Why Are Bail Bondsmen Important?

Posted on February 1, 2016 by admin

When a person is arrested and placed in jail, various concerns are expected to arise. A bail bondsmen works with a defendant to take care of these concerns as soon as possible, and in the most convenient fashion. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of a bail system and why bail bondsmen are so beneficial to our families and communities.

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

How a Bail Bondsman Can Help You

Life goes on after an arrest, even if the person remains in jail. This is one reason why bail bondsmen can be so vital. We all know that bad things happen to good people sometimes; and in the instance that a person is arrested, there are potential consequences that bail can help avoid. For example, when a person is arrested and taken to jail, one major concern and risk is missing work. Not only would missing work reduce next week’s paycheck, which they’ll soon need, it may also jeopardize their employment status. Hiring a bail bondsman can get a person out of jail and back at home in as little as one day. This is a huge advantage because it protects a person’s job and income.

Also, licensed bail bondsmen are like liberators when it comes to the cost of a person’s bond. Bond amounts are set by the court and depend on the charges and criminal history of the defendant. They can range anywhere from $5,000 to one million dollars and more. In misdemeanor cases, anywhere from 5,000 dollars to 20,000 dollars is more common. Not many people have that kind of cash availability on hand; or afford to pay a $5,000 fee to get out of jail. This is where a bail bondsman can help. A person can pay a bail bondsman a fee, which is a small percentage of the bond amount, to obtain a release from jail.

The percentage a bail bond agency can charge is mandated by state law. In Indiana, they can charge anywhere from ten to fifteen percent. If a person’s bond was set at five thousand, a bail bond would cost five hundred at a ten percent rate. If bail bond services didn’t exist, it would be much more difficult to get released from jail before a court date. Bail bonds make it all possible. They allow people to get back to their lives without putting their bank accounts, family, or jobs at risk.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for help getting a loved one out of jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner James Woods, and his team, are licensed and insured bail bondsmen with decades of experience in the industry. We offer a variety of bail bond services, including probation violation bonds, arrest warrant bonds, state and county bonds, federal bonds, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional bail bond services in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

You SHOULD NOT Bail Someone Out of Jail if…

Posted on January 22, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Bail bonds are a very common, convenient, and efficient system for those arrested and detained in local jails. Often times when a person is arrested, they call a friend or loved one from jail in order to arrange a bail bond. The person they call will then arrange bail bond services to get them released from jail. This involves having the friend or loved one cosign for and post the defendants bond.

Since this is a sensitive and serious legal matter that involves money and trust, it is important to make a responsible decision if you are the one being asked to bail a person out of jail using a bail bond. Continue reading to learn three specific instances in which you should never bail a person from jail and why.

They Haven’t Called You in a Long Time

When you lose touch with a friend or family member, and you haven’t spoken in a few weeks or longer, it is not a good idea to post their bond if they call you out of the blue from jail. If you haven’t spoken to that person in a while, and the first time you hear from them is when they need you to cosign for a bail bond, it is not a positive situation. The first call after weeks of not talking should be to have lunch or catch up, not to pay for them to get out if jail. This could be an indication that they have burnt bridges with the people closest to them, which is why they are reaching out to someone they do not regularly talk to. Avoid bailing someone out of jail under these circumstances!

You Don’t Know Them Very Well

It is worse to bail a person out of jail if you don’t know them very well than it is if they call you out of the blue; however, both instances are big red flags. Never bail a person out of jail that you have just met or have only known for a little while. It takes years to truly know a person and trust their character, so if you don’t know much about a person, do not sign for their release from jail. This includes people you have only spoken to online, new co-workers, new boyfriends or girlfriends, friends of other friends, and of course, strangers.

You Don’t Understand the Terms of the Bail Bond Agreement

If you do not know what “co-signing” means, and the responsibility it entails in terms of a bail bond agreement, you should steer clear of bailing anyone from jail. A bail bond agreement is a serious contract that holds a co-signer legally liable for the cost of the defendant’s bond amount, which can be upwards of tens of thousands of dollars depending on their current criminal charges and past criminal record. A cosigner also takes on full legal liability in terms of making sure the defendant appears for all court hearings on time. This is a responsibility that should not be entered into lightly.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Noblesville Indiana 317-770-7400

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-770-7400 to get out of jail in Hamilton County, Indiana today. Licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, is can get you a prompt and professional release from jail, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We offer state and county bail bonds, federal bail bonds, immigration bonds, probation violation bonds, arrest warrant bonds, prearranged bail bonds, free jail information, free jail pickup and drop off services, notary services, and much more! Call 317-770-7400 for fast and friendly bail bonds in Noblesville, IN and its surrounding neighborhoods.

