How to Pass the Time in Jail When Waiting to Post Bond

If you are getting ready to turn yourself in for an arrest warrant, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are perfectly normal. No one wants to turn themselves in to police because jail is fun; doing so must be done to legally clear your name, as well as, record and answer to your charges, if any.

Although jail is not pleasant in any event, there are some effective methods and ideas to help you cope with the boredom and anxiety that comes along with waiting in a locked cell. In most circumstances, if you are turning yourself in to authorities, a pre-arranged bail bond can have you in and out within a few hours.  The downside is that a couple hours in custody can still feel like an eternity to most people. 

So what can you do to help get through your stay in jail?  Continue reading to learn some helpful tips on how to pass the time in jail while waiting to post bond.

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

☑ Play a Game

You might be thinking this is a crazy idea; but in fact, it works!  Since a jail cell has nothing in it expect a toilet, bench, and sometime a sink, there is not much to use for entertainment.  This is where your imagination can come in handy.  Below are some fun (or at least distracting) mind games to play by yourself in order to keep you amused until your bail bondsman completes their duties.

⏳ Pretend you cannot hear and create a funny or new dialogue that follows the lip syncing of jail staff and occupants. 

This can be quite funny, but keep it to yourself so you do not cause a disturbance.  This is intended to be a SILENT game.  It is not recommended to upset, insult, or disturb the jail staff; and especially other inmates.

⏳ Think of something VERY funny….But do not laugh or smile!

This is a fun way to test your mental focus.  Laughter leads to endorphins which cause your brain to be in a happier place.  Doing activities such as this can keep your spirits high while passing the time.  Also, this upbeat attitude could be helpful to other inmates in your cell too.

⏳ Remember a huge event in history; then try to imagine the world today if it never happened at all.

This is a great brain teaser that can certainly pass the time.  This is a great game for anyone who enjoys history.  Imagine the world without a popular invention; such as microwaves, cell phones, or even something funny like soda pop!  This thought could transform into thousands, taking up plenty of time during your jail stay.

☑ Contemplate a Legal Plan

When you are in jail, use your time to consider legal options following your release from jail.  Think about your next steps, like hiring a lawyer, discussing your case with family or employers, and more. Perhaps you can think about how you will cover your work schedule, babysitting for the kids, court appearances, attorney fees, and more. 

Jail gives you ample time to clearly think about all these aspects that a jail stay can affect.  This time allows you to sit, uninterrupted, and focus on your next steps once you are released.  Sometimes with good behavior, a jail employee may allow you to have a phone book while you are locked up.  This is a great place to start looking for attorneys and any other potential services you may need following your release.

How to Post Your Own Bond in Indiana

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis bail bonds you can trust, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. 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

Common Questions About Bail Bonds

Going to jail is a stressful and confusing time; not just for the person incarcerated, but for families and loved ones as well. The best way to relieve some of the anxiety of being arrested or surrendering to an arrest warrant is to learn some relevant facts about bail bonds in your state. This will give you some insight on what to expect and how to manage the process, from start to finish.

Continue reading to review some of the most common questions about bail bonds and jail, including how to find a reputable bail bondsman in your county of interest.

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

How Long Does it Take to Set Bail After an Arrest?

Following an arrest, state laws determine when a bail hearing must be scheduled. These time limits vary among states, but here in Indiana, a person can be held for up to 15 days before any bond is set. Usually, bail is set within 24 to 48 hours. Keep in mind that weekends and holidays delay this time, as they are not counted.

What is a 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.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Bail?

You do not require a lawyer to simply obtain a release from jail. You want retain legal services once you know you or someone you love is facing criminal charges. It is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer before an initial hearing. This gives an attorney time to study your case and prepare the best defense. A defendant can get out of jail by simply paying or posting their bond.

Can I Just Stay in Jail?

Just because a judge approves and sets your bail doesn’t mean you have to leave jail. If you prefer, you can await your schedule court hearing in detainment rather than posting your bail. Although some people forgo spending the money on a bail bond, either because they do not want to waste money or they simply cannot afford to temporarily put up the full bond amount in cash, it is strongly advised against, and for many reasons. See our blog, “5 Reasons Why You Should Not Stay in Jail While Awaiting Trial” to learn them all.

