Questions an Indiana Bail Bondsman Will Ask You Before Providing Service

Posted on December 11, 2024 by admin

Navigating the bail process can be an emotional and overwhelming experience, especially if it’s your first encounter with the legal system. For Indiana residents and families of detainees, understanding how bail bonds work can make all the difference in ensuring a loved one’s timely release. One of the key players in this process is the bail bondsman—a professional who acts as a financial intermediary to help secure the release of detainees from custody.

But before they can assist you, bail bondsmen will often ask for specific information. Being prepared to answer these questions can expedite the process, minimize stress, and get your loved one back home quicker. This post outlines the role of a bail bondsman in Indiana, explains the bail process, and details the essential questions you’ll need to answer during your interaction.

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What Is the Role of a Bail Bondsman in Indiana?

When someone is arrested, they may have the option to be released from custody until their court date by posting bail. However, bail amounts can often be too high for families to pay upfront. That’s where bail bondsmen come in. For a non-refundable fee—usually around 10% of the total bail amount—these professionals pay the bail on your behalf, ensuring the detainee’s release.

This system provides a critical service, allowing detainees to return home, continue working, and prepare for their trial without spending weeks or even months in detention.

Understanding the Bail Process in Indiana

The bail process in Indiana is designed to ensure that detainees appear at their court dates while giving them the opportunity to remain out of custody. Here’s how it typically works:

Arrest and Booking: The individual is arrested, processed, and placed in jail.
Bail Hearing: A judge sets the bail amount based on factors such as the severity of the crime, flight risk, and ties to the community.
Securing Bail: If the amount is unaffordable, families can turn to a bail bondsman for help.
Release: Once bail is posted, the individual is released on the condition they will attend all scheduled court dates.
Case Resolution: If the detainee appears in court, the bail is returned to the bondsman (minus fees). Failure to comply can result in forfeiture of the bail and additional charges.

Questions Indiana Bail Bondsmen Will Ask You

When you contact a bail bondsman, they’ll need specific information to evaluate your case and proceed with the bail process. Here’s a breakdown of the questions you can expect:

Personal Information and Background

The first step is establishing who you are and your relationship to the detainee. You’ll likely be asked:

Your full name and contact information
Your relationship to the detainee (e.g., parent, sibling, friend)
Whether you’ve worked with a bail bondsman before

This helps the bondsman understand your role in the process and verify that you’re authorized to act on the detainee’s behalf.

Employment and Financial Status

Since bail bonds act as a form of financial agreement, bondsmen need to assess the likelihood that you or the detainee will fulfill the financial obligations. Be prepared to answer questions like:

Are you currently employed? Where do you work?
What is your monthly income?
Do you expect to have trouble paying the bondsman’s fee?

If finances are a concern, some Indiana bail bonds companies may offer payment plans or flexible options. However, transparency about your financial situation is key.

Details of the Arrest and the Detainee

Bail bondsmen need accurate information about the case to get started. You’ll typically need to provide:

The detainee’s full name and date of birth
The location of their arrest (city or county)
The jail where they’re being held

This information allows the bondsman to locate the detainee and confirm the bail amount.

Information About the Charges and Court Dates

Understanding the nature of the charges and upcoming court requirements is crucial for assessing risk. Expect to answer the following:

What are the charges against the detainee?
Are there any prior charges or history of missed court appearances?
When is the next scheduled court date?

This helps the bondsman determine the level of risk they’re taking on by facilitating the bail.

Availability of Collateral and Cosigners

To mitigate risk, bail bondsmen often ask for collateral or cosigners. Not everyone will be required to provide collateral, but having a cosigner can increase your chances of approval.

Collateral: Items of value (e.g., property deeds, vehicles, jewelry) offered as a guarantee that bail will be repaid if the detainee fails to appear in court.
Cosigners: Additional individuals who commit to being financially responsible if the detainee does not meet their court obligations.

