My Friend Was Just Arrested. What Happens Next?

Posted on June 25, 2020 by admin

When placed in a situation in which another person, perhaps your very best friend or loved one, get arrested right in front of your eyes. This is a confusing and stressful time for anyone, so it is not surprise that the first question that pops into a person’s mind is, “what happens now?” By understanding the arrest process, you put yourself at an advantage when it comes time to bail them out of jail.

To put your anxiety at ease and get a plan established, continue reading to learn what happens after someone is arrested, and most importantly, how to post their bond and get them out of jail as fast as possible. If you personally just became aware of an arrest warrant, this blog is also for you.

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Following an Arrest

Although the processes and procedures for placing a suspect under arrest varies among jurisdiction, there are some general steps you can expect. After your friend is cuffed and put in the back of the police car, they will be transferred to the local county jail. For instance, if you are in Marion County, Indiana, your friend will be headed to the Marion County Jail for booking and processing.

Once they arrive at the jail, your friend will be frisked, and all personal belongings will be confiscated and securely stored by jail staff. From there, they will be put through a data-collection process in which the jail staff will ask them a series of general questions regarding residence, employment, address, phone number, and more. This step also includes taking a mug shot and giving fingerprint records.

Intoxication Arrests

If your friend was arrested under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the jail cannot begin the data-collection process, also known as booking and processing, until the arrestee has sobered up. The general rule of thumb used among jails to confirm sobriety is 8 hours. This means that if your friend was arrested at 9 o’clock at night under the influence, they will not be eligible for booking and processing until at least 5 in the morning. You would just need to go home and get some sleep because there would be nothing you can do in your power to get them out of jail just yet.

After Processing

Once your friend has been booked and processed into the jail’s database, the judge residing over the particular case will set their bail. The purpose of setting a bail amount is to obligate and encourage arrestees to appear for their court heating after being released from custody. Bail should be high enough to make people want to appear for court, but not so high that they are incredibly unreasonable and unable to be paid.

For most jurisdictions around the country, bail schedules are used to help set bail amounts. These are assigned bail amounts for specific types of crimes. For instance, the crime of shoplifting a pair of sunglasses from the convenient store may have a bail amount set at $1,000, while a drunk driving charge may start at $5,000. Such schedules differ from state to state, and sometimes even county to county.

Posting Bail

As soon as your friend’s bail is set by the judge, and they have been processed into the system, they are eligible for release. In order to get released from jail, your friend can pay their full bail amount in cash directly to the court. After they have completed all their court hearings, they get a full refund. However, not many people have thousands of dollars in cash to simply hand over for the time being. Instead, many use the alternative, which is to hire a local bail agent for bail bond services. Although you are not refunded the fee you pay for a bail bond, it is much cheaper than the full amount. See our blog, “FAQS About the Cost of Bail” to learn more, including how much you can expect your friend’s bail to be set at.

How to Get Your Friend Out of Jail as Fast as Possible

The only way to speed up the process of bailing your friend out of jail is to hire the right bail bond company. Bail bondsmen that are well-established and experienced often have good and long-standing relationships with the local jail and courts. For this reason, they can usually expedite the bail posting process. However, as mentioned, if your friend was arrested under the influence, nothing can be done to get them released until 8 hours has passed and the jail staff has deemed them sober.

Where to Get the Fastest Bail Bonds in Central Indiana

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 if you or a friend needs bail bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana or its surrounding counties. Right now, we are offering Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds rates as low as 8% for those who qualify. Our offices operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, and in over 30 Indiana counties. There is never a time that we don’t have a licensed bail agent standing by to take your call. Get started with a free quote and jail information, today.

What You Might Not Know About the Bail Bond Industry

Posted on June 17, 2020 by admin

It isn’t really common to do any type of research about bail bonds unless a person is actually in need of one. When put in a stressful situation, such as having the responsibility of bailing someone out of jail, or even surrendering to an arrest warrant yourself, the obligation to learn the facts about the industry can overwhelm even the calmest person. However, this proactive approach is also very wise, and helpful. Although you can find endless information regarding the basics of the bail bond industry, there are many facts that are more difficult to come by.

Continue reading to learn what you might not know, or discover, about bail bonds, that will help you get yourself or a loved one out of jail, faster.

Bail is Not Always an Option

Not all judges grant a person bail after an arrest. For instance, some crimes are not eligible for bail, such as murder. Also, someone who has attempted to flee or evade law enforcement, or escape from prison, might be denied bail privileges. See our blog, “When a Judge Might Deny Your Bail” to learn reasons why a person might not be given the option to post their bail with a bail bond.

