Category Archives: Post Your Own Bail

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

Posted on by

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

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.

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

Guaranteed Questions Your Bail Bondsman Will Ask You

Posted on by

Do you need to surrender to an arrest warrant? Was your friend just arrested? If so, you might soon be on the phone with a local bail bondsman. During your initial phone call with a bail bondsman, you can expect to be asked for certain information pertaining to the arrestee. Such questions will vary slightly depending on who the bail bond is for. Continue reading to learn some bail bond questions you are likely to hear.

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

Choose Seasoned Bail Bonds Company

There are certain qualities a bail bondsman should have, and it is important to look for these qualities when searching for an agency to call. A reputable bail bond agency will have the proper certifications from the state, proving they are legally appointed to handle all processes related to the release of a defendant from jail. 

By law, bail agencies are required to be fully licensed in Indiana. A proper bail agency will also be bonded and insured, allowing them to operate successfully and safely.  Having this reassurance is important when choosing a bail bondsman.  Licenses, insurance, and certifications can all contribute to the reliability of a bail bond company. 

Speaking With a Bail Bondsman

During your initial phone call with a bail bondsman, you can expect to be asked for certain information pertaining to the arrestee. Such questions will vary slightly depending on who the bail bond is for. Common questions you are likely to hear include:

➤ Where is the arrestee being detained?

➤ How long has the arrestee been held?

➤ On what charges are they being held?

➤ How long have they lived in their current residence?

➤ What is their employment information?

This consultation allows the bail agent to assess the risk involved in the bail bond. If the person requesting a bail bond decides to go through with the bail process, they will be asked to complete and sign official documents, such as a bail indemnity agreement,
bail bond application, and a receipt.

Getting Out of Jail

Most bail bond companies in Indiana can process this paperwork by fax or email, which reduces the timeline of the bail process. Also, come bail companies will actually dispatch a bail agent to the client. Once the bail bond paperwork is complete, signed, and finalized, the bail process can move forward.  This involves a licensed bail agent “posting” bail at the jail where the defendant is being held.  This will result in the release of the defendant.

A professional and experienced bail bond company can complete the entire bail bond process in less than three hours. For arrests involving alcohol or narcotics, the bail bond process cannot even begin until the facility or jail has determined the defendant sober. This is usually a 7-9 hour wait.  Then the bail process can begin.

You will also have the opportunity to ask your bail bondsman some questions. See our blog, “Type of Questions to Ask Your Bail Bondsman” to learn which ones you should not forget.

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.

Did Your Friend Get Arrested on Christmas in Indiana?

Posted on by

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.

Indianapolis Christmas Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indianapolis Christmas Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

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.

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

FAQS About Affording Bail

Posted on by

When it comes to being arrested and going to jail, there is no way around a release. You either pay up or stay put. Although there are cases in which a person is released on their own recognizance, also known as being OR’d, the more common likelihood is that you will have to pay to get out of jail. To pay for bail in Indiana, a person has a few options. The method they choose will depend on a wide range of factors, the most common being affordability. If you are afraid you cannot afford to bail your loved one out of jail in Indiana, learning some tips about paying for bail bonds might help. If you still are unsure about whether or not you can afford bail, you may need to look into some alternatives.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about affording bail, including these tips and more.

Cheap Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Cheap Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

How Much is Bail?

Bail is set differently for everyone. The amount it is set at mostly depends on the Indiana bail schedules. See our blog, “Local County Bail Bond Schedules for Indianapolis” to learn more about bail schedules. However, bail is also strongly influences by the judge’s personal discretion. A judge will look at various factors and details of a person’s arrest to determine how much to set their bail at.

Serious offenses and repeat offenders are often given higher bail. Some offenses are not allowed bail at all, such as homicide. As mentioned, some people are released without any bail being set, known as being OR’d, or released on your own recognizance. 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.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Bailed Out of Jail?

There are two primary options for bailing someone out of jail. You can post bail directly with the jail, but you will have to provide the full amount. Generally, bail is set in the thousands, so the cash amount will be high. On the other hand, this money is refunded back to you in full so long as the arrestee shows up for all of their court hearings. Your other option, which is more common, is to hire a bail bond company and pay for a bail bond.

Their rates are regulated by the state’s Insurance Department, so all bail bond companies are mandated to charge between 10% and 15% of the total bail amount. For example, if the bail is set at $10,000 and your bail bondsman charges 11% for their services, you would pay $1,100 for a bail bond. In some cases, there is an automatic 5% added on for local taxes, etc. Right now in Indiana, some bail companies are allowed to go as low as 8% for a fee.

Can I Get My Money Back for a Bail Bond?

Bail bond fees are not refunded, no matter what. Although this money is not refundable, it is much more affordable than paying a large lump sum of cash. Not many people want to clear out their entire bank account of life savings for a release from jail. This can create problems for families who need money for rent, groceries, school, and more. For these reasons, bail bonds are the better and more convenient approach to getting out of jail.

