Can I Get Bailed Out of Jail if I Turn Myself in for Bank Fraud?

Posted on April 29, 2020 by admin

Bank fraud, like any type of fraud, is categorized as a white collar crime, all of which are very serious charges. Here in Indiana, fraud offenses are charged as either misdemeanors or Level 6 felonies, depending on the details surrounding a defendant’s case. Anyone charged with fraud in Indiana may also face large fines, imprisonment, probation, community service, rehabilitation, and other severe penalties.

As for bank fraud, it is important to hire a lawyer as soon as you step foot out of jail, so that you may get a head start on your defense. Most often, those who are charged with bank fraud are not arrested on the spot. Instead, it is common procedure to issue a warrant for their arrest. In this case, a defendant has the choice to wait until they are apprehended by law enforcement, which is not recommended, or to turn themselves into authorities.

Hesitation often gets the best of arrest warrant recipients out of fear that they will not be able to post their bond. After all, no one want to stay in jail until their hearing. But can a person who is surrendering to an arrest warrant for bank fraud charges given the same bail rights as everyone else? Continue reading to find out.

Bank Fraud Charges and Penalties

The most common types of bank fraud crimes include check tampering, debit card fraud, account identity theft, stolen checks, gift card fraud, opening multiple accounts in an attempt to defraud, making insufficient deposits to cover debits, using a false identity to open accounts, counterfeiting checks, knowingly writing bad checks, and loan fraud.

Bank fraud is charged as a Level 6 Felony in Indiana. In order for a bank fraud charge to turn into a conviction, two facts must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court: 1) a defendant knowingly carried out a scheme to defraud a bank or other financial institution; 2) a defendant knowingly carried out a scheme to gain financial assets in the possession of a bank or other financial institution.

Bail for Bank Fraud Arrest Warrants

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.” So, if you must surrender to an arrest warrant issued for bank fraud charges, you should be granted bail.

In order to get out of jail as fast as possible after turning yourself in, you need to choose a skilled and knowledgeable bail bond company that offers prearranged bail bond services. You can meet with them at their office, prepare and complete all the necessary paperwork, and then ride with them to the jail to surrender. Once you are booked and processed, the bail bond agent can post your bond. From there, they will pick you up and take you back to their office, where you can simply finish up and drive home! Experienced bail bondsmen can sometimes get this done in as little as one hour.

Where to Get Fast Prearranged Bail Bonds in Indianapolis

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.

Questions That Start With “Will I Be Denied Bail if”

Posted on April 23, 2020 by admin

Are you facing an arrest warrant in a nearby county? If so, your top priority should be to resolve your current legal matters as soon as possible; before they can develop into a more serious situation with more severe penalties. One of the most common reasons why many people evade arrest warrants is due to the risk of not being able to get out of jail. With work, school, and family responsibilities, being denied bail is one of the biggest fears among defendants of arrest warrants.

Before you make any assumptions about your potential for being granted bail following your surrender to a warrant, it is helpful to educate yourself on the general outcomes that take place under common circumstances.

Continue reading to review some frequent questions that begin with, “Will I Be Denied Bail If.”

Will I Be Denied Bail if….

I Have a Criminal History?

For those with criminal histories, the fear of having to remain in custody is a real one. Often times, habitual offenders are granted bail, but at much higher amounts. It is also possible for a court to deny a person bail if they are a repeat offender of serious crimes, such as ones that involve violence or bodily harm.

I am Charged With a Violent Crime?

As mentioned above, if you are arrested or wanted for a violent crime, there is a chance that a judge will refuse to set bail. If a person is considered a danger to themselves or to others, they will be denied bail, and forced to wait in custody until their scheduled hearing. If you are charged with assault or domestic battery, and do not have a history of violence, you will likely be granted bail, albeit, it might be high.

I Have Warrants in Multiple Counties?

When you are surrendering to an arrest warrant, you are surrendering solely to that particular county you are wanted in. If you have other warrants in other counties, even if they are adjacent, it will not affect your current county arrest warrant surrender process. Unless you are wanted by the feds, each county will separately arrest you and prosecute you, accordingly.

I am Legally Indigent?

