What Do I Need to Do for a Bench Warrant?

Posted on August 17, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Bench warrants are arrest warrants, simply put. They are generally issued in criminal cases after a person violates a court order. The term “bench” is meant to refer to the judge’s bench, while the phrase is meant to imply that an offender is being called to the judge’s bench to answer for their crimes. In Indiana, bench warrants are mostly issued for FTA violations. The acronym “FTA” stands for “failure to appear.” It is when a person fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing following an arrest or criminal charge. When this happens, offenders can expect a judge to issue a bench warrant authorizing law enforcement to arrest them on sight.

The Difference Between Arrest and Bench Warrants

Many people confuse arrest warrants with bench warrants since they both authorize the arrest of an offender. But the difference between the two warrants is great. For a judge to issue an arrest warrant, they must rely on the state’s testimony and evidence. Whereas a judge can issue a bench warrant solely on the violation of the court order itself.
Also, arrest warrants are usually issued for more serious cases, and will cause law enforcement to immediately begin the search and detainment an offender. When facing a bench warrant, a person’s name is entered and flagged into a state-wide database that is used by the entire law enforcement community. If they have a random (or even innocent) encounter with police, for instance a routine traffic stop, police CAN and WILL arrest them and take them into custody on the spot.

What to Do

If you are facing a bench warrant in Indiana, it is in your best interest to surrender to law enforcement as soon as possible. The safest and most comfortable method for turning yourself in is using the help of a local and experienced Indiana bail bond company. They can pre-arrange your release from jail so that you can turn yourself in, get booked into the jail’s system, and be home in time for supper. In most cases, an experience bail bondsman can obtain a release from jail for a bench warrant in as little as a couple of hours. This, of course, also depends on how busy the jail is that day and the amount of jail staff.

Many companies also offer free pickup and drop off services to and from the jail, to their office. This means you can easily drive yourself to the bail bond office, pre-arrange your bail bond, and get bailed out of jail, all on your own. Once you pay the bail for your bench warrant, the warrant is formally recalled. But then you will be scheduled a new court date to face your previous charges, as well as, the penalties for missing your initial hearing.

Woods Bail Bonds

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to prearrange a bail bond in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of bail bondsmen, are licensed, insured, and bonded. They have served the Hoosier counties with trusted bail bond services for over 30 years! Whether you need to prearrange bail or post bail for a loved one, we are the friendly professionals for the job. We provide 24 hour bail bond services in virtually ALL Indiana counties, as well as, a wide range of additional services. Call 317-876-9600 to learn more about Indianapolis
bail bonds, any time.

Facts About Federal Bail Bonds

Posted on August 10, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When someone is arrested for a minor infraction or misdemeanor, their case is prosecuted through the state’s judicial system and they can get bailed out of jail using a state bail bond. But when someone commits a federal crime, also known as a felony, they can expect an entirely separate set of rules and procedures for getting out of jail with a bail bond.

Continue reading to learn about federal bail bonds, and what you need to know about getting out of jail if you have to surrender to a felony warrant.

Federal Bail Bondsmen

First, it is important to be sure your bail bond company of choice is experienced and familiar with federal bail bonds. Since felony cases are often sensitive, it is in your best interest to choose a licensed bail bondsman that knows what they are doing. And extensive experience usually indicates a company has comprehensive knowledge of the industry, as well as, good-standing relationships with the local courts and jails.

After a Felony Arrest

When it comes time to post bail after being arrested for a federal crime, there is a standard process you can expect to take place. First, a judge sets your bond. This amount varies depending on several factors, including criminal history, severity of the crime, and more. Federal courts set their bond amounts much higher than state courts, so expect the amount to be in the high thousands.

A bail bond company can charge anywhere between 10-15 percent of your federal bond amount for their services. This fee is non-refundable. For federal bail bonds, companies generally charge more because they are more complex cases that require taking on more risk. So if you need a federal bail bond, expect the bail bond company’s fee to be closer to 15 percent.

After you are released on bail, an additional hearing may be scheduled depending on the state or county you live. The federal court will schedule and hold an additional hearing to ensure the money or collateral you used to pay for your bail bond came from a legitimate source, and was not acquired through any illegal or criminal activity. This is called a “Nebbia hearing.” In this case, you would have the burden of proving to a federal judge that your finances came from legal sources.

Indiana Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 if you need to turn yourself in for a felony arrest warrant in Indiana. Owner James Woods, and his team of bail bondsmen, have over 30 years of experience and can get you or your loved one out of jail, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We offer free estimates, free jail information, free jail drop-off and pickup services from our office locations, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 to learn everything you need to know about Indianapolis bail bonds, today.