Why Preparation Matters

Providing accurate and detailed answers to these questions is essential for speeding up the process. Here’s why preparation is so important:

Reduces Delays: Missing information can hold up the bail process, meaning your loved one spends unnecessary additional time in custody.
Builds Trust: Honest communication with the bondsman helps establish credibility, which can lead to more flexible terms.
Assesses Feasibility: Transparency enables the bondsman to determine whether they can take on your case.

Tips for Communicating with an Indiana Bail Bondsman

To ensure a smooth experience, keep the following tips in mind:

Stay Calm and Organized: Take a deep breath, gather all relevant documents, and have answers ready before your call.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to clarify anything you don’t understand—bail bondsmen are there to help you.
Provide Accurate Information: Double-check names, dates, and locations to avoid potential delays.
Be Honest About Financial Concerns: Many bondsmen are willing to work with you, but only if you’re upfront about your ability to pay.
Follow Through: If you agree to terms, make sure to fulfill your obligations promptly to maintain trust and avoid complications.

Conclusion

Engaging with a bail bondsman isn’t just about securing a loved one’s release—it’s about making a difficult process more manageable. These professionals offer invaluable support, guiding you through a system that can feel daunting and offering financial solutions tailored to your situation.

By preparing for their questions and maintaining open communication, Indiana residents can streamline the bail process and ensure their loved ones are back home quickly and safely.

For more information about the bail process in Indiana or to connect with an experienced bail bondsman, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted provider in your area. Understanding how this system works today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Stay strong, stay prepared, and remember you are not alone on this journey. Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to learn what you need to know about the Indianapolis bail bond process. We serve over 30 counties within Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana, so do not hesitate to call.

Building Trust: Questions to Ask Your Potential Bail Bond Company

Posted on May 8, 2024 by admin

Navigating the complexities of the legal system during a crisis can be daunting, especially when a loved one is involved. One of the first steps towards ensuring their swift return home is securing a trustworthy bail bond company. This blog post aims to guide those in legal crises, such as families of first-time offenders, legal guidance seekers, arrest warrant defendants, and crime suspects, through the critical process of selecting a reliable bail bond agency.

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Why Trust Matters in the Bail Bond Process

In the midst of facing legal challenges, the importance of trust transcends mere virtue and becomes an indispensable necessity. During such trying times, choosing the right bail bond company is crucial, as they serve not just as a service provider but as a steadfast ally. With their guidance, navigating the complexities of the Indiana bail process becomes less daunting.

Bail bondsmen stand by your side, offering their expertise with integrity and transparency, ensuring you understand every step. Their invaluable support significantly mitigates the emotional strain and logistical obstacles you encounter, providing a semblance of peace in a turbulent period.

What to Look For in a Bail Bond Company

Before entrusting a bail bond agency with your needs, ensure they possess essential qualities such as proper licensing, bonding, insurance, extensive experience, positive reputation, and a commitment to transparency. These factors are non-negotiable for establishing a foundation of trust and ensuring that your loved one receives competent assistance.

Bail Bond Questions You Should Ask

When vetting local bail bond agents in Indiana, arm yourself with questions that reveal their practices and values. Here’s a comprehensive list to help you start the conversation:

1. Are you licensed? Confirming official business licensing is step one to verify legitimacy.

2. How much experience do you have? Experience often correlates with knowledge and reliability.

3. What are your fees? Understanding all costs upfront can prevent unwelcome surprises.

4. Can you walk me through your process? A transparent overview of the bail process shows their willingness to keep you informed.

5. What is the expected timeline? Knowing timelines helps manage expectations.

6. Do you require collateral? Some agencies might require collateral, and it’s vital to know this upfront.

7. How do you handle complications? Their approach to potential issues can indicate their problem-solving capabilities.

8. Can you provide references? Testimonials from past clients can offer insights into their service quality.

9. What sets you apart from other bail bond companies? This will help you gauge their unique value proposition. Maybe they offer free pickup and drop off at the jail.

The Impact of Choosing Wisely

Choosing the appropriate bail bond company is crucial and can significantly impact the outcome of a legal situation. The difference between selecting the right or wrong agency can mean the difference between experiencing a smooth legal process or facing unnecessary additional stress.

A reliable and trustworthy bail bond agency plays a pivotal role in not just speeding up the release of your loved one from custody, but also in offering much-needed clarity and support during a challenging time.