Whether you have money or not for a lawyer does not impact your potential for bail. However, if you cannot afford to pay your bail, nor have no collateral to cover it, you will be forced to remain in custody until your scheduled hearing.

I am on Probation?

When you are charged with a new offense while on probation, you can expect to be in more trouble than you typically would be if you were not on probation. However, this would not likely affect a judge’s decision to set bail for you; that is, unless you are wanted on multiple charges of violent crimes.

Where to Get Fast and Affordable 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 Top Qualities of a Dependable Bail Bonds Company

Posted on April 16, 2020 by admin

When you have the responsibility of getting a friend or loved one out of jail after they have been arrested, it is important to find the right resource for the job. In almost all cases, using a bail bond is the fastest, easiest, and most secure method to obtaining a person’s release from jail in local counties. Since bail bond services are very common, you are likely to find a handfuls of companies offering bail bonds, but beware! Not all bail bondsmen are reliable or even licensed! There are certain qualities you must look for in a bail bond company to weed out all the unreliable businesses.

When starting out your search, be sure to look for these top three qualities in a bail bond company before using their services to get a friend or loved one out of jail.

Experience

Extensive experience is a must when choosing a reliable bail bond company. Experience shows that a company is well-established and not a fly-by-the-night business. It also shows that they are trained and well-versed in everything there is to know within the industry. On top of longevity and knowledge, experience often gives local bail bond companies an advantage because they have long-standing relationships with the local jails and courthouses. This can aid in the speediness of a person’s release from incarceration. A well-established and respectable company should have at least ten years’ experience in the same county.

License d and Bonded

Never use a bail bondsman or company that cannot show proof of licensing. There are crooks out there that will promise bail bond services, take your money, and never be heard of again. Also, licensing is important in order to run a legitimate bail bond business. Without proper licensing, it is not legal for bail bond companies to do business.

Customer Services

On top of bail bonds, a reliable company will offer a variety of customer services and conveniences. Services such as notary services, various bond services, emergency bail bonds, and more are a good start; while customer conveniences could include services like free jail pickup and drop-off services, complimentary inmate lookup, free jail address information, 24 hour service, and more. These extras are a great indication that a company is serious and proficient at what they do.

Don’t Waste Your Time Looking Around….
Call Woods Bail Bonds of Central Indiana to Get Out of Jail

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 if you or a loved one needs bailed out of jail anywhere in Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana. Right now, we are offering bail bonds rates as low as 8% for those who qualify. Our offices operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, and in over 30 Indiana counties. There is never a time that we don’t have a licensed bail agent standing by to take your call. Get started with a free quote and jail information, today.

Which Jail is My Friend Being Held At?

Posted on April 9, 2020 by admin

Just got word that your friend was arrested, but not sure which county jail has them? Sounds like you will need to perform an inmate search. Continue below to learn your best options for locating a friend or loved one in jail via an inmate search.

Inmate Searches

There is more than one way to perform an inmate search, just as there is more than one way to look for hotel deals near you. The key is to find a source that is reputable and professional, rather than choosing the first fly-by-the-night database you find online. The two most common sources for inmate searches are online portals and local bail bondsmen.

Online Portals

Be prepared to find a thousand different websites that offer inmate searches in your area. Also be prepared for them to charge a fee, sell your information to telemarketers, and not even have accurate, up-to-date information. If you do choose an online inmate search portal, be sure it is an official government site. Otherwise, you cannot trust the information they provide.

A portal search might tell you that your friend is not in their jail, when in fact they are, sending you on a hunt all around the city just because the system is not being updated properly. Additionally, it can be okay to use the inmate search option on the county jail website. But that is only if you known which county jails to search. See our blog, “Useful Links for Indiana Inmate Searches” to get you started.

Local Bail Bondsman

A local bail bondsman is your absolute best course of action when attempting to locate a person in jail, and here’s why:

☛☛ They have the resources and long-standing relationships in the industry to quickly obtain inmate information.

☛☛They generally offer their inmate searches for free, especially if you do business with them to get your friend out of jail.

☛☛They are a one-stop-shop for your needs since they can both locate your friend and bail them out of jail, all in the same evening.