How Much Does Bail Cost?

Bail bond companies 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 8 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.

Where Can I Get Fast and Affordable Bail?

Indiana Bail Bonds
Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-745-6500

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional 24 hour 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.

The Top 4 Crimes That Will Not Allow Bail

The 8th Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees defendants the right to not be subjected to excessive bail. However, there are exceptions to every rule, and in extreme cases, a defendant’s right to bail is denied altogether. This generally happens when a crime is severe. There are various types of crimes that will influence a judge or police station to dismiss bail rights, but the top four that take the list are of the most extreme.

Continue reading to learn which crimes will not allow a defendant to post bail.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Level of Offense

When a person is arrested on criminal charges, they will face a variety of possible convictions and penalties. Depending on the severity of the crime, charges can be simple infractions, misdemeanors, or felony offenses. Once charged with a particular level of offense, a judge will decide how much to set bail for the defendant, if at all. ‘

Although bail is a fundamental U.S. citizen right, in extreme cases, a judge will decide that a defendant is not eligible for bail. When making this consideration, a judge takes into account several factors, primarily whether or not the defendant’s release will compromise the safety of the community.

Capitol Felony Offenses

Capitol felony offenses are the most common types of charges that deny bail privileges to a defendant. These include crimes that are dangerous and harmful to others. Sentencing and bail considerations vary from state to state, but in virtually all states, these 4 crimes will not permit a defendant to a release from custody:

Arson

Indiana Code Section 35-43-1-1 defines a perpetrator of arson as, “An individual (by means of fire, explosive, or destructive device) knowingly or intentionally damages property.” Arson is a Level 4 Felony in most cases, but can sometimes fall into higher level felonies if bodily injury occurs. Arson is a Level 6 Felony or there was an attempt to defraud. Depending on the actual circumstances of the crime, arson can be punishable by up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Rape

According to Indiana Code Title 35, Article 42, Chapter 4: Sex Crimes, rape is a Level 3 felony, unless aggravating factors exist. “Aggravating factors” mostly means that the rape involved date rape drugs, or the use of deadly force or weapon that caused serious bodily injury. In the case of aggravated rape, the defendant would be charged with a Level 1 felony. Depending on the actual circumstances of the crime, rape can be punishable by up to 40 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Murder

In Indiana, any convicted of a murder charge will face automatic sentencing, which generally falls between 45 and 65 years in prison. In the case of murder with aggravating circumstances, one can expect the death sentence or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Kidnapping

Indiana Code 35-42-3-2 describes the crime of kidnapping as, “A person who knowingly or intentionally removes another person, by fraud, enticement, force, or threat of force, from one place to another commits kidnapping.” Kidnapping is a Level 6 felony unless certain factors are present, such as using a vehicle or plane to commit the crime, if the victim is less than 14 years old and not the child of the kidnapper, the crime results in bodily injury to another person other than the victim, if a deadly weapon or force was used to commit the crime, if ransom was requested, and more.

Indiana Bail Bonds

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis 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.

How to Get Out of Jail Quickly and Discreetly to Prevent Losing Your Job

All it takes is one poor or impulsive decision to land yourself in jail. This, however, does not make you a bad person; it simply makes you human. Unfortunately, a silly mistake like this can come with consequences more serious than jail time. One of the biggest concerns after being arrested or issued an arrest warrant is losing your job. And this is for good reason. Too much time spent in jail can easily affect a person’s schedule and reputation, which ultimately can affect their employment as well. For this reason, many people are interested in getting out of jail as quickly and discreetly as possible.

Continue reading to learn the quickest and most inconspicuous method of getting yourself or a loved one out of jail in Indiana.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Use a Local Bail Bond Company

If you want to surrender to an arrest warrant, bail yourself out of jail, or post bail for another person in jail, your most efficient (and economical) resource is a local bail bond company. A local bail bondsman has the resources and industry relationships to provide this need the quickest. In many cases, they can get you out of jail within a matter of hours.