By ensuring that you are well-informed and understand each step of the process, a good bail bond company can alleviate much of the anxiety and confusion often associated with legal proceedings, making the entire experience more manageable for everyone involved.

Conclusion

The importance of making an informed decision when choosing a bail bond company cannot be overstated. By asking the right questions, you can secure a partner who will stand by your side, offering not just bail bond services but also peace of mind. Remember, in times of legal turmoil, knowledge is power, and the power of an informed decision is immense.

Navigating the bail bond process is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Armed with the right questions and a keen eye for red flags, you can find a bail bond agency that truly has your back. Trustworthy bail bond companies exist; it’s about asking the right questions to uncover them.

If you or a loved one needs help with bail bond services, there are a number of resources available. Start by contacting Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond services in Marion County you can trust. We also offer prearranged bail bond service for arrest warrants.

10 Questions You Need to Ask Your Indianapolis Bail Bondsman

Posted on September 23, 2021 by admin

When facing a legal situation that involves jail time, before or after an arrest, there are plenty of questions you are asking yourself. But what about the questions you should be asking the Indianapolis bail bondsman you intend to hire? Because of the anxiety and confusion an unexpected arrest can cause within a family unit, poor communication is a common issue between bail bond agent and client.

Many people fail to ask the right questions at their initial bail bond meeting, then later feel shocked or upset after discovering a fact or piece of information they were unaware of. This leads people to blame the bail agent when things don’t go the way they expect. So, be sure to prepare yourself before walking into a bail bond company and bailing a friend or loved one out of jail by knowing what to ask your Indianapolis bail bondsman.

Continue reading to learn the top 10 questions you need to ask your Indianapolis bail bond company when looking to get a friend or loved one released from jail.

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Understanding Indiana Bail Bonds and Bail Services

When it comes to bailing a loved one or friend out of jail in Indianapolis, there are certain steps that are delicate to the Indiana bail bond process. There are contracts to sign, payments due, paperwork, agreements, and procedures to follow. With all of this in mind, it is highly recommended to prepare yourself with the right inquiries.

Here are 10 important questions you should be asking your Indianapolis IN bail bondsman before or while bailing a friend or loved one out of jail in your hometown:

How long does the bail bond process usually take?

How much does bail cost?

Do I need to report back to the bail bondsman’s office after picking up my friend or loved one from jail?

What are the restrictions of a person being out on bond?

Are there additional fees for bail bond services?

What is proper behavior when out on bond?

Can I use a debit card or cash to pay for a bail bond?

Can I bail myself out of jail if I have an outstanding arrest warrant?

What can I expect after being bailed out of jail?

What is the meaning and details of the bail bond contract and additional paperwork?

You can reassure yourself in the seat of a bail bond agency by asking these questions and similar ones that you may have concerns about. When involved in any type of legal situation it is important to know all aspects of your case, rights, and restrictions. You can also consult an attorney for answers to these questions; but it is highly recommended to contact a local Marion County bail bondsman for accurate and reliable answers from an experienced and knowledgeable bail bond agent.

Do you need help with a release from jail in Indiana? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond service in Indianapolis and all surrounding Hoosier counties. We are open at all times, even on National Holidays and emergency weather conditions!

You Might Also Read:

My Friend Was Just Arrested. What Happens Next?
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Get Out of Jail?
Posting Bail on Your Own is Possible

Bail Bond Advice for Parents of College Students

Posted on May 3, 2018 by admin

College students who have been arrested usually do not use their first phone call to contact their parents. They typically look for help outside of their families in an effort to avoid punishment or criticism. Unfortunately, this does not always work out, making mom and dad the most viable option for getting out of jail. If your college student was just arrested, continue reading to learn some important tips you need to know.

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So why does a phone call to a friend or roommate hardly work out for the average college student?

Most people in this age group do not have the funds to sufficiently support the bond premium of a defendant. As a result, many bail bond companies prefer to work with families of the arrested, rather than their friends or roommates. Although college friends and roommates are only trying to help, they do not have enough money, assets, or income to payback the entire bail premium in the case that the defendant does not adhere to all court orders and appear for all scheduled hearings.