☛☛They save you time and money by offering comprehensive bail bond services, including inmate searches, jail pickup, and more.

Where to Get Fast and Friendly Bail in Indianapolis

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional Indianapolis bail bonds near you. 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.

The Fastest Method of Getting Someone Out of Jail After an Arrest

Posted on March 25, 2020 by admin

There are several ways for a person to obtain a release from county jail after being arrest on a minor charge, whether for themselves or a loved one. However, there is only ONE true method of getting out of jail fast. That method is to use a bail bond. Continue reading to learn how to use a bail bond to get someone you love out of jail in the least amount of time possible.

The Advantages of Using a Bail Bond

Being released from jail early on, prior to your court hearing, will render several advantages. From family and work responsibilities, to legal defenses, stress relief, medical care, and more, a bail bond can allow you to handle your criminal charges in a peaceful and organized manner. Below are just a few examples of how a bail bond can provide important benefits.

👪 Family Responsibilities – Many people who have been arrested have homes, family, and children in their lives that require attention and support. Obtaining a bail bond to get released from jail gives people the opportunity to go back to their homes and take care of their children and personal responsibilities.

🏢 Work and School – If someone does not use a bail bond, they will remain in jail until they see a judge, which can take weeks. Even then, they still might not be released. This would cause them to miss work, which means less income and potential termination, or school, which can delay graduation.

👔 Legal Defense – Obtaining an early release from jail allows a person to get started on their criminal defense. They have more time to hire a reputable lawyer, who in turn has ample time to examine their case and build an impactful defense.

Where to Get a Bail Bond

A professional and experienced bail bond company can complete the entire bail bond process in less than three hours. For arrests involving intoxication for alcohol or narcotics, the bail bond process cannot even begin until the facility or jail has determined the defendant sober, which is usually an 8 to 12 hour wait depending on the degree of inebriation. Once sobriety is confirmed by the jail staff, the bail process can begin. See our blog, “5 FAQS That Will Help You Understand Bail Bond Services” to help you comprehend the process of bail.

Who to Trust for FASTEST Indiana Bail Bond Service

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!

Basic Bail Bond Terms For First Timers

Posted on March 19, 2020 by admin

If you need to surrender to an arrest warrant, or bail someone out of jail for the first time, your best asset is knowledge. Knowing some important industry terms can help you understand the process in a clearer sense, and therefore reduce any stress or ambiguity involved in obtaining a release from jail.

Below are the most commonly used terms spoken in the everyday bail bond business. Familiarize yourself with these terms, and you are one step closer to being prepared for such a situation.

Bail

Bail is often confused with “bail bond”. They are, in fact, separate terms. Bail refers to the amount of money the court assigns to a case that will allow the defendant to be released from jail, to await their future court dates. Bail can be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Bail amounts depend on many variables. They are determined by the defendant’s criminal history, the charges against them, and the level of flight risk they may be.

Bail Bond

A bail bond is the actual item that a person needs to obtain to be released from jail while awaiting their court dates. To be “bonded” out of jail requires the assistance of a bail bondsman or a bail agency. They will be able to make a deal with the court by guaranteeing the appearance of the defendant at their court date. If the defendant fails to appear, then the bail agency is responsible for the entire bond amount. The defendant is only required to pay a small percentage of the full bail amount to receive the services of a bail agency and be released from jail. That percent is usually between 10-15%, depending on the state.

Bail Bondsman

A bail bondsman is simply the conductor of bail bonds. They are the men, women, and companies that facilitate the process of obtaining a bail bond and gaining a release for a person in jail.

Bail Hearing

After an individual is in detention, a bail hearing is scheduled to decide whether or not they are a flight risk, as well as, set the bail, or deny it altogether if they are considered a flight risk.

Bail Schedules

Most states have bail schedules with predetermined bond amounts for certain categories of crimes. For instance, shoplifting might come with an automatic bail schedule of $1000, while domestic violence might have a $10,000 bond or more. The more serious the crime, the higher the bond amount set by the judge.

Prearranged Bail

Most bail bondsmen offer prearranged bail bond services for those who need to surrender to an arrest warrant. All you have to do is contact a local bail agent in the county of your warrant, and they will take you through the entire process, start to finish. They may even give you a ride to and from the jail.