Getting out of jail quicker will put you at less risk of losing or affecting your job, as well as, better conceal your arrest for the purpose of protecting your reputation. Alternatively, if you were to bail yourself out of jail by forgoing a bail bond and paying the court directly, you not only pay more out of pocket upfront, you are usually subjected to a longer waiting period.

In order to get the speediest bail bond services, be sure to choose a bail bond company that:

Has an Office Near the County Jail
Has Decades of Experience in the Local Community
Offers 24 Hour Bail Bond Services
Offers Free Jail Pickup and Drop Off Services (to and from their office)
Offers Prearranged Bail Bond Services for Arrest Warrants
Offers Inmate Searches and Free Jail Information

Additional Tips for a Speedy Release

A bail bondsman can only do so much to facilitate a safe, secure, and speedy release from jail. To a certain extent, the person in jail is in control of how long it takes to get out. Basically, the sooner a person is booked into the system, the sooner they can be released with a bail bond. However, jail staff and law enforcement have some control on when an inmate begins the process of being booked.

Poor behavior in jail and with jail staff can result in more consequences, and will most certainly affect the amount of time it takes to process you through the system and post bail. It is important to always use polite and cooperative behavior when in the presence or custody of law enforcement. Although you are not required to provide law enforcement with any information that could incriminate you, always graciously them your name, address, correct phone number, and even your social security number. Ill-mannered, stubborn, and difficult behaviors will get you nowhere in jail.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds That Will Help You

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for information about Indianapolis bail bonds and arrest warrants, anytime. Our licensed and insured bail bondsmen are happy to answer your questions about getting out of jail. We also offer convenient customer services, including free jail pick up and drop off services, notary services, 24 hour emergency bail bonds, and free jail and courthouse information. Request a free estimate or information, today.

Useful Links for Indiana Inmate Searches

Are you worried that a loved one might be incarcerated? Do you need to bail a friend out of jail but don’t have any information regarding their arrest or whereabouts? For anyone who needs to locate a person in jail, the best place to start is an online inmate search. Continue below for a list of the most useful Indiana inmate search portals.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600


Use these links to locate your friend or loved one, and then call Woods Bail Bonds for 24 hour bail bond service. We serve over 20 Indiana counties, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Our licensed bail bondsmen are standing by, waiting to help you or your friend get out of jail. We are also happy to assist with local and federal inmate searches. If these links do not give you the information you are looking for, simply give our bail bondsmen a call for prompt and professional inmate search assistance.

Indiana Inmate Search

Click Here For Link

Federal Inmate Search

Click Here For Link

Marion County Inmate Search

Click Here For Link

Hamilton County Inmate Search

Click Here For Link

Madison County Inmate Search

Click Here For Link

Prison/Dept. of Corrections Inmate Search

Click Here For Link

Check Case Records

Click Here For Link

Indiana Cities We Serve

Check out all the counties we service in Indiana! Whether you are in South Bend or Terre Haute, our licensed bail bondsmen are available to help you get out of jail. Right now, Woods Bail Bonds is offering rates as low as 8%! Call our main headquarters at 317-876-9600 to find out if you qualify for this incredible deal!

    Allen County – Fort Wayne
    Boone County – Lebanon
    Brown County – Nashville
    Cass County – Logansport
    Delaware County – Muncie
    Fayette County – Connersville
    Grant County – Marion
    Hamilton County – Noblesville
    Hancock County – Greenfield
    Hendricks County – Danville
    Henry County – New Castle
    Howard County – Kokomo
    Huntington County – Huntington
    Jackson County – Seymour
    Johnson County – Franklin/Greenwood
    Lake County – Gary
    Lawrence County – Bedford
    Madison County – Anderson
    Marion County – Indianapolis
    Miami County – Peru
    Monroe County – Bloomington
    Montgomery County – Crawfordsville
    Morgan County – Martinsville
    Owen County – Spencer
    Putnam County – Greencastle
    Rush County – Rushville
    Shelby County – Shelbyville
    Tipton County – Tipton
    Tippecanoe – Lafayette
    Vanderburgh County – Evansville
    Vigo County – Terre Haute
    Wayne County – Richmond
    White County – Monticello
    And More!

How to Get Started

Johnson County Bail Bonds 317-888-3500

Johnson County Bail Bonds 317-888-3500

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis 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! Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.