All of these stipulations and liabilities are clearly laid out in the bail bond agreement, which is the contract that must be signed in order to obtain a bail bond from a bail bond company. A bail bond agreement is a legally-binding contract that comes with a very serious responsibility, so it is vital that you have a full understanding of the terms and conditions before signing it for someone else.

Why Family Over Friends?

The most reputable bail bond companies prefer to work with relatives and family for many reasons. Foremost, because they are more likely to have the sufficient funds; but also because they are more likely to get involved on a serious level. Families tend to have more of a personal interest in supporting their loved one throughout the legal process, which helps ensure that all court orders are followed, and that they show up to all scheduled court hearings, on time. This includes mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, Godparents, and siblings.

Out of Town Bail Bonds

Many parents worry about the bail bond process since their child goes to school in another city or state, but distance is not an issue in the bail bond industry. Not only are there local bail agents all over every county, most companies offer their services via phone, email, and fax. Furthermore, many companies also offer pick up and drop off services from the jail and to their office, which means there will be a real person waiting for your child when they walk out of the county jail.

Indiana Bail Bonds You Can Trust

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional bail bond services in Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of licensed and insured bail agents, provide 24 hour bail bonds in over 30 Indiana counties. Regardless of time, day, or city, we can get you out of jail fast, and for as low as 8% of your total bond! Request a free estimate, anytime.

Good Questions and Important Answers About Bail Bonds

Posted on April 21, 2017 by admin

When it comes to bail bonds, people have questions. Since there are so many companies to choose from, various types of bail bonds available, and a wide range of information pertaining to the surety industry, it is no surprise that people get confused about bail and bail bonds. Look below for a list of the best questions to ask yourself about bail bonds, and the important answers to them all.

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What Do I Need to Know Before I Call a Bail Bondsman?

When you call a bail bondsman, they will need specific information from you. Have this information ready to go before you contact a bail bonds company:

1. The defendant’s full name;
2. The defendant’s booking number (they can help you with this if you don’t have it);
3. The city and county where the defendant is being held;
4. The bail amount set by the judge (they can help you with this too if you don’t have it);

How Does the Bail Bond Process Work?

When a person is arrested, they have the opportunity to post bond if one is set for them. When they do not want to pay the full cash amount to the court, they can choose to use a bail bond instead. They contact a bail agent who will cover the full bail amount in exchange for their conditional release from jail. They do this for a non-refundable fee.

Do I Have to Sign a Contract for a Bail Bond?

Yes; obtaining a bail bond does require a person to sign a bail bond agreement. This is a contractual agreement that is legally binding. If a defendant fails to appear for court or disobeys any bond conditions, their bail bond can be revoked, and the person who signed the contract is legally liable for paying the full bond amount back to the bail agent.

How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?

The cost of a bail bond depends on the defendant’s bond amount. If a person’s bond is set at $5,000, the cost of a bail bond would be different from someone who has a bond set at $1000. Bail bond companies charge a set percentage that is state regulated. These range between 10 and 15 percent. Some bail bond companies can charge lower percentage rates if the laws allow it in their state.

Do I Get My Money Back for a Bail Bond?

Unlike paying the full cash amount to the court for a release from jail, you do not get your cash back once your case is over when you obtain a bail bond. You pay a percentage of your total bond amount, which is non-refundable. If the bond is $1000, and the rate is 10%, you would pay a non-refundable fee of $100 for a bail bond.

Can I Leave the State on Bond?

One of the primary conditions of a bail bond contract is that the defendant cannot leave the state. They must also abide by all other set conditions, by the bail bond contract and the courts. This includes refraining from drug and alcohol use, obeying all laws, and appearing for all mandatory court hearings.

Which Types of Collateral Do Bail Bondsmen Accept?