Surety Bonds

The most common type of money bail used in today’s court systems are actually surety bonds, which are more colloquially known as bail bonds. If using a surety bond, a person would pay a third party (a bail bond company) a state-regulated fee that is a derived percentage of the total bail amount set forth by the judge. This means that the fee will not vary in percentage, but it will vary in cost from person to person depending on how high the judge sets their bail.

Cash Bonds

Cash bonds involve only two parties: the jail and the client. Again, the client can be the actual defendant or a friend or family member of the defendant. In a cash bond scenario, the defendant pays their set bond amount in cash directly to the jail to get released. So long as they appear for their court hearing, they receive the money back in full; if they do not show up for court, they surrender the money entirely. Not many people have $5,000 or $10,000 in cash laying around, so they cannot afford to use a cash bond.

Collateral

Collateral refers to a person’s assets that can be translated into cash, and thus, adequate to secure a debt. A person will provide collateral in exchange for a service (such as a bail bond), and if they cannot cover the terms and conditions of the contract (a bail bond agreement), they will forfeit their collateral, and the service provider (a bail bond agent) will still be able to collect financial restitution for the value of the collateral. If the payee does meet the terms and conditions of the contract, the provider returns all collateral once the case is closed.

8th Amendment Rights

See our BAIL GLOSSARY for a comprehensive list of bail bond terms and definitions.

Where to Get Cheap Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, FAST

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 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!

Can I Post Bail After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Indianapolis?

Posted on March 12, 2020 by admin

There are some criminal charges that are treated more like infractions when it comes to posting bail, like petty theft and public intoxication. In these cases, judges tend to set bail right away, allowing defendants to post their bond shortly after. However, there are some criminal charges that are treated very seriously; and those charged with them are at risk of being penalized to the highest degree. Domestic violence is a perfect example of such charges.

So, after being arrested on a domestic violence charge, you might have some trouble posting your bail. Continue reading to learn why, and what options you will likely have if it ever happens to you.

Domestic Violence: Who Gets Arrested?

Most people wrongly assume that the man is always the party who is arrested in the case of a domestic violence call. However, it is the actual aggressor (the ones who makes the assault) who is arrested and taken to jail for a domestic violence charge, regardless of gender. Of course, the responding officers on the scene will use their professional discretion to determine if only one person is the aggressor, or if both are. In all cases of a domestic violence call, both parties are forced to separate for the day via police escort. Sometimes, this means that one party is arrested and taken to jail. See our blog, “Can I Bail My Husband Out of Jail on a Domestic Violence Charge?“

How Indiana Prosecutes Domestic Violence Crimes

A person can be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony after being arrested for domestic violence. Domestic violence charges range from Class A misdemeanors to Level 2 felonies. The type of charge will depend on a person’s criminal history, severity of the victim’s injuries, applicable enhancements, and several other mitigating factors. See Indiana Code, Title 35, Article 42, Chapter 2, Section 35-42-2-1.3 (Domestic Battery).

Your Right to Bail After a Domestic Violence Charge

Although the 8^th Amendment in the Bill of Rights gives United States citizens certain rights surrounding bail, it is possible for bail to be denied, especially when violence is involved. Because the crime of domestic violence is a violent crime, a judge might interpret a person to be a threat to themselves or others while out on bail. For this reason, the judge might decide to revoke bail rights, and require a defendant to stay incarcerated until their trial. If this happens, you cannot post your bail.

If a person who does not have a history of violence or crime is arrested on a more minor domestic violence charge, a judge will likely stick with the Indiana bail schedule, and set their bail accordingly. See our blog, “Local County Bail Bond Schedules for Indianapolis” to learn how much bail is generally set for Class A misdemeanors, up to Level 2 Felonies.

If you or someone you love is being victimized by domestic abuse, please visit the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Website for information on programs and services in your area.
Domestic Violence Victims 24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-332-7385

How to Get Out of Jail in Indianapolis, Indiana

If you or someone close to you has been arrested on a domestic violence charge in Indianapolis, call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to get them out, FAST. Right now, we are offering bail bonds rates as low as 8% for those who qualify. Our offices operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. There is never a time that we don’t have a licensed bail agent standing by to take your call. Get started with a free quote and jail information, today.