How to Find Money for Bail

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

The most common approach to take when a friend or loved one has been arrested is to use professional bail bond services. Obtaining a bail bond is a fast, secure, and legal method to release a person from jail. Unfortunately, one problem people encounter is attaining sufficient funds to purchase bail bond services. Bail bond agency rates are mandated by local ordinances. Usually, the bail bond fee is between 10 to 15% of the original bond amount.

If a persons’ bond is set at $5,000, then the bail bond fee would be a non-refundable $500. It is understandably difficult to come up with cash like this, unexpectedly. If you are in a similar situation, and need to raise bail out money fast, read the following tips to getting the cash you need right now.

How to Get Bail Money

It is stressful taking on the pressure of raising a large amount of money in a short amount of time. On top of bills, mortgages, credit card debt, gas prices, and more bills; it can seem impossible to find an extra 500 dollars out of nowhere to bail someone from jail.

One way to earn extra cash: sell old clothes and belongings. You could have a yard sale. If the weather permits, collect all the extra junk and old clothing you never use and tag it for a good price. If you keep your prices low, they will sell much faster. Items such as used DVDs, CDs, furniture, clothing, toys, tools, and books can sell fast at a yard sale. The key to selling all your items is to set a price that is guaranteed to sell; not the price that its worth.

In situations where you need emergency cash, you have to make sacrifices. If the weather doesn’t permit an outdoor yard sell, find local consignment shops and sell your items to them. You can make anywhere from $15 to $200, especially if you visit multiple stores. You can find these shops in any local directory. Another way to get bail money is to pick up some extra hours at work. Trade shifts, pick up shifts, or ask for overtime. This can sometimes be a shot in the dark because some companies do not allow overtime.

If neither of these two options work for you, then checkout your local cash loan stores. Most times, this type of borrowing is not recommended for regular use because you can wind up in a never-ending loop of paying and borrowing. However, these stores can be very beneficial to someone that needs an emergency cash loan right away. There is no wait and you can get the cash almost immediately. There are certain stipulations and guidelines to borrowing money from payday advance places; but they are all different. If all else fails, you can always ask to borrow money from another friend or loved one.

Who to Call for Fast Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for information about getting out of jail in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner, James Woods, offers 24 bail bonds, emergency bail bonds, free jail information, inmate searches, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 for fast and secure bail bond services in Indianapolis, IN.

How Do I Find Out if My Friend is in Jail?

It is not uncommon for a person to be in a situation in which they need to find out if their friend or loved one was arrested and taken to jail. If you are this person, there is no need to worry. Here you will find all the information you need to determine whether or not your friend or loved one is in jail. You will also learn how to secure bail for your friend or loved one in the safest and most efficient way possible. Continue reading to learn all of these tips, plus more!

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Inmate Searches

To find someone in jail, you could look through the phone directory and call every jail on the list; however, this would take a lot of time. In most cases, jails are very busy and phone lines are constantly tied up. It is likely that you will be put on hold for hours, or unable to get a connection altogether. In other cases, jail staffs can be unaccommodating due to the high-stress levels some jails experience. The most efficient way to determine whether or not your friend or loved one is in jail is to call a licensed Indianapolis bail bond company that provides reputable inmate searches and lookup services.

Online Searches

You can find all types of online inmate lookup services; but a lot of times these sites are not trustworthy, and can cost too much. The best company to call is a licensed bail bond agency. Most bail bondsmen will facilitate an inmate search for free. They are the most reliable source for inmate searches because they have access to the jails database and retain solid connections with the local jails. Be careful; some bail bond companies are not trustworthy either. Choose a company that has experience in the industry and has established a solid foundation as a licensed and professional company in the neighborhood. This means they have outstanding reputations and are known for reliable service.

Indiana Inmate Lookup Services

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to get a friend out of jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of bail bondsmen, are licensed, bonded, and insured, and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. We offer fast and friendly 24 hour bail bond services for as low as 8%! Call 317-876-9600 to request a free estimate from a licensed Indianapolis bail bondsman you can trust.

