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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.”

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!

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

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

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.

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

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 8th 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.

Indiana Bail Bondsman
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

How to Quickly Get Someone Out of Jail in Seymour Indiana

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
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!

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

Where to Get the Cheapest Bail Bonds in Marion County

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!

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Marion County Bail Bonds You Can Trust

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

Indiana Bail Bondsman
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Which Type of Bail Bond Do You Need?

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

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

The Importance of Bail

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

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

Here are the Most Common Types of Bail Bonds:

☑ Property Bonds

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

☑ Surety Bonds

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

☑ Release on Your Own Recognizance (OR’d)

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

☑ Citation Release

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

Where to Get Fast and Affordable Bail Bonds

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

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

Where Can I Find Good Bail Bondsman Near Me?

Are you asking yourself, “Where can I find reliable bail bonds near me?” If so, you are in the right place! Hoosiers all across the state know the answer is quite simple: Woods Bail Bonds!

Indiana Bail Bondsman
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

24 Hour Bail Bonds You Can Count On

Although Woods Bail Bonds is based out of Indianapolis, we can get you or a loved one out of jail in virtually ANY Indiana city and county. In fact, we have a friendly, licensed bail bondsman on duty, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, in over 30 towns! With over three decades in business, we have long-standing relationships with numerous Indiana courthouses and jails.

So, our licensed, bonded, and insured bail bond agents can provide a prompt and secure release from county jail, anywhere in Indiana! From Gary to South Bend, Terre Haute to Richmond, and everywhere in between, our bail bondsmen are on the clock, around the clock, waiting to help you get out of jail at a fair price. And right now, we are offering 8% bail bonds! Call our office located in your region for trusted bail bond services today.

✨ Northern 765-644-0400 ✨
✨ Central 317-876-9600 ✨
✨ Southern 812-333-3399 ✨

How to Get Started With Bail

Once you know you require the services of a bail bondsman, contact your agency of choice in the county where the charges originated. Do this immediately following an arrest, or as soon as you are ready to prearrange your release from jail for an outstanding arrest warrant. You may choose to contact the bail bond company and request their services on your own, or you may delegate the duty to your lawyer instead. In jail, detainees are allowed to make as many phone calls as they need to obtain a bail bond, however, bad behavior can have this privilege revoked. From jail you can contact your lawyer, or a loved one to do so for you; or you can simply contact a bail bondsman directly.

Bailing Yourself Out of Jail?

If you are bailing yourself out of jail, one of our licensed bail bondsmen will file for your release from jail, pick you up from the entrance, and take you back to the bail bond office. At Woods, jail pickup and drop off services are free! At the office, there will be a remainder of paperwork that needs signed and dated, but then you are free to go home! Just remember to appear for all scheduled court hearings so you do not get your bail revoked.

We are Always Standing By For Your Call!

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

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

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

Will My Marion County Bail Be Free if I am Arrested for Marijuana?

On Monday, September 30th, 2019, the Marion County Prosecutor’s office announced they will no longer prosecute simple marijuana cases. What does this mean for those caught in possession of cannabis in Indianapolis? Will they go to jail? Will they be let go? If they go to jail, will their bail be free if they are not prosecuted? Continue reading to learn how this change will affect jail and bail in Marion County.

Marion County Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Marion County Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Marion County Marijuana Arrests

The Marion County Prosecutor, Ryan Mears, declared his office will not prosecute minor marijuana offenses anymore. In his announcement, he stated, “Too often, an arrest for marijuana possession puts individuals into the system who otherwise would not be. That is not a win for our community. (…) The enforcement of marijuana policy has disproportionately impacted people of color, and this is a first step to addressing that. (…) Our priority is violent crime. (…) We are not going to mess around with these small possession of marijuana cases.”

However, there is something very important to know about this announcement. As it turns out, local law enforcement is not on the same page. In fact, the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police openly objected the Prosecutor’s decision, which was made clear in an official statement, ““(…) While we recognize and value prosecutorial discretion, our law enforcement officers have significant concerns anytime a single person elects to unilaterally not enforce a state law as a matter of practice or policy. We are attempting to better understand the basis for this decision and any potential unintended outcomes. In the interim, it is our understanding the IMPD Chief of Police has directed officers to continue to enforce the laws as proscribed by the State of Indiana and we strongly concur.”

So what does this mean? It means that although petty marijuana offenses will no longer be prosecuted in Marion County, those caught will still be arrested and taken to jail. If you are caught with marijuana, and as a result, arrested and taken to the Marion County jail, the standard proceedings for such arrests will take place. You will be booked, detained in custody, and have bail set for you.

Once your bail is set, you can contact a Marion County bail bondsman to get a release from jail. Your bail will not be set to $0 even though the Prosecutor’s office will no go through with the charges. But be happy that you only need to pay to get out of Marion County jail, and not court and attorney fees for your criminal charges!

The Fastest Way Out of Jail in Marion County

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