How to Quickly Get Someone Out of Jail in Seymour Indiana

Posted on March 5, 2020 by admin

Was your friend or loved one just arrested in Seymour, Indiana? Or perhaps they need to surrender to an arrest warrant? If so, you are likely very eager to get them out as soon as possible. After all, the sooner they are free, the less consequences they will endure, like missing out on work, school, and family time. But there is only one way you can obtain a speedy release from Jackson County Jail, and that is to call the leading Seymour bail bondsmen office of Woods Bail Bonds.

Continue below to learn how to get someone out of jail quickly with the help of Woods Bail Bonds!

Seymour Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Jackson County Jail Bail Bonds

Getting out of jail in Seymour, Indiana has never been faster! Our outstanding relationship with the courthouses and jails throughout the state of Indiana allows us to work quicker at people bailed out of Jackson County Jail. Best of all, we operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. There is literally never a time that we aren’t standing by to take your call. We even work on National Holidays!

Woods Bail Bonds already has an outstanding reputation for fast, safe, and secure bail bond service in Jackson County, but with a downloadable bail bond request form, we make their services even faster! We also offer pre-arranged bail bonds for arrest warrants, and provide free rides to the jail for arrest warrant turn-ins. On top of arrest warrant bail bonds and general bail bonds, we also offer probation violation bail bonds, and much more!

Why Choose Us?

Woods Bail Bonds retains decades of experience in the local bail bond industry, and continues to maintain a reputation for respectful and reliable service. Our Jackson County bail agents provide various bail bond services, including inmate searches, surrenders to arrest warrants, free jail information, and much more. We work with state and federal bonds, as well as, property bonds, immigration bonds, collateral bonds, and more. Right now, we are offering our rates as low as 8% of your set bail.

Woods Bail Bonds already has an outstanding reputation for fast, safe, and secure bail bond service, but with a downloadable bail bond request form, we make their services even faster! We also offer pre-arranged bail bonds for arrest warrants, and provide complimentary rides to the jail for arrest warrant turn-ins. On top of arrest warrant bail bonds and general bail bonds, we also offer probation violation bail bonds, and much more!

How to Get Started

Right now, Woods Bail Bonds is currently offering 8% bail bonds in Seymour, Indiana. This is the lowest rate in years, and only available here! That means you only pay 8% of your total bond amount, rather than the standard 10 to 15% rates required across the state. In order to qualify for this low rate, you must meet certain criteria. Call 317-876-9600 to talk to a friendly and knowledgeable Jackson County bail bondsman to learn if you can qualify for 8% bail bonds in Indiana!

Where to Get the Cheapest Bail Bonds in Marion County

Posted on February 26, 2020 by admin

No one has to be subjected to paying the full bail premium set by the courts in Indiana, so long as they choose a reliable bail bond agent. A local bail bonds company can give you the financial relief you are looking for when it comes time to bail yourself, a loved one, or a friend out of jail. With the services of a bail bondsman, a $10,000 bond will only cost you between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on the company you hire.

You see, here in Indiana, bail bondsman rates are regulated by the state. This means that a bail bondsman can only charge what the state says they can. Typically, the Indiana Department of Insurance permits bail bond agents to charge anywhere between 10% and 15% of the total bond premium, upon their own discretion. But right now, there are some counties permitted to charge even lower rates.

Continue reading to learn which Indiana bail agency is allowed to charge a lower fee than 10% for their services!

Call Woods Bail Bonds for 8% Service Rates!

Woods Bail Bonds is currently offering the lowest state minimum bail bond fee of 8% to those in need of a release from Marion County Jail! In order to qualify for this low rate, you must meet certain criteria. Best of all, our bail bond agents work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week in over 30 Indiana counties, which means we are serving your very county at this very moment!