FAQs About Bail Hearings

Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

A bail hearing is a court trial that determines an offender’s bail eligibility. At this hearing, a judge decides whether or not to set bail for the offender, or keep them in custody until their trial or until they enter a plea deal. Many people are confused after an arrest, and worry about the proceedings that need to take place to secure a release from jail. If you are preparing to surrender to an arrest warrant, or have a loved one currently in custody, you can benefit from the information below.

Continue reading to find the most frequently asked questions about bail hearings and better understand what to expect.

When Does the Bail Hearing Take Place?

There are several factors that influence the amount of time a bail hearing will occur from the time of arrest. These factors include the complexity of the case, the severity of the crime, criminal history, enhancements (factors that increase the criminal charges or penalties), court traffic, and more. However, by law, an offender must be presented in front of a court within 24 hours of detainment. If at that time the bail cannot be addressed, the court will adjourn and reschedule. But the bail hearing must be rescheduled with 3 days from that time. More time may pass at the permission of the defense.

Is an Arraignment the Same as a Bail Hearing?

The initial hearing after your arrest, also sometimes referred to as an arraignment, your charges will be read and you will be given a choice of entering into a plea deal. At this same hearing, your bail will be determined. A judge will either grant you bail privileges, or deny them and detain you until your sentencing trial.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bail Hearing?

No one has to have a lawyer for a bail hearing, but it is strongly recommended. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given the opportunity to have a public defender represent your case for free. It is best to hire private counsel directly after an arrest so that they can get started on your case right away. They can negotiate your terms of release and more.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to speak with a licensed agent about getting out of jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and our team of licensed bail bondsmen provide prompt and secure bail bond services for virtually all Indiana counties and cities.

5 Reasons Why You Should Not Stay in Jail While Awaiting Trial

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Some defendants question whether or not it’s worth posting bond to get out of jail before their trial. No matter how much evidence police has against you, and even if you know you are facing definite jail time, there are many reasons to post your bond if one is set for you. Waiting in jail before your trial is not a good choice, even though any time served before your conviction will be taken off your total jail sentence. Whether you can afford bail or not, it is in your best interest to try to obtain a pretrial release with the available resources around you.

Continue reading to learn the top 5 reasons why you should post bail before your trial, and who to call for prompt service you can trust.

Reason 1 – You May Not Receive Any Jail Time or a Guilty Conviction

Even if you think there is too much evidence against you to avoid a non-guilty verdict, and there is no way you are not being sentenced to jail time, you could be wrong. After all, you are not adept in the field of criminal law, and there may be certain flaws in your case that prevent a guilty conviction or jail time.

Reason 2 – Jails are Not Pleasant

In more ways than one, jails are not nice places to spend your time. And they are designed this way for a reason. Jails are often dirty, unsanitary, smelly, and freezing cold. They are also bright, loud, and all-around uncomfortable. You can expect a small jail cell with cement benches, an exposed toilet, and a payphone. You will not get any special treatment from jail staff, including bathroom emergencies, water, blanket, or anything else.

Reason 3 – Jail Interaction Can Be Incriminating to Your Case

In jail, defendants tend to speak too freely. And inmates’ lips are loose. Sitting in jail before your trial leaves room to make incriminating statements that could negatively affect your case. Other inmates will try to negotiate with prosecutors by trading case information for reduced jail time.

Reason 4 – Your Case May Become Stagnant

When defendants are not in jail, prosecutors are usually not in a rush to move the case along. When cases move slowly, many things can go wrong, leading to a stagnant case. Key witnesses could disappear, evidence could get lost, and so forth. This could render a better deal for the defendant.

Reason 5 – You Have Time to Reform

If you were to stay in jail prior to trial, you would not have the chance to get your life back on track. This includes going back to work to earn a paycheck, setting up arrangements in the case that you go to jail, and reforming your lifestyle to make better choices.

Call a Bail Bondsman to Get Out of Jail in Indianapolis

Woods Bail Bonds Marion County Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds Marion County Indiana 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to post bond in Indianapolis, Indiana for a pretrial release. Owner James Woods, provides 24 bail bond services in more than 30 counties across the state. As a licensed, bonded, and insured company, you can trust us for prompt and professional assistance regardless of the charges you were arrested for. Call 317-876-9600 to request a free estimate, today.