What Will Happen if Two Bail Bonds are Obtained for Just One Person?

Posted on January 12, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Sometimes, when a person is arrested, more than one party will attempt to arrange bail bond services for them. For example, college student Lucy is arrested for public intoxication, so her sorority sisters decide to notify her parents, who then start the bail bond process for her. Meanwhile, Lucy’s boyfriend finds out about her arrest and decides to also arrange a bail bond, unaware that her parents have already done so. This is actually very common in the bail bonds industry. So what happens if more than one person tries to bail someone out of jail? Continue reading to find out!

Duplicate Bail Bonds

In the case of duplicate bail bonds, the situation pans out by process of “first come – first serve.” Jails will not accept more than one bail bond per inmate. So in the case of Lucy and her loved ones, whichever bail bond company arrives at the jail first would be the bail bond honored for her release. So let’s say her parents bail bondsman arrives first; what happens to her boyfriend’s bail bondsman and the money he may have already paid?

If Lucy’s boyfriend already paid a bail bondsman to post Lucy’s bond, he would get his money refunded since his bail bondsman could not post the bail bond. You see, bail bondsmen only get paid if the bail bond is posted. If the bail bond company cannot fulfill the service, they have not earned their pay. In Lucy’s boyfriend’s case, and all similar cases, the bail bondsman would be turned away at the jail, and the person would be refunded any money paid for a bail bond that goes un-posted.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly bail bonds in Marion County, Indiana. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, provides 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. As a trustworthy Indianapolis bail bond company, you can count on us for additional services too; like notary services, jail pickup and drops offs, inmate look-ups, and more. Call 317-876-9600 to get out of Marion County Jail in Indianapolis, today.

What is a No Bail Bonds Hold?

Posted on January 6, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When a person is arrested and taken to jail for a misdemeanor crime, in most cases, they can post bond after being processed into the jail’s data base and local legal system. But in other cases, defendants can be placed under a “no bail bonds hold” for various reasons.

Continue reading to learn what it means to be arrested and detained on a no bail bonds hold and why it happens to some people.

No Bail Bond Holds

If a person is arrested for a minor infraction or misdemeanor, and they have a relatively clean criminal record, they can generally post bond and get released from jail in as little as one hour. Depending on several variables, sometimes this applies for those arrested with more complicated criminal histories, higher misdemeanor charges, and even low felony charges.

If a person is arrested for a violent crime, serious felony crime, or has a history of fleeing, they may be denied bail all-together. But for those in between, there is a chance they could be placed under a no bail bonds hold, until a judge decides otherwise.

A “no bail bonds hold” means that a person has to see a judge before they can be released from jail on bond. They must wait in jail, or in a holding cell, for as long as it takes to get a judge to oversee their case. Depending on current jail and courthouse traffic, this could take anywhere from one to thirty days, and sometimes more.

Reasons for Bail Bonds Holds

There are several reasons why a person placed under arrest will be denied the immediate right to bail as a result of a no bail bonds hold. The primary reason for this to occur is of a person is on parole or probation. In rare cases, when a person is on probation, they may still be given the right to bail if their crimes were minor or misdemeanors. But in most cases, they will be placed under a temporary hold, like all others on probation or parole, until they see a judge. And then a judge may or may not decide to lift the hold.

Another reason for a person to be placed under temporary bail bond hold is if they committed a capital offense. Capital offenses are crimes punishable by death. Since these are the most serious crimes, a person will be immediately placed on a no bail bonds hold, and most likely be denied bail later on.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds used to be a common reason for no bail bond holds as well, but not many counties still honor this concept for very long today. ICE holds are immigration holds for undocumented persons arrested for serious crimes. If a person were to have an ICE hold on them, they would also be placed on a no bail bonds hold in jail.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 if you or a loved one need to get bailed out of jail in Indianapolis. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, is happy to provide all the information and services you require to get out of jail, fast and safe. We provide free jail pickup and drop off services, as well as, inmate searches, estimates, and more. Open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, Woods Bail Bonds can provide bail bond services in Indianapolis and all other Indiana cities! Call 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly 24 hour bail bonds in Indiana!