How Does Woods Bail Bonds Get You Out of Jail?

Posted on August 4, 2016 by admin

One of the most common questions a bail bond company hears has to do with the bail bond process. And this is a great question because it is important to understand the methods and responsibilities of everyone involved. A person, whether bailing themselves or a loved one out of jail, has a few options to choose from.

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Federal Bonds

These bonds originate in federal district court and used for defendants accused of federal crimes. Federal bonds are usually more expensive than other crimes, so having a good bail bondsman can make a huge difference and can potentially save you a lot of money. Just be sure to choose a bail bond company that has experience working with federal courts, like Woods Bail Bonds.

Cash Bonds

Defendants also have the option of paying cash for their bond, but this not always a smart move. Surrendering a large amount of money can be hasty since defendants will need cash to survive the legal process. Instead of paying the full bond amount in cash, a defendant can use that money for more important or immediate purposes, such as rent, groceries, daycare, and fuel. Cash bonds cannot be posted by a bail agent. Cash bonds
are returned after court costs and fees are deducted.

Surety Bonds

The alternative to posting a bond in cash is to use a surety bond, which is also known as a bail bond. This process involves a contractual undertaking, guaranteed by an admitted insurance company that retains adequate assets to satisfy the face value of a person’s bond (also known as a bail bond agency).

What We Do

Woods Bail Bonds guarantees to the court that they will pay the bond forfeiture if a defendant fails to appear for the designated court appearances. Woods Bail Bonds guarantee is made through a surety company such as the Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Company. For this service, a defendant is charged a premium. To be released by posting a bail bond, the defendant (or a relative or a friend on their behalf) will contact an agency licensed by the State of Indiana to post bail bonds. Before a bond is posted, we will interview the proposed guarantor of the bail bond, as well as the defendant and relatives of the defendant, as part of the approval procedure for the bond.

By involving family and friends, as well through the acceptance of collateral, Woods Bail Bonds can be assured the defendant being released on a bail bond will appear at a defendant’s designated court date, as required, until the case is completed. Once an agreement is made, we will complete the application and post the bail bond for the full amount of the bail to guarantee the defendant’s return to court.

After You are Released

Once a defendant is released on a bail bond posted by Woods Bail Bonds, they will meet with an agent to be interviewed and learn the terms and conditions of their bail. At Woods Bail Bonds, we strive to make this process as simple and comfortable as possible. All we ask is for defendants to communicate and be courteous. We offer the comfort of not being in jail while your case is adjudicated.

24 Hour Bail Bonds in Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of licensed bail bondsmen, work around the clock, to help get you or a loved one out of jail fast. We offer free jail information, jail pickup and drop off services, inmate searches, arrest warrant help, prearranged bail, and much more, Call us anytime at 317-876-9600 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable Indianapolis bail bondsman for help.

The Responsibilities of a Bail Bond Contract

Posted on July 21, 2016 by admin

The purpose of using a bail bondsman for a release from jail is to avoid two things: 1) paying the full bond amount, and 2) waiting in jail until the day of your initial court hearing. Bail bond services provide a safe and secure release from jail, but require a serious undertaking of responsibility for the co-signer. Regardless of what caused a person to be arrested, to get out of jail using bail bond services, one must sign a bail bond contract.

Continue reading to learn the details of a standard bail bond contract,
and the responsibilities that come with it.

Bail Bond Agreement

Also called a bail bond agreement, a bail bond contract legally binds an indemnitor (co-signer) to certain legal requirements. These requirements are mandatory, and if neglected, will lead to additional legal repercussions. 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. The bail bond premium is the non-refundable percentage of the full bail amount that a company charges for their services. Another requirement includes providing personal information on the defendant’s behalf, such as their home address and place of employment, and updating the bail bondsman on any changes as soon as they occur.

Breaching a Bail Bond Contract

If a person signs a bail bond contract, and the defendant fails to appear (FTA) for court or skips town, they are responsible for tracking down the defendant and ensuring they go to court, as well as, paying fines and any related fees for tracking down the defendant. This includes the full bond amount, but also, compensation for the bail bondsman in terms of long-distance calls, travel expenses, administrative time, attorney fees, additional court costs, and more. These fines and fees can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.

If you have co-signed for a bail bond, and you suspect that the person will not appear for court, contact your bail bondsman right away. Together you can make a plan so that you are not at risk of losing any collateral you put up, or any other consequences of violating the bail bond agreement.

Call Woods Bail Bonds of Indiana TODAY!