What Happens if I Can’t Pay for Bail?

If there is simply no way for you to pay for bail, the arrestee will have to remain in custody until their court date. At their court date, the judge might decide to release them, or they may decide to maintain their bail and keep them in jail until their sentencing hearing. For this reason, it is vital to retain a private lawyer who can put in a motion to have bail reduced or waived. See our blog, “How Long Do I Have to Stay in Jail if I Can’t Afford Bail?” to learn more.

If you need financial assistance for a bail bond in Indiana, there are very little options. You can visit a cash advance loan store for help, sell some belongings, or ask family and friends to borrow money. You can also choose an Indiana bail bond company that offers low rates for their services.

Where Can I Get Cheap Bail Bonds in Indianapolis?

Right now, Woods Bail Bonds is currently offering an 8% fee for Indianapolis 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 to talk to a friendly and knowledgeable Indianapolis bail bondsman to learn if you can qualify for 8% bail bonds in Indiana!

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

How Much is Felony Bail in Indiana?

Posted on by

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

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

Felony Bail Bonds
Felony Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Central Indiana Felony Bail Bonds

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

Allen, Boone, and Cass County:

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

Brown County:

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

Delaware County:

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

Hamilton County:

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

Johnson County:

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

Marion County:

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

Monroe County:

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

Felony Bail Bond Services

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

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

How to Get Out of Jail FAST in Indiana

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

What are the Indiana Bail Bond Rules?

Posted on by

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

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

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

Your 8th Amendment Rights

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

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

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

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

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

Bail Bond Costs and Contracts

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

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

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

Indiana Bail Bondsman at Your Service 24/7

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

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

Common Requirements for an Interstate Fugitive Extradition

Posted on by

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.

Have Questions About Jail in Indiana?

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.

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

FAQS About Arrest Warrants

Posted on by

Having a warrant out for your arrest is a stressful situation for you and your loved ones. It is helpful to learn more about arrest warrants and some vital tips for dealing with one, in order to prepare yourself for what’s to come. Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about arrest warrants.

Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

What is an Arrest Warrant?

An arrest warrant is a legal court order demanding your immediate incarceration for a suspected crime. It does not mean you are necessarily guilty, but it does mean that the state presented enough evidence to convince a judge there was probable cause to charge you with the crime.

What Happens Once an Arrest Warrant is Active?

An arrest warrant, once active, gives law enforcement instant authority to take you into custody at any time. For more serious offenses, police will show up at your home, school, or place of employment. It is also possible for you to be stopped for a simple traffic violation, such as speeding or failing to use a turn signal, and arrested on the spot once the cop runs your drivers’ license and learns of your warrant. A police officer has no other choice but to bring you in for the warrant, or they risk losing their jobs, even if you were just stopped for having a tail light out.

What is an Outstanding Arrest Warrant?

There is no difference between the penalties and procedures of a standard arrest warrant and an outstanding one because they are essentially the same legal order. An arrest warrant that has gone unaddressed for a long period of time turns “outstanding.”

How Do I Know if I Have a Warrant Issued for My Arrest?

If the state issues a warrant for your arrest, you will have an official document of notification sent to you via postal mail. If your address is not permanent, or you have recently moved, you may miss this notification. In this case, you would have three options to find out if there is a warrant in your name. You can call the county jail, do an online search, or call a bail bondsman. If you are unsure of the county, you may need to call multiple jails to find a warrant. Otherwise, it is best to do an online search or call a bail bonds company. Online search portals and bail bondsman can perform multi-county searches for you.

What Do If I Have an Arrest Warrant?

You will need to surrender to the specific county jail and turn yourself into authorities. Once in custody, you will be booked into the jail’s database while a judge sets your bond. After this is done, you can be bonded out. After you post bond, you will be scheduled a mandatory court hearing. If you fail to appear for this hearing, not only are you in violation of your bail bond agreement (if you choose to use a bail bond), another warrant will be issued for your arrest. The best method for surrendering to an arrest warrant is to call an Indianapolis bail bond company and prearrange your bail. They can set everything up for you, give you a ride to the jail, and the pick you back up and take you back to their office.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indiana bail bond service you can trust. Owner, James Woods, and his team of licensed bail bondsmen, provide 24 hour bail bond services in over 30 Indiana counties. Regardless of where you face criminal charges, our Indianapolis bail bondsmen can help! Call 317-876-9600 to request a free estimate or warrant search, today.

How to Post Bail if You Don’t Have Anyone’s Phone Number Memorized

Posted on by

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

After an arrest, a person is taken to a local detainment facility, or county jail, and placed inside a holding cell where they await their turn to be booked, processed, and released on bond. Upon arrival at the detention center, all personal belongings are confiscated, logged, and stored away. This includes wallets, keys, hair ties, pens, and of course, cell phones. Inside the holding cell, inmates have access to a pay phone that is generally free to use; and with good behavior, most jailers allow inmates to make as many calls as they need in order to post bond.