Everything You Need to Know About Bail Bondsmen

Posted on December 15, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

A bail bond agent, also known as a bail bondsman, is a company or individual that will act as the middle man, and pledge money or property to the court to assure a persons’ appearance at a hearing. It is difficult to define the role of a bail agent, because they have so many, and their job can be complicated. Their roles depend on state laws, court regulations, and jail efficiency. Although difficult to define, a bail agents’ title is easy to understand when you look further into it. Continue reading to learn more about bail bondsmen and what they can do for you.

Brief History of the “Bail Bondsman”

Bounty hunting, a huge part of bail agencies operations, is illegal almost everywhere in the world, except the United States. So the practice of bail bonds is most common here in the states. When the practice of a person paying a set percentage of a bail amount to obtain the release of someone from jail, it was in San Francisco in the late 1800’s. A lot has changed for the bail bond industry since then.

Bail Agents Today

Bail bond companies have to have a set agreement with local courts, promising that they will pay the full bond amount for any person that doesn’t appear for their hearing. The bond agent charges 10% of the full bond amount to the person they are bailing out of jail. Sometimes it is a family member or friend that pays this for the defendant.

If the bail amount is $5,000, the bail company charges $500 to post their bond. If that person fails to appear for court, the bond agency owes the courts the full $5,000. However, the bail companies rarely pay this because they send bounty hunters to bring in the fugitive. Also, most bail companies have an arrangement with an insurance company, so that they will put up the money for them in such a case. This is because some bail amounts are as high as $500,000 dollars or more.

Bail agents will collect as much information about a defendant and their laypersons before agreeing take on their bond. They need to know fixed information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, place of employment, the jail they are in, and their charges. Along with this, however, they will need very important documents read and signed. For example, the Bail Indemnity Agreement, the Bail Bond Application Form, and some type of proof of purchase or receipt.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 and speak with a friendly bail bondsmen in Indianapolis, 24 hours day! Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, is capable of providing prompt and professional 24 hour bail bond services in virtually all Indiana counties. Whether you need to pre-arrange bail for an arrest warrant, or simply need to post bail after an arrest, we can help you fast! Call our licensed Indianapolis bail bondsmen at 317-876-9600 to learn more about getting out of jail with a bail bond, today.

Can I Get Bailed Out of Jail for an Outstanding Arrest Warrant?

Posted on December 8, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Arrest warrants are court-ordered and allow proper authorities to track down and arrest a person suspected of a crime. A person with an arrest warrant in their name can be detained and taken into custody simply on a routine traffic stop. Police can also choose to show up at a defendant’s residence or place of employment if it’s for a violent crime. Often times, people confuse arrest warrants, bench warrants, and outstanding arrest warrants with one another. Bench warrants simple mandate a person’s appearance to the judges “bench” for lesser infractions or possible witness testimony; whereas arrest warrants are for those actually suspected of committing a crime. Outstanding warrants are any warrants that have been active for a long period of time. Defendants who haven’t yet been caught or have neglected to surrender themselves to police will have warrants turn outstanding.

The most common question among those who are facing an outstanding arrest warrant is if they can get bailed out of jail after turning themselves in to authorities. Continue reading for the answer!

Turning Yourself in for an Outstanding Warrant

If you are facing an outstanding arrest warrant, your best option is to surrender to authorities and enter into the proper legal process. Warrants do not have expiration dates, and many adjoining states will extradite those re-arrested and facing arrest warrants in other states. The best decision you can make for yourself and your future is to turn yourself into the proper authorities as soon as possible. The sooner you take action, the better your case will look to the prosecution.

You have a couple of options when it comes to turning yourself in to police. You can choose to call the local county jail that you are suspected of committing a crime in, and discuss their surrender policies. The jail attendant will give you step by step instructions on how to prepare and how to turn yourself in the right way.

The easier option is to call an experienced bail bond company in the county you have a warrant in. They have all the resources and connections needed to pre-arrange your bail and even drop you off and pick you up. In some cases, this can be done in as little as an hour! But for those will multiple priors, or those facing major criminal charges, like homicide or drug trafficking, bail may not be an option at all. For those with a moderate or minimal criminal record, bail should not be a problem. The courts are pretty fair about letting people out of jail to await their hearings at home so long as they are not likely to flee or commit another crime.

There are a few things to take care of before pre-arranging your bail and surrender. You will need to alert your place of employment that you might be unavailable for work for a few days in case the court decides to hold you or the jail traffic is very high. You must also make arrangements for any children or pets as well.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to pre-arrange bail in Indianapolis, today. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, has decades of experience in the industry and maintains good-standing relationships with the local jails and courts. We can get you out of jail, hassle-free! We even offer free jail pick up and drop offs, inmate searches, jail contact information, and more! Call 317-876-9600 to get out of jail in Indianapolis, IN today.