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to speak with an experienced Indianapolis bail bondsman for information about getting a loved one out of jail in Indiana. Owner, James Woods, offers bail bond services in most Indiana counties, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We also offer free jail pick up and drop off services to and from our office, free jail contact information, free estimates, and more. Call 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bonds in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Consequences of Bail Jumping

Posted on July 11, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

If a person is arrested for a crime and then gets bailed out of jail, they are committing an entirely separate crime if they fail to appear for their scheduled court hearing. This crime is called “bail jumping”, but also referred to as “skipping” bail.

Although the laws surrounding this type of offense varies from state to state, any person who decides to jump bail will: 1) forfeit their bond, 2) face additional criminal charges, and 3) continue to face their previous pending charges.

It’s a Crime

Most states define bail jumping as the act of not appearing for a scheduled court appearance after being bailed out of jail for any crime, and then not surrendering to authorities in a set time frame. But some states consider bail jumping an offense for felony-related arrests only. In any circumstance, failing to appear for a scheduled court hearing is a crime, even if a person is innocent of the initial charges for arrest. Skipping bail is a crime all in itself.

Defense for Skipping Bail

Generally, it doesn’t matter what excuse a person has for missing their scheduled court hearing, they will be held accountable for the offense one way or another. The only valid excuse would be a documented hospital stay, or proof of an uncontrollable situation that prevented a defendant from showing (i.e. being kidnapped or held captive, natural disaster, trapped in an elevator, etc.). But these are unlikely cases, and courts know this. Being sick, or simply “forgetting” are not valid excuses for missing a court date, so if it happens to you it is important to act fast and ask your lawyer how to resolve the issue properly.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Marion County Indiana 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to surrender to an arrest warrant in Indianapolis, IN. Owner, James Woods, is happy to answer your questions about co-signing for bail bonds, bail agreements, the bail bond process, and more. Whether you need to turn yourself in for an arrest warrant, or bail a friend out of jail, our licensed and insured bail bondsmen are here to help 24 hours a day a 7 days a week. Call 317-876-9600 for reputable Indianapolis bail bonds, today.

Do I Need Good Credit to Bail Someone Out of Jail?

Posted on July 8, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

After someone is arrested for a crime, they are transported by police to the town’s county jail or local sheriff’s office to be booked. The booking process involves a series of steps, including a search and seizure of personal belongings, fingerprinting, mug shots, general identification data entry, and more. Depending on the amount of traffic and the efficiency of the jail staff, as well as a few other factors, the time it takes to complete the booking process varies from one hour to 12 or more hours.

However, once the booking process is done, a person can post their bond and obtain a release from jail if a bond was set for them.

Bail Options

At this point, a person can be bailed out of jail by paying the entire bond amount in cash, which will be refunded to them so long as they appear for all court hearings. But this is “road-less-traveled” since many people do not have thousands of dollars of cash on hand to temporarily surrender. So instead, many people choose to bail themselves out of jail with the help of a bail bondsman. This way, they only have to pay a small percentage of their total bond amount for a release
from jail.

Bail Bond Co-Signing and Credit

Poor or fair credit may or may not affect your ability to co-sign for a bail bond. It depends on the discretion of the bail bond agency. Generally, credit doesn’t play a major part in obtaining a bail bond. However, if a person has very poor or no credit, it could pose an issue for the bail bondsman. To legally co-sign for a bail bond, a person must be a U.S citizen, at least 18 years old, and have stable employment; and they must be able to provide proof of all these. If a person meet all of the above requires, plus has the money or property to pay for the bail bond, bad credit may not be a problem.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Marion County Indiana 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to get out of jail in Marion County, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his a team of experienced professionals, truly care about getting people out of jail quickly and comfortably. And we work around the clock, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, to provide friendly and discreet bail bond services all throughout Indianapolis. We also offer free estimates, free jail information, and free rides to and from the jail and our offices. Call 317-876-9600 for Marion County bail bonds you can trust.

What are Warrant Records?

Posted on June 14, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Warrants are federal court orders that authorize law enforcement to carry out a legal search or arrest of a person or entity suspected of a committing a serious crime. On the other hand, minor infractions like traffic offenses are generally dealt with enforcing fines and suspensions. When a person knows there is an arrest warrant for them, it is in their best interests to turn themselves into authorities to avoid further penalties.

If they do not surrender to their warrant voluntarily, they can be detained by police at any time, including at home, at work, on a routine traffic stop, at the DMV, or any situation where they might come face to face with law enforcement. Once a warrant is issued by the court, it is entered into the local warrant records of the court.

