The Responsibilities of a Bail Bond Contract

Posted on July 21, 2016 by admin

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

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

Bail Bond Agreement

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

Breaching a Bail Bond Contract

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

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

Call Woods Bail Bonds of Indiana TODAY!

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

What are Warrant Records?

Posted on June 14, 2016 by admin

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

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

Court Records for Warrants

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

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

Surrendering to Arrest Warrants

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

Woods Bail Bonds

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

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

Qualities to Look For When Choosing a Bail Bond Service

Posted on May 10, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Do you currently have the responsibility of bailing a friend or loved one from jail? If so, read this article for tips on choosing the bail bond company that best suits your needs. Whether your friend requires a quick release from jail, or help turning themselves in for an outstanding arrest warrant, the right bail bond company can make the process no-risk and hassle-free. There are certain qualities a bail bondsman should have, and it is important to know them all to ensure your bail bond process is managed legally
and professionally.

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

A reputable bail bond agency will have the proper certifications from the state, proving they are legally appointed to handle all processes related to the release of a defendant from jail. By law, bail agencies are required to be fully licensed in the state they are operating under. If a bail agency is in Indianapolis, then they need to be licensed under the state of Indiana. A proper bail agency will also be bonded and insured, allowing them to operate successfully and safely. Licenses, insurance, and certifications are important because they represent the reliability of a bail bond company.

Experience in the Industry

When it comes to choosing a reliable and productive bail bond agency, experience is a must. Understanding the industry and experiencing the “do’s and don’ts” of the business is all part of growing and learning to be the best bail bondsman possible. A good bail bondsman with years of experience has the knowledge and information necessary to successfully operate the laws in the defendant’s best interest.

Financial Flexibility

Bail bond fees are regulated by the state, usually set between 10-15% of the bond amount. Although these fees are the same from person to person, bail agencies can sometimes offer payment plans and other financial options. Ask the bail bondsman before committing to their services if they offer such options and payment plans. If a bail bondsman is willing to discuss options for payment, it is a good sign that they are sincere and understanding of the situation, and will surely be a good company to do business with. Compassion goes a long way.

Fast and Easy Communication

One last deciding factor for choosing the best bail bond company in your area is the availability of the bondsman. Posting bail sometimes happens in very inconvenient times of the day, usually early morning or late at night. In these cases, a good bail bondsman should be easily accessible and ready to provide their services, professionally. Communication between the bail agent and the clients should be a hassle-free process. Be sure that your bail bondsman is reliable and accessible at any time of day.

Indianapolis Bail Bond Services

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly, 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis and all of its surrounding locations. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, provides safe and secure releases from jail in virtually all Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana cities and counties. As a licensed, bonded, and insured bail bond service with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, you can trust that we are the dependable Indianapolis bail bondsmen you need for safe and courteous bail bonds in Indiana. Call our office at 317-876-9600 to learn more about our 24 hour bail bond services, prices, and service areas, today.

What is Bail Bond Forfeiture?

Posted on March 16, 2016 by admin

Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

When a person is arrested, a bond amount is set. Depending on the charges, bond amounts can vary from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand or more. In this scenario, a person can either pay the entire bond amount in full with personal cash, or be released from jail on a cash bond. This means they can choose to pay a percentage of their total bond amount to a third-party agency. And the standard third-party agency in this equation is a bail bond company.

By entering into a legal agreement, a person can pay a bail bondsman a percentage of the total bond to avoid liquidating all their cash for a release from jail. In Indiana, this percentage is between 10 and 15 percent. So if your total bond amount is $5,000 and you wish to get out of jail to await your scheduled hearing, you can either pay the five thousand in full, only to receive it back once you appear for court, or you can pay a bail bond company ten to fifteen percent of $5,000 instead. The bail bond fee is non-refundable, but it is generally a better financial scenario for most people, making it worth the cost.

Bailed Out of Jail on a Cash Bond

If a person gets bailed out of jail on a cash bond, they have entered into a contractual agreement with the bail bond agency. This agreement contains several stipulations, the most important of which is to appear for all court hearings on time and not violate any court orders. Failing to meet any of these requirements and more will result in the courts declaring a bail bond forfeited. This is what a bail bond forfeiture means.

If a person signs a bail agreement and then fails to appear for court or violates court orders, the bail bondsmen have a preset time period to locate them and bring them back into court; but if they fail to do so after this time period is up, they are required to pay the initial full bond amount as a penalty. And since the contractual agreement states that the signer of the bail bond is responsible for this penalty, the bail agency can rightfully take legal action against them for the money.

This also means that if anyone co-signs for a bail bond to get someone out of jail, they are agreeing to take full responsibility for the defendant if they fail to show for court or violate court orders. In this case, the bail agency can take legal action against the co-signer if they cannot locate the defendant. This is why it is important to never co-sign a bail bond for a person you hardly know.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to get out of jail in Indianapolis and central Indiana. Licensed and insured bail bondsman, James Woods, and his team of experienced bail bondsmen, are eager to provide a prompt and professional release from jail for anyone arrested in Indiana. We have offices located throughout the entire state, making our services available for anyone, anywhere. We offer 24 hour bail bonds, as well as, notary services, jail information, pickup and drop off services, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly
Indianapolis bail bond services you can trust.

Who Can Benefit From Bail Bond Services?

Posted on February 8, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Not just anyone can use a bail bond for their particular legal situation. It all depends on a person’s charges, their criminal history, and timing. The legal system is complex, tedious, and sometimes, unpredictable. For this reason, it is important to understand the legal process in regards to your case so that you are prepared for what is to come. On the other hand, if you are just curious about bail bonds, continue reading to learn about the people who can benefit from them.

Misdemeanor Arrests

A person who is arrested under a misdemeanor charge will be taken into custody for processing. Once they are processed, they are given the opportunity to obtain a release from jail. There are multiple ways of doing this, and one of those options is using a bail bond. If a person is arrested under the influence, they will be taken into custody and placed in a cell until they reach sobriety. Once the person is no longer under the influence of a substance, the jailers can proceed with the processing. After a person is processed, meaning they are entered into the jail’s database, they are eligible for release. They either have to wait for their court date, or obtain a bail bond to get out of jail. They can also pay their full bond amount to get out of jail if they don’t want to use a bail bondsman.

Turning Yourself In

Sometimes, a person can have a warrant issued for their arrest. This can be a result of many different situations, from failure to pay parking tickets, to missing a court hearing. In this situation, it is usually advised to hire a lawyer to facilitate the mandatory obligations that follow an issued warrant. In other cases, a person can hire a bail bondsman to assist them in turning themselves in, and getting bailed out right away. This is beneficial to the person because they will not have to wait in jail for a long period of time, and it looks good to the courts that they willingly turned themselves in to stay out of trouble.

When Does a Bail Bond Not Work?

Not all arrest cases are situations in which a person obtains a release from jail through a bail bond. If a suspect has been arrested on murder charges, they are held until their trials conclude and they are found not guilty. If a person has a long criminal or arrest history, they will most likely not be granted an opportunity to get bailed from jail. This is because they are considered repeat and serial offenders.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 professional bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, offers licensed, bonded, and insured bail bond services for all Indianapolis counties and surrounding cities. Our friendly and professional bail bondsmen are happy to provide information and advice about bail bonds, arrest warrants, probation violation bonds, pre-arranged bail, and more, anytime. Call our office today at 317-876-9600 and speak with an Indianapolis bail bondsman you can trust.

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.

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.

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.