Bail bond companies prefer cash, but they sometimes accept collateral in exchange for their services as well. Commonly accepted collateral in the bail bonds industry include:

• Cars
• Boats
• Businesses
• Real estate
• Bank accounts
• Credit cards
• Stocks
• Bonds
• Jewelry
• Personal credit

Indiana Bail Bonds You Can Trust

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Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional bail bond services in Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of licensed and insured bail agents, provide 24 hour bail bonds in over 30 Indiana counties. We serve the Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana areas with safe and secure bail bonds you can afford. Right now, we are offering 8% bail bonds! Call 317-876-9600 anytime for fast Indianapolis bail bonds you can trust.

Everything You Need to Know About Bail Bondsmen

Posted on December 15, 2015 by admin

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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

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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.

Understanding Arrest Warrants and How They Work

Posted on April 8, 2015 by admin

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Arrest warrants, bail bonds, court dates, oh my! There is a lot to know if you have had a recent brush with the law. Typical arrest warrants are issued by the judge of the local courthouse, or the county in which the crime was committed. It permits the apprehension and incarceration of a person suspected of committing a crime, and requires them to answer to their crimes on a judge’s bench. This is why they are also called bench warrants.

There are several other types of warrants as well; some of which are not even for arrests. For example, search warrants only permit authorities to search a person’s property. In this situation, an arrest can only occur if illegal paraphernalia or activity is discovered. If you currently have a warrant issued in your name for your arrest in any Indiana counties, continue reading to learn what you can expect in the near future.

A Valid Arrest Warrant Meets the Following Criteria:

• Sufficient Probable Cause of Committed Crime
• Signature of an Impartial Magistrate and Arresting Officer
• Correlating Police Affidavit Does not Contain Any Lies or Inaccuracies
• Adequately Describes the Suspect to be Arrested
• Clearly Outlines the Details of the Crime
• States the Conviction, Case Type (i.e. felony, misdemeanor, etc.), Related Dates, and Outstanding Fines

All Public, County, and Local Jurisdiction Databases are Flagged:

• Police Records
• BMV’s
• National Crime Information Centers
• Public Records
• Place of Employment
• And More

Police Can Arrest You On the Spot:

• During a Routine Traffic Stop
• At Work
• At School
• If Applying for an I.D. or Drivers’ License
• At Home
• During Police Questioning
• At an Airport
• Train Station
• And More

If you have an arrest warrant and are discovered by police, you can expect to be taken to jail, then bonded out, then scheduled for a court date. If you turn yourself in, police will arrest you on the spot, and then you can call a bail bondsman to post bail immediately. Then you will be scheduled a court date as well.

Once you arrive at your court date, you will be given a chance to plead not guilty or guilty. If the judge determines you are guilty, they will immediately hand down a sentencing. For misdemeanors, the sentence is usually probation and sometimes correlated counseling, drug or traffic classes, and fines. For felonies, there is a chance of doing some time behind bars, as well as, probation and fines.

Woods Bail Bonds

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for accurate advice and information regarding probation violation bail bonds and arrest warrants in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner James Woods, and our team of Indianapolis bail bondsmen, are licensed, bonded, and insured with decades of experience in the industry. Our agents retain good-standing relationships with local jails and courts, and can facilitate a fast and secure release from jail in several Indiana counties. Call 317-876-9600 for details about our 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Difference Between Bail and Bail Bond

Posted on April 1, 2015 by admin

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Tomato tomahto, right? Well not in the surety industry. Often times, people confuse the terms bail and bail bond. Many people use the terms interchangeably, as if they mean the same thing, while others question how to use each term appropriately. If you are faced with the responsibility of bailing someone out of jail, you might want to be clear on these terms ahead of time. Continue reading to learn how bail is different from a bail bond.

What is Bail?

Bail refers to the amount of money set by a judge for a person to be released from jail to await their scheduled court hearings. The amount of money set by the courts is determined by the person’s past criminal record, current offense, and their level of threat to society. Their level of threat includes the likelihood of them committing another crime while awaiting sentencing.

Bail can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over five thousand dollars. Again, it all depends on the person’s record and the current charges their facing. Once the person pays the bail to the courts, and the money has “cleared” or been posted, the person can be let out of jail. If they complete all their court ordered requirements without any criminal indiscretions, they will receive the money back in full. If they fail to meet the court’s requirements, they lose rights to any monies paid, and will be arrested for court violation.