Download a Free Online Bail Bond Application Form for Hamilton County, Indiana

Posted on December 1, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Woods Bail Bonds makes it easy for all Hamilton County residents to apply for a bail bond in Noblesville, IN. Simply visit our website and click the Bail Bond Application Form link on our home page. Then just download it, fill out the form, and instantly submit it! Soon after, you can expect one of our licensed and friendly bail bondsman to contact you with details and instructions about our about bail bond services. This allows you to conveniently fill out a bail bond application in the privacy of your own
home, hassle-free and instantaneously.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

At Woods Bail Bonds, we provide services for all of Hamilton County, as well as, all surrounding Indianapolis cities and counties! No matter where your friend or loved one is being detained, our bail bondsmen are licensed and trained to facilitate fast and courteous bail bond services for all families and friends in need. We retain good, long-standing relationships with the local county courts and jail houses, giving us an upper-hand when it comes to getting a person released on bond from the jail. This advantages, coupled with our extensive 30-year experience in the industry, allows us to provide the most efficient and secure bail bond services possible for every individual case.

As a locally owned and operated company, we understand the stress related to bailing a person out of the Hamilton County Jail, and that sometimes bad things happen to good people. You be comfortable knowing that our agency never passes judgment on anyone for these reasons and more. We are compassionate and supportive with all our clients’ situations and do what we can to help and alleviate the worry associated with bail bonds and jail. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and even 365 days a year! This is why we offer an online bail bond application form, and other helpful resources; so we may better assist those in need with faster bail bond services in Noblesville, IN.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly bail bond services in Hamilton County, Indiana. Owner and operator, James Woods, does everything in his power to provide simple and stress-free bail bond services with the utmost respect and compassion. He and our team of licensed, bonded, and insured bail bondsmen are happy to answer your questions about bail bond application forms and more in Noblesville, IN. Call us today at 317-876-9600 to get a friend or loved one out of jail in Hamilton County, IN as fast as possible.

James Woods Offers 24 Hour Bail Bond Services in Greencastle Indiana

Posted on November 19, 2015 by admin

Here at Woods Bail Bonds, we take great pride in the fact that our bail bond agency has been family owned and operated in Indianapolis for more than three decades. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, is pleased to provide bail bond services to anyone in need, all throughout Greencastle, IN and Putnam County. And on top of bail bonds, we also offer notary services, online bail bond application forms, inmate searches, jail address information, jail pickup and drop off services, and much more.

Call our friendly bail bondsmen today at 317-876-9600 for information about getting yourself or a friend out of jail in Greencastle, IN.

Putnam County Jail and Arrests

Whether you have a warrant out for your arrest, or require a quick bail after being picked up for shoplifting, James Woods can be there for you in a flash! He and our experienced bail bond agents work around the clock, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, making us always available to help!

We have long-standing good relationships with the local Putnam County jails and courthouses, and know how to get someone out of jail as fast as possible. And since we already operate on a fast and effective level, obtaining a bail bond can take less than 20 minutes in some cases!

When it comes down to choosing the right bail bondsman to get you out of jail in Greencastle, there is no need to look any further than James Woods and the team at Woods Bail Bonds. We are licensed, bonded, and insured bail agents that truly enjoy helping people in their time of need.

We support the importance of reuniting families after an arrest, and giving people an opportunity to get back to work while awaiting trial. Our bail agents are strong believers in this philosophy and are always kind and friendly. We never judge anyone!

Greencastle Bail Bond Services

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 765-644-0400 to get a loved one out of jail in Greencastle, Indiana. Licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, and his team of highly trained bail agents, are familiar with the jail and court processes in Putnam County, and can get a person bailed out of jail as fast as possible.

We also offer prearranged bail bonds, arrest warrant bail bonds, immigration bonds, federal and state bonds, probation violation bonds, and more. Call 765-344-0400 for Putnam County bail bond services in Greencastle, IN today.

Woods Bail Bonds Writes its 100th Blog Post!

Posted on November 10, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Here at Woods Bail Bonds, our family owned and operated business has been happily serving the Indiana communities for over 30 years. Over this period of time, we have developed long-term good-standing relationships with the local courts and jails, and have gained an acute knowledge of Indiana’s jail and bond process. This knowledge and hands-on experience has given us the power to be the best in our industry, and continues to allow us the opportunity to help thousands of Hoosiers get out of jail safely and securely, and guide people through the bail bond process.

