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

Posted on May 24, 2019 by admin

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

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

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

☑ Play a Game

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

☑ Contemplate a Legal Plan

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

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

How to Post Your Own Bond in Indiana

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis bail bonds you can trust, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We also offer prearranged bail bond services for those needing to surrender to an arrest warrant. In some cases, we can get you turned in and released in as little as one hour. Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.

What to Do for an Active Arrest Warrant in Indianapolis

Posted on April 10, 2019 by admin

The best advice a bail bondsman can offer a person who is interested in learning about an arrest warrant for themselves is to never ever ask a police officer! That is, unless you do not mind being arrested on the spot if a warrant comes back in your name. A better approach would be to discretely search for an arrest warrant first, and then set a plan into motion to manage the warrant responsibly. This might involve arranging days off from work ahead of time, and then prearranging a bail bond to avoid a long jail stint. You can comfortably cope with a warrant if you choose the proper route upon discovering one for your arrest.

Continue reading to learn how to check for active arrest warrants in the privacy and safety of your own home, and who to call for trusted prearranged bail bonds.

Respond AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

It is important to address an active arrest warrant as soon as possible. Ignoring it only intensifies the possible consequences and outcomes you’ll inevitably face anyway. It is better to deal with the situation before authorities eventually track you down and arrest you at home or at work. Not can an on-the-spot arrest happen at the most inconvenient of times, it can jeopardize time with children, family, and your employment, and even cause public embarrassment and shame whether you are guilty or not.

Cops Can Find You at Any Given Time

For minor offenses such as traffic violations and skipped court dates, police will most likely not use their time to track you down; however, for major offenses like DUIs, hit and rungs, drug possession charges, theft, and assault, law enforcement are likely to stop by your home or place of employment to look for you.

It is most common for individuals with active arrest warrants to be found or discovered when they are pulled over for standard traffic violations, like speeding or a defective tail light. During these routine stops, police run the vehicle’s plates; and when this happens, any warrant will show up immediately during the routine background check process.

How to Look Up Arrest Warrants

There are instances when even the most responsible individuals have arrest warrants issued for them. In the case that a person accidentally forgets to pay a speeding or parking ticket, a warrant will be issued for their arrest unless they make retribution at the court house. In this same case, it is still very likely that they will be arrested, booked, processed, and then released on bail for the infraction.

Another instance that a person has an active warrant, but has committed no crime, is identity theft. Criminal identity theft is a common crime that puts innocent people in troubling predicaments. In the case that someone has stolen your identity and committed a crime, it is important to retain legal services and contact a reputable bail bondsman for assistance.

Where to Get Trusted Bail Bond Assistance

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. And we provide our services in over 30 Indiana counties, regardless of time, day, or city. Request a free estimate, anytime.

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.

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.

Outstanding Arrest Warrants Require Immediate Attention

Posted on July 7, 2015 by admin

Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, it is important that you learn the details involved with your situation, and the proper steps to take to remedy your circumstance.

Continue reading to brief yourself on the definition of an arrest warrant, when it becomes outstanding in the eyes of the law, and how you will be affected by its court orders.

Outstanding Arrest Warrants

To understand what an “outstanding” arrest warrant is, you must first learn about arrest warrants in general. An arrest warrant is an order that is issued by a judge, mandating your presence in the court. It is a notification to all law enforcement to bring the defendant into custody, whether picked up at home or work, or in other circumstances, discovered on an unrelated infraction, police call, or routine traffic stop. If the law knows you have committed a crime, or suspects that you have either committed or been involved in a crime, they will issue an arrest warrant.

Many people think bench warrants are the same as an arrest warrant, but they differ slightly. An arrest warrant instructs police to seek a person out and detain them in jail for a crime they are known to have committed, while a bench warrant merely demands a person’s presence in court to face their charges on a judge’s “bench”. Typically bench warrants are issued for failing to appear for a criminal court hearing, subpoenaed witnesses, unpaid child support, missed jury duty, failed court appearances, and similar civil and criminal infractions.

As for arrest warrants, crimes like assault and battery, hit and runs, tax fraud, and more are common causes for an issued arrest warrant. Now that you understand what an arrest warrant entails, you can recognize that an outstanding warrant is simply an arrest warrant that has been in effect for some time.

Turning Yourself In

If you have an outstanding arrest warrant, the first thing you need to do is call the local court house in the corresponding county. Calling the court house is wise because it can allow you to confirm that there is actually an active warrant issued in your name for your arrest. If there is a warrant in your name, the county clerk can provide you with all the information you need about your arrest warrant, the county it is held in, and more. If you cannot contact the court house for some reason, call the police station in the same county, or the county in which you suspect or know your warrant is issued. They will also give you all the necessary and pertinent information you require, in order to safely and properly turn yourself in to authorities.