What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond refers to a service or contract that facilitates a person’s release from jail by using a bail bondsman. The bail amounts set by courts can be very high and not everyone has that kind of cash available to them at once. In this case, a bail agency can be hired to secure a person’s release from jail. The agency guarantees the courts that you will appear for your scheduled hearing, and in return they allow the person to await their sentencing dates at home. The bail bondsman collects a non-refundable fee, usually between 10-15% depending on the state. If a person fails to appear for their hearing, the bail company will take professional and necessary means to search them down and bring them in to face the judge.

Woods Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-770-7400

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to get out of jail in Hamilton County, Indiana. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, and our team of experienced bail agents, are happy to answer your questions about bail, bonds, arrest warrants, turning yourself in, jail information, and more. Call 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond services in Hamilton County, IN you can trust.

How to Post Your Own Bail For an Outstanding Arrest Warrant

Posted on January 2, 2015 by admin

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In many unfortunate circumstances, a person has to rely on their own personal resources and abilities to get bailed out of jail. If you are facing a misdemeanor charge and have an active warrant out for your arrest, it is time to think about turning yourself in to the authorities. The sooner you turn yourself in, the sooner you can be done with the entire ordeal. With these tips on how to post your own bail, you can feel comfortable knowing what to expect and how to care for yourself in this restless and frustrating situation.

Posting Bail

If you are waiting to turn yourself in for an outstanding arrest warrant, you are making the responsible choice. The longer you avoid this responsibility, the longer the entire legal process will take. When you first decide to turn yourself in to the jail, consult a lawyer or public defender for advice and counsel. They can instruct you on how to facilitate the best process for your particular charge and criminal record. Many public defenders and lawyers will give you free advice and consultation, so take advantage of this resource wherever you can. Every case is different, so talking to a professional about each circumstance is a huge advantage before facing your warrant. Usually, for first-time offenders and minor legal infractions, the jail and bond process are quick and simple. But as mentioned, all cases are different and become more complex depending on an individual’s prior criminal history.

Once you consult a lawyer or public defender, be sure to strictly follow their instructions, and everything should work itself out the way they described it to you in your meeting. If you cannot afford or find a legal consultant, you can still get out of jail on your own. Continue reading and learn the basics on how to bail yourself out of jail.

How to Post Bail

Once you have decided to turn yourself in to authorities, first call a local bail bond agency nearest to the jail you are turning yourself into. Talking to them first will get your foot in the door when it comes to processing all the paperwork. In some cases, the bail bond agent will have you fill out all the necessary paperwork and pay your fee, then walk or drive you to the jail themselves to finish your processing. Otherwise, they will have you complete all the paperwork and give you the instructions you need to feel comfortable going to the jail afterwards.

Once you walk into the jail and tell the desk officer you are turning yourself in for an outstanding warrant, they will take you from there and give you all the instruction you need. You will then wait to go through an entire processing routine. They will take your picture, fingerprints, book you, and more.

When you are finished being processed, the bail bond agency will facilitate your release and pick you up from the jail. Because you completed your paperwork ahead of time, you will be one step closer to completing the whole process. If you are unable to file paperwork before turning yourself in, it is not a big deal. The bail bondsman will simply take you back to their office and have you complete the forms then. Depending on the amount of traffic in the jail and the number of employees to defendants, the process can take 1-10 hours, and sometimes more. Generally, on a non-drug related charge, you can be expelled in just a few hours with the right bail bondsman. In even minor cases, you can be in and out in under an hour. If you are intoxicated, the law requires you to be sober for processing and booking. So wait until you are sober before turning yourself into jail, otherwise you will sit for at least 8 hours before they even consider processing you.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 and speak with James Woods, licensed bail bondsman in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his team of licensed, bonded, and insured bail agents are friendly and extensively experienced in the indemnity industry. You can feel calm and comfortable speaking with them about your bail bond needs or questions, and know you are getting accurate answers and information. Call 317-876-9600 and learn about arrest warrants and our 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis, IN today.