But these days, people store contact information inside their cell phones, making the need to memorize phone numbers obsolete. So many people wonder what happens if a person in jail cannot remember anyone’s phone number. How do they get in contact with someone they know to bail them out?

Continue reading to find out the rules to using cell phones in jail, and what to do if you are arrested and can’t remember anyone’s phone number.

Cell Phones in Jail Cells

Since all personal belongings are immediately confiscated from inmates upon arrival at a detention center, they do not have access to their cell phones. And even with good behavior, jail staff will not allow the user cell phones under any circumstances until they are released from custody. This means that an inmate can only call those whose phone numbers they’ve memorized. In the case that a person cannot remember any phone numbers by rote, they still have options. The first option is for a family to pursue bail bond services on behalf of the inmate without ever having received a phone call in the first place. This option is only viable if family or friends are aware of the arrest and choose to take action right away.

The second option is the most commonly used option in the bail bond industry because it is 100% reliable. This option is to simply contact a bail bond company directly from the jail cell payphone for speedy and secure release from custody. Jails provide and allow access to phone books that include local listings for bail bond companies in the area. Local bail bondsmen generally operate 24 hours a day, and in many also provide free jail pickup and drop-off services, so not only can pay process your bail bond while you are in jail, they can come pick you up and bring you back to the office once you are released. From there, you could use their phones (or your own cell phone) to contact a friend or loved one for a ride home.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for bail bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, provides 24 hour bail bond services in over 30 counties throughout the state. Regardless of what time or day you are arrested, our licensed and insured bail bondsmen can get you out of jail safely and securely. We also offer free estimates and free jail pickup and drop-off services to and from our office. Call 317-876-9600 to request an estimate for Indianapolis bail bonds, today.

Posting Bail on Your Own is Possible

Posted on by

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When a person is arrested, they can feel degraded or ashamed calling a friend or family member to bail them out of jail. In other cases, it’s a possibility that an arrestee is away from home and has no close contacts to assist them with posting bail. Either way, there is a solution to the problem so long as you have the money to post your own bail. Once you are past that, the rest can be uncomplicated if you listen carefully to your local bail bondsman.

Posting Your Bail

Once you are arrested, you are taken to the nearest county jail and processed. Depending on the charges and individual situation, processing entails breathalyzer tests, paper work, finger printing, body searches, mug shot picture, and medical checks. Once this is complete, you will remain in the jail processing center until your scheduled court date or until you post bail. Court dates can be scheduled weeks later which forces arrestees to remain incarcerated longer than expected. This is why bail bondsmen are a beneficial and popular choice.

At this point in the arrest process, the jail will allow you the opportunity to make phone calls. Many people believe the jail will only allow one phone call, but this is untrue. A person can make as many calls as they need to get bailed out of jail, call an attorney, or contact family. The jail will also give you the phone numbers to local bail bondsmen near the jail. Once you have this information, you can call a bail bondsman that suits your needs.

Choosing a Bail Bond Agency

To choose a bail bond company that fits your immediate needs, keep in mind your situation. If it is late at night or early in the morning, be sure to look for a 24 hour bail bondsman. If all you have is a credit card to pay your bail bond service fee, you will have to use a bail bond company that accepts credit cards. It is important to also find a company that has experience and is properly licensed, bonded, and insured. By doing this, it ensures you’ll be getting the safest and most secure release from jail.

Once you have contacted a bail bondman, you will be asked to answer a series of general personal information, such as name, DOB, arrest charges, and place of arrest. Next, you will be asked a series of more in depth questions, such as your case number, employment history, address, phone number, arrest record, and more. This information is needed to secure the contract and assist the bail bondsman in a smoother release.

Paying Your Bond

The standard rate that a bail bond agency charges is mandated by state law. It is usually either 10 or 15 percent of the total bond amount. A company cannot charge less or more. For example, if your bond amount was $5,000, a ten percent bail bond fee would cost $500 to get bailed out of jail. Most bail bond agencies accept all forms of payment, such as cash, money order, debit cards, and personal checks. There are some bail bond agencies that only accepts cash. Depending on your situation, you will need to choose the company that accepts the type of payment arrangement that works for you.

Fast and Friendly Bail Bonds in Indianapolis

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for more information about the bail bond process in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, and his highly qualified team, have decades of experience in the industry, and retains long-standing relationships with the local courts and jails. All of our bail bondsmen are licensed, bonded, and insured, and eager to help you or a loved one get out of jail in Indianapolis. We serve all Indianapolis counties and several surrounding cities! Call 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly bail bond services in Indianapolis, IN 24 hours a day and 7 days a week!