How to Get in Touch

Woods Bail Bonds has active bail agents working in more than 30 local Indiana counties. Furthermore, we have a main headquarters in Northern, Southern, and Central Indiana. Here is how to get in touch with each office for help with your bail needs and questions:

☎ North Office (765) 644-0400
☎ South Office (812) 333-3399
☎ Central Offices: Indy (317) 876-9600 – Noblesville (317) 770-7400

Prearranged Bail Bonds for Arrest Warrants

In addition to standard state and federal bail bond services, we also offer prearranged bail bonds. You see, if you must turn yourself for an arrest warrant, our bail agents can get all the paperwork and procedures done before you walk into the jail, and therefore, speed up the entire surrender and release process. We will give you a ride to the jail, wait there, and then bring you back to our office, making the entire process as convenient as possible. In some cases, we can have you out in as little as 1 hour!

Contact Us Today for Help

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis bail bond services you can trust. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, which means we are always standing by to take your call. Whether 3am or a national holiday, our Indiana bail bondsmen are out there getting people like you out of jail, safely and securely.

Will I Get My Money Back if I Bail a Friend Out of Jail?

Posted on February 20, 2020 by admin

The decision to bail a friend out of jail, especially if they are a loved one, might feel like an easy one. After all, you wouldn’t think twice to help out a close friend in need; right? Well, if you are one of these empathetic people, be very careful. That is because the decision to bail a person out of jail is not as easy as you think. It is a very serious decision, and one that comes with a certain degree risk and liability, and can even have potential consequences for you.

Continue reading to learn how bail works, what risks you are taking on when bailing someone out of jail, and whether or not you get your money refunded for a bail bond.

The Basics of Bail and Bail Bonds

Bail bonds are formal documents that allow a release from jail for a person being detained on suspected charges or crimes. Bail is the amount of money or surety set by the courts. These amounts differ for everyone, depending on the severity of crime, criminal history, flight risk, and more. Once bail is set, a bail bond can be obtained so that a person can be temporarily released from jail to await their following court hearing at home.

By now, your friend has contacted you to let you know they’ve been arrested. If you decide to bail them out of jail, you will contact a bail bond company at this point in the process. A bail bondsman, or bail agent, is the individual who operates a service that provides bail bonds for people who need to turn themselves into authorities, or need a release from jail. They operate by lending, or covering, the bail amount for those who cannot afford the entire fee upfront, in exchange for a non-refundable fee. So, whatever money you pay for your friend’s bail, you do not get back.

The Cost of Bail

Bail is set at various amounts depending on a long list of factors. The most influential factor is the type of criminal charge. Indiana has a set bail schedule for all misdemeanors and felonies, but judges can modify these set amounts at their own discretion, based on the factors mentioned before. See our blog, “Local County Bail Bond Schedules for Indianapolis” to learn the current bail amounts.

The cost of a bail bond is derived by a person’s bail amount set by the judge. You see, bail bondsmen charge a certain percentage of the total bail amount. So, if a defendant’s bail is set at $10,000, a bail bondsman will charge a percentage of that amount, which is what you will pay. However, bail bondsmen cannot fully choose their rates; the Department of Insurance regulates how much a bail bond company can charge for their services. Currently, the percentage is set between 10% and 15%, which means a bail bondsman can use personal discretion and charge a client any amount between that range.

Bail Bond Contract

You must sign a bail bond contract to bail your friend out of jail, which strictly binds you to certain legal requirements. Signing a bail bond contract means that you are accepting the terms and conditions of the agreement, which includes contractually agreeing to ensure the defendant appears for all scheduled court hearings, as well as, paying the bail bond premium. So if your friend’s bail is set at $10,000, and they do not appear for court, you are legally required to pay all of that back to the bail agent. Furthermore, you would be responsible for tracking down your friend and ensuring they go to court, as well as, paying any fines and related fees for the missed court date.

Where Can I Get Cheap Bail Bonds in Indianapolis?

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to talk to a friendly Indianapolis bail bondsman about getting your friend out of jail in Central Indiana. Right now, we are currently offering an 8% fee for bail bonds! This is the lowest rate in years, and only available here! That means you only pay 8% of your total bond amount, rather than the standard 10 to 15% rates required across the state. In order to qualify for this low rate, you must meet certain criteria. Call 317-876-9600 today to learn if you can qualify for 8% bail bonds in Indiana!