Court Records for Warrants

Warrant records is a collective list of people suspected of serious crime violations, people who are on the run for crimes they have committed, and possible witnesses or accomplices needed for further police questioning or investigation. So just because a person or group of people are entered into the court’s warrant records does not automatically mean they are guilty of a crime. But it does mean they are involved in a legal situation that calls for immediate attention and serious remediation.

When you are looking up a person’s arrest records, and you come across a warrant in their past, it is not an indication that they were charged with a crime. It also does not indicate that there was ever an arrest made, or jail time served. It is best to use a quality background check provider for accurate information regarding a person’s criminal history and arrest records. These scans will reveal a spectrum of civil and criminal court cases, arrests, and more.

Surrendering to Arrest Warrants

If you know there is an active warrant for your arrest, it is strongly encouraged to turn yourself into authorities as soon as possible. Wait for a weekday when jail traffic is lower for a chance at getting booked and released more efficiently. Contact a local and experienced bail bondsman to prearrange a bail bond. This will also expedite the process and get you in and out faster. An established bail bond company has close ties and relationships with the local jails and courthouses, so they too can contribute to the efficiency of your surrender and release.

Woods Bail Bonds

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to get bailed out of jail in Marion County, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured Indianapolis bail bond company with over 30 years in business! Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, provides 24 hour bail bond services in Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana. We also offer free inmate searches, jail pick up and drop off services, free jail information, and more! Call 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly bail bonds in Indianapolis, today.

DUI Bail Bond Facts

Posted on June 8, 2016 by admin

Was a loved one arrested for a DUI? If so, you are probably wondering what to do, primarily in terms of obtaining them a release from jail as soon as possible. This is understandable since our friends and family are very important to us. And fortunately, there are plenty of bail options for those incarcerated for a drunk driving charge. The universal criminal process for arrests, booking, and bail bonds is generally the same across the board; however, for intoxication-related arrests, the facts are a bit different. Continue reading for facts about bail bonds and drunk driving arrests in Indiana.

DUI Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

Drunk Driving Charge

Usually when a person is arrested for a misdemeanor, they can get out of jail as soon as they are booked and processed into the jail’s database. Depending on the amount of traffic and efficiency of the jail staff, this process can take anywhere from one hour to a few hours. But for alcohol or intoxication-related arrests, the booking process won’t start when it is the offender’s turn in line. Instead, an intoxicated person must wait at least 8 hours, or until they are deemed sober, before they are eligible for processing. This is because, by law, a person must be entirely sober before they can be booked by jail staff. This ensures that they are completely aware of their criminal charges, court date, and responsibilities.

Getting Out of Jail

So if your friend or loved one was arrested for a drunk driving charge, public intoxication charge, or simple detained while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, be patient at first. You will not need to start the bail bond process until they are sober, which will be at least 8 hours. So once you are aware that your loved one has been arrested under the influence, set your clock for 7 hours, and then call a bail bondsman in the county of their arrest. You can post bail in Indiana 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, and almost all bail bondsman operate within these same hours.

Obtaining a Bail Bond

An experienced bail bondsman will have long-standing, good relationships with the local jails and courthouses, giving them an advantage when filing paperwork to obtain a client’s release from jail. So be sure to choose an Indianapolis bail bond company that has several decades of experience. This ensures they are the real deal and can provide a safe and secure release from jail for your loved one.

Expect to sign a bail bond agreement that lawfully obligates you to cover the total bond amount if your loved one or friend fails to appear for any of their scheduled court hearings, or fails to complete their court-ordered sentencing. Keep in mind that this amount is usually set in the low to mid-thousands, and can sometimes be in the tens-of-thousands if they have multiple arrests and convictions on their criminal record. Also expect to pay a non-refundable fee, between 10 and 15 percent of the total bond amount, for their service. Woods Bail Bonds only charges 8% for bail bonds in Indiana!

Woods Bail Bonds

James Woods – Indianapolis Bail Bonds
317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for DUI bail bonds in Indianapolis, IN. Our team of licensed, bonded, and insured bail bondsmen provide fast and friendly bail bond services in Indianapolis, but also throughout Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana! For more than 30 years, James Woods, owner and operator, has been a trusted name in the local bail bond industry, and is known for excellent customer support and dependable service. With office locations all over the state, we can be there for you in no time, any time! We offer 24 hour bail bonds, 7 days a week and 365 days a year! Call our headquarters at 317-876-9600 to learn about Indianapolis bail bonds and our service areas.

