Indiana, including the various benefits it offers minor offenders.

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Pre-Trial Releases and Bail Bonds

Monetary bail is used to maximize the likelihood of a defendant’s presence in court, ensure a defendant’s right to remain innocent until proven guilty, and for general public safety. However, when a court believes that a defendant does not pose a threat to themselves or to the public, nor poses any flight risk or re-offense, the court may decide to release them from jail without the obligation to pay for bail or surety. This is known as a pretrial release, and they are significant to the local community in many ways.

Pre-trial releases sanction trial judges to release arrestees sooner, which provides defendants a load of opportunities they would otherwise not have. Since defendants get to avoid jail, they can get straight back to their lives, such as work, school, and family. This lets them keep their employment, continue making money, tend to the needs of their children, avoid missed days at school, and much more. Furthermore, pre-trial releases reduce the over-utilization of local jail resources, thus reducing state expenses.

24 Hour Indiana Bail Bond Services You Can Trust

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional bail bond services in Indiana. We provide 24 hour bail bonds in over 30 Indiana counties. We serve the Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana areas with safe and secure bail bonds you can afford. Right now, we are offering 8% bail bonds! Request a free estimate or information, anytime.

How Much is Felony Bail in Indiana?

Posted on October 23, 2019 by admin

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.

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

Posted on October 16, 2019 by admin

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.

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.

Common Requirements for an Interstate Fugitive Extradition

Posted on September 18, 2019 by admin

When a person who is facing criminal sentencing, whether accused or already convicted, flees the state in order to evade penalties for their crimes, they officially become a fugitive of the law. Basically, a fugitive is someone who flees criminal prosecution. Once a fugitive, a person is constantly at risk of being intercepted by law enforcement and sent back to the state that is prosecuting them. This process is known as criminal extradition, and involves a series of details that vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Continue reading to learn more about criminal extradition, including the common requirements that must be in place for government officials to carry out the process.

Criminal man in interrogation room being interrogated and refusing to admit crime

Criminal Extradition Process

Criminal extradition is the process of transporting a wanted criminal from an asylum state (the state they are residing in to avoid prosecution) back to the state where they are facing trial. Although extradition procedures and regulations are governed by federal statutes, our U.S. constitution delegates the duty to surrender a fugitive back to the state they have fled to the State Governor. However, the surrender of a wanted fugitive can only be carried out upon proper request.

There are certain requirements that must be in place in before a state governor agrees to an interstate extradition. Accordingly, an interstate extradition can be denied by an asylum state under four particular circumstances:

☛ All the proper documents are not in order;
☛ The fugitive is not named in the extradition paperwork;
☛ The fugitive is not wanted for a crime in the requesting state;
☛ The fugitive is not actually a fugitive.

Requirements for Interstate Extradition:

☵ The executive authority (the state demanding extradition) makes a demand to the asylum state for the return of a fugitive;

☵ The executive authority must provide a copy of an indictment or affidavit made in a court of law;

☵ The indictment or affidavit must show that the fugitive is charged with a crime, and be certified by the governor or chief magistrate;

☵ The responding executive (asylum state) must have the fugitive arrested, and notify the executive authority of the detainment;

☵ The executive authority must arrive to accept the fugitive within 30 days of the arrest;

☵ A fugitive will be released if the executive authority fails to retrieve them within 30 days of the arrest.

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