Once you have your warrant information, you need to prepare for processing. It is suggested to hire a lawyer to handle your legal affairs; however not everyone can afford this. A lot of people use the public defenders appointed to them for free by the courts, but public defenders are only for criminal cases. If you have hired a lawyer, notify them know that you are ready to turn yourself in to the local county jail, and they will give you further instruction and assistance. If you are using a public defender, call them and let them know the same information.

For those who do not need to or wish to hire a lawyer, you can still successfully turn yourself in with the help of a licensed bail bondsman in the country of your warrant. They can provide arrest warrant help, jail information, prearranged bail bond services, jail drop off and pick up services, and much more.

Jail Time

To stay comfortable in jail, be sure to wear some warm comfortable clothes because jails are very cold and you never know how long you’ll be there. Next, call your work and be sure your shifts are covered for the next two or three days. Inform someone you trust that you are turning yourself in, and ask for them to give you a ride to the jail. If using a bail bondsman, he or she can provide rides to and from jail premises. This prevents having to pay for expensive downtown or local parking. Appoint and schedule any babysitters or pet sitters needed as well. Once all of these tasks are handled, you take your ride to jail. Be sure to bring your drivers’ license or other photo identification, and have nothing else in your pockets. If you need to bring your keys and wallet, the jail attendants will hold onto them and return them to you when you are bailed out of jail. They will remain sage the entire time.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for more information about outstanding arrest warrants and turning yourself into jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of experienced bail bondsmen are licensed, bonded, and insured. We have been a licensed bail bond company in Indianapolis for over 30 years that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year! Call 317-876-9600 and speak with a friendly and knowledgeable Indianapolis bail bondsman today about turning yourself in for an arrest warrant and then quickly getting out of jail right after.

Is a Bail Bondsman a Bounty Hunter?

Posted on January 19, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Many people watch the television shows, read the comic books, and see the movies about bounty hunters and their daring chronicles. It makes many of us question the veracity of these story lines, and whether or not bounty hunters truly exist in real life; while many others are under the impression that bounty hunters and bail bondsmen are the same thing. When a person is arrested, they are taken to the local county jail and given a chance to post bond using the services provided by a bail bondsman.

Is this bail bond agent also a bounty hunter? Are bounty hunters even real? Continue reading to learn the truth behind the stories and myths about bail bondsmen and bounty hunters, and who to ask for additional information regarding the topic.

Bounty Hunters

A bounty hunter is also called a fugitive recovery agent, skip tracer, and bail recovery agent. They are not bail bondsmen, as they do not provide bonds for people in jail. Bounty hunters are rare, and often “free-lance” workers that are typically hired in high-profile cases to investigate the whereabouts of a criminal or dangerous person on the run from the law. The reason why bounty hunters are confused for bail bondsmen, and vice verse, is due to the fact that bail bond companies will sometimes hire a bounty hunter to track down a fugitive that has been released on bail. They do this for high-profile cases in which the bond amounts are thousands of dollars or more, or if the fugitive is labeled extremely dangerous and likely to harm someone or commit a serious crime.

For example, if a bail bondsman provides their services for a person with a felony charge with a bond total of $100,000, and then the criminal skips their court hearings and goes on the run after being released from jail, the bail bond agent loses all that money they paid to the court in order to release said defendant on bond. This is where a bounty hunter is outsourced, so that a bail bond company can return the fugitive to jail and receive their money back. However, in most counties and states, bounty hunting is an illegal enterprise.

Bail Bondsmen

A bail bond agent is either the person you call after being arrested, or the person you call if you need to turn yourself in for an arrest warrant. They can also provide additional services like notaries, inmate lookups, and more. They will pay the total bond amount for a non-refundable service fee so that you can be processed and released from jail to await your court hearing at home. Depending on the crime and charges, bond amounts will differ. In most states, bail bondsmen are allowed to charge anywhere from 10 to 15 percent of a person’s total bond amount.

If a person was arrested for an OWI and has a bond amount of 5,000 dollars, then the service fee will cost them anywhere from 500 to 750 dollars. The fee is non-refundable, and the bail bond agent gets their five thousand dollars back when the defendant show up for all their scheduled court hearings. If a person skips their mandatory court date, they are listed as a fugitive of the law and a warrant is issued for their immediate arrest. This is also an example of when bail bond agent can then hire a bounty hunter to track a person down so they can get their five thousand dollars back from the courthouse. A person that has skipped bond is not likely to qualify for bail bond services again.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Indianapolis Indiana 317-876-9600

Call James Woods, owner and operator of Woods Bail Bonds, at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional Indianapolis bail bond services you can trust. He and our team are licensed, bonded, and insured bail agents with decades of experience in the underwriter services industry. We offer immigration bonds, federal bonds, property bonds, probation violation bonds, arrest warrant bonds, emergency bonds, discreet bail bond services, notary services, and so much more. We have an outstanding record and long-term relationships with the local jails and courthouses all throughout Indianapolis and its outer counties. Call 317-876-9600 for information about bail bonds in Indianapolis, IN and get a friend out of jail or arrange your own release for a warrant.