Here is the Fastest Way to Get Out of Jail

Posted on June 3, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When a person is arrested and taken to jail, their only thought is to get out and get home as fast as possible. No one wants to be that person who’s waiting in jail with a group of offenders. No one is a stranger to making poor choices; and sometimes people make mistakes that land them in jail. This doesn’t mean they are bad and deserve to sit in jail longer than they need to, either. When someone is arrested and taken to jail, their only desire is to get out as fast as possible. The only way to achieve this for sure is to hire
an experienced bail bondsman.

Don’t Sit in Jail if You Don’t Have to

If a person doesn’t want to hire a bail bondsman to get them out of jail, they are at risk of staying incarcerated longer than they have to. Jails are constantly busy, and staff are not usually concerned about how long a person sits in a jail cell. They only care about doing their job thoroughly and correctly, no matter how long it takes. The degree to which a person is “guilty” makes no difference to them either. To jail staffers, all inmates are the same and will be treated as such. They will take their time processing and booking each individual inmate until their shift ends. To avoid being subjected to this type of treatment, and having to wait up to 24 hours for a release from jail, all you need to do is call a local bail bond company for help!

Bail Bond Services

Bail bondsmen charge a non-refundable fee that is a set percentage of a person’s bond amount. The state mandates and regulates the amount of money, or percentage, a bail bond agent can charge for their services. In almost every state, this set percentage ranges from 10 to 15 percent. This means if someone’s bond amount was $2000, they would have to pay a bail bondsman a non-refundable deposit of anywhere from $200 to $300. Some agencies charge a 10% fee, while others charge a 15% fee. It all depends on the county and state, as well as, the individual bail bondsmen. Woods Bail Bonds offers 8% bail bonds in Indiana!

Choose your bail bondsmen wisely. An experienced and reputable bail bond agency can provide better services and faster releases from jail. This largely has to do with the personal connections they have with the local county jails and courthouses. When a bail bond company has an established and good-standing relationship with local jails and court houses, it gives them an advantage in terms of getting you out of jail faster.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner James Woods, and his team of licensed, bonded, and insured bail bondsmen, provide 24 hour bail bond services in all Central Indiana counties! Whether you need to surrender to a probation violation, or need to be bailed out of jail for a DUI, we can help! Woods Bail Bonds can help you get out of jail in Indianapolis, IN any time.

Do I Have to Go to Jail for a Bench Warrant?

Posted on May 17, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When a person is suspected of a crime, they are arrested and taken to jail in most cases. After they are released from jail, they are under legal supervision and mandated to obey certain court orders until they ultimately complete their sentence, also called probation or parole. Court orders can include a wide range of rules and requirements, and differ depending on a person’s criminal history, the crime they committed, their judge, and the state in which their crimes originated. Typical court orders include routine meetings with a probation officer or parole officer, surrendering to random drug screens, working community service, retaining full-time employment, and refraining from disobeying any laws.

If a person breaks any laws or fails to abide by all court orders, they are in violation of their legally-supervised probation. For this offense, the courts will issue a bench warrant for that person to address their violation and be reprimanded with additional legal penalties and court orders. A bench warrant simple requests a person’s attendance to the “judge’s bench” to face their penalties for violating probation or parole.

Surrendering to a Bench Warrant

Unfortunately, a person must surrender themselves to the custody of law enforcement to appease their bench warrant and settle their legal matters appropriately. If a person chooses to not voluntarily surrender to the jail, they risk being arrested by law enforcement at any given moment in time, including routine traffic stops, I.D. checks, and more. This only leads to further punishment. It is wise to turn yourself into law enforcement if you have a bench warrant issued in your name. The longer you wait to face your violation, the harsher the penalties may be. But don’t worry, there is some good news!

If you hire an experienced bail bondsman with a good-standing reputation among the local courthouses and jails, you most likely won’t have to wait long in jail before being released again on bond. In fact, you could be in and out in as little as one hour! The only reason you might have to sit in jail for a long period of time is if you are intoxicated, or the jail is particularly busy and understaffed. But you can avoid a busy jail by turning yourself in on an early week day when jails experience less traffic. James Woods, of Woods Bail Bonds, is the right bail bondsman for the job. Trust him to provide fast and friendly bail bonds services in Indianapolis, as well as, Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana!

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 when you need an Indianapolis bail bondsman you can trust. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured bail bond company that provides bail bond services all throughout Indiana. We offer free estimates, free jail information, free jail drop off and pick up services, inmate look-ups, and much more. Whether you violated your terms of probation or need to turn yourself in for an arrest warrant, we have the bail bond solutions for you! Call 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly assistance to get out of jail in Indianapolis, today.