One way we like to reach out and help people is by sharing our knowledge of the bail bond industry. We accomplish this through our highly-informative and fun BLOG PAGE!

A Full Inventory of Information!

Today, Woods Bail Bonds proudly submits our 100th blog post! That means we now have a substantial inventory of blog posts covering a wide range of topics related to the bail bond industry! You can answer all of your bail bond questions by simply searching through our blog catalogs and finding one that matches your inquiry! With so many years of experience, and so many happy clients, you can trust that our blogs will be filled with accurate, relevant, and current information about bail bonds, jail, arrests, and more.

But our online resources don’t stop there! Woods Bail Bonds has so much more to offer those in need of information and guidance after an arrest of a loved one! Our bail bond agents and staffs make it comfortable and effortless to bail you, a friend, or a loved one from jail. We are always there for families and friends in need of bail, and understand your situation more than anyone else. With so many years of sincere and reliable customer service, it is no surprise that we now offer a variety of online resources for you as well!

Our Website

Our website is an easy and effective resource for learning about the bail bond industry and the services offered by our bail bond agents. We have various webpages covering popular topics, like the bail bond process and Frequently Asked Questions. We have it all when it comes to learning about bail bonds and how to bail a person from jail! In addition to these fantastic features, you can also get one step ahead by filling out a bail bond application form right on our website!

Call Us Today

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call us at 317-876-9600 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable bail bondsmen about getting out of jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, ensures all clients are highly respected and fully-informed about the bail bond process and agreements. We are in this business to help people get out of jail and back to their lives so they may manage their personal agendas while preparing for trial. We offer 24 hour bail bonds services all throughout the state of Indiana! Call 317-876-9600 for information about bail bonds in Indianapolis.

How to Find a Bail Bondsman You Can Trust

Posted on November 5, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

If you have to get a friend or loved one out of jail, be sure to know how to find a reputable bail bondsman to provide secure and reliable bail services. Choosing the right bail bond company can make all the difference when it comes to obtaining a release from jail, as well as, scheduled court hearings and more. Finding the right bail bond agency is crucial for accurate and dependable information and guidance after a loved one’s arrest. Continue reading for steps on how to hire reputable bail bondsmen in your county.

Where to Start Looking for Bail Bond Service

First, you will need the contact information for all the bail bond companies in the county of your loved one’s arrest. Choose an online directory or phone book, but be sure it is an updated edition or version. There are various terminologies used in the industry, so use the most popular headers to find the appropriate section; such as bail bond company, indemnity services, bail bonds, surety companies, or bail bondsman.

Once you have located the bail bond listings, begin scrolling them for the correct county and jail. It is critical to hire a bail bondsman in the same county as the arrest to get proper service. The best way to determine which company is worth examining, you should look at their references and client reviews. Word of mouth is another reliable source. If any of your friends or family has had to hire a bail bond company in that past that produced satisfying results, follow up on this lead.

Use the internet to look up client reviews and detailed company information. Visit their website and learn about the services they offer. Filter out the companies that cannot offer the services you are looking for, and decide using the last few companies on your list.

If you do not have access to the internet or a computer, you can simply give the company a call. Bail bonds services should naturally be a 24 hour service, so a representative or agent should be able to take your call any time. Do not be afraid to ask them for references, and to describe the services they offer. Also, test their knowledge by asking them any questions you have about the bail bonds process and laws.

Last, ask a bail bondsman for an estimate for their services. This fee is regulated by state law, so it will not change; however, you can tell the bail bond agent the bond amount, and he or she can give you the accurate percentage it will be. If a bond is $5000, the fee will be anywhere from ten to fifteen percent; which is $500 to $750, and it is non-refundable.

Bond amounts differ from person to person. Many variables influence the total cost. For example, if a person has multiple arrests on their criminal history, their bond amount would be higher than someone who is being arrested for the first time. It can also depend on the severity of the charges. Armed robbery will be higher than a public intoxication charge or probation violation.

Woods Bail Bonds

Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, provides bail bond service in almost every city in Indiana! No matter where you get arrested, Woods Bail Bonds can be there for you in a flash! We offer a wide range of services, including probation violation bonds, arrest warrant bonds, prearranged bail, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 to speak with a friendly bail agent about getting out of jail in Indianapolis, IN today.