Bail Bonds Require a Co-Signer

If you are bailing someone out of jail using a bail bond, you will be required to sign a contract that holds you liable for their full bail amount if they violate any part of the bail bond agreement. So, if you sign the agreement, and then the person fails to show up for court, not only do you not get a refund on the price of the bail bond service, you are legally mandated to pay the courts the FULL bail amount, which is usually in the high thousands. If you are surrendering to an arrest warrant, you will need to have a co-signer to ensure you show up for court.

There is an Amendment About Bail

The 8^th Amendment of the Unites States Constitution decrees that every citizen is protected against excessive and unfair bail. So, even though a judge has the discretion to deny bail, they cannot set a person’s bail excessively high, nor impose any cruel and unusual punishments. See our blog, “Which Amendment Has To Do With Bail?” to learn more about this right.

Bail Amounts are Pre-Set

Judges have the discretion to deny bail, and they are prohibited by law to set bail excessively, but in most cases, judges do not set the bail amounts. Most states have bail schedules with predetermined bond amounts for certain categories of crimes. For instance, shoplifting might come with an automatic bail schedule of $1000, while domestic violence might have a $10,000 bond or more. The more serious the crime, the higher the bond amount set by the judge.

Call Woods Bail Bonds of Central Indiana to Get Out of Jail

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 if you or a loved one needs bailed out of jail anywhere in Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana. Right now, we are offering Indianapolis bail bonds as low as 8% for those who qualify. Our offices operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, and in over 30 Indiana counties. There is never a time that we don’t have a licensed bail agent standing by to take your call. Get started with a free quote and jail information, today.

The Difference Between Bail Bond Services and Arrest Warrant Services

Posted on May 21, 2020 by admin

Not all bail bond agencies are alike, but in Indiana, there services they offer are relatively the same across the board. The two primary types of services offered by local bail bond companies are bail bond services and arrest warrant services. Continue reading to learn more about each type of bail bondsman service offered, and how they can help you get out of jail, fast.

Bail Bond Services

It should be obvious that all bail bondsmen can offer their community bail bonds. Bail bonds are basically a financial contract to bail a person from jail on the understanding that if they fail to appear for their court hearing, they forfeit the entire bond amount. The courts mandate how much a person’s bond is after an arrest and a bail bondsman will cover that amount for a non-refundable service fee. If the person misses their court date, they will have a warrant issued for their arrest and ordered to pay the bail bondsman back the entire bond amount. On average, these can range anywhere from $500 to $20,000, and sometimes more. This is why it is never good to skip a court hearing when out on bail. See our blog, “What are the Indiana Bail Bond Rules?” to learn how bail is set, and how much you can expect to pay for bail bond services.

Arrest Warrant Services

If an arrest warrant is issued for a person’s arrest, they are expected to turn themselves in within a permitted amount of time, or the warrant will turn outstanding. Having an outstanding arrest warrant is bad news because it can hinder a person’s quality of life in many ways. They cannot pass a background check for a new job, obtain a drivers’ license, file tax returns, gain admittance into school, and much more. All databases will be alerted of an outstanding arrest warrant, including local law enforcement.

If stopped by police, even just for speeding or a broken taillight, a person with an arrest warrant will be detained and taken to jail on the spot. A reputable bail bond company should be able to offer services for arrest warrants. Hiring a bail bondsman before turning yourself in can ensure a fast and speedy process through the jail. With a bond already in place, a person can be released from jail right after being processed. A good bail bonds agent can obtain a person’s release for a warrant in as little as a few hours.

Where to Get Secure Bail Bonds in Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana

Call Woods Bail Bonds main headquarters at 317-876-9600 if you or a loved one needs bailed out of jail anywhere in Indiana. Our licensed Indiana bail bondsmen 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. Best of all, we are currently offering 8% bail bond rates! We are ALWAYS standing by, ready to answer your questions about bailing a person out of jail, or turning yourself in for an outstanding arrest warrant, and more. We also provide free estimates, jail information, inmate searches, 24 hour services, and much more.

Questions That Start With “Will I Be Denied Bail if”

Posted on April 23, 2020 by admin

Are you facing an arrest warrant in a nearby county? If so, your top priority should be to resolve your current legal matters as soon as possible; before they can develop into a more serious situation with more severe penalties. One of the most common reasons why many people evade arrest warrants is due to the risk of not being able to get out of jail. With work, school, and family responsibilities, being denied bail is one of the biggest fears among defendants of arrest warrants.

Before you make any assumptions about your potential for being granted bail following your surrender to a warrant, it is helpful to educate yourself on the general outcomes that take place under common circumstances.

Continue reading to review some frequent questions that begin with, “Will I Be Denied Bail If.”

Will I Be Denied Bail if….

I Have a Criminal History?

For those with criminal histories, the fear of having to remain in custody is a real one. Often times, habitual offenders are granted bail, but at much higher amounts. It is also possible for a court to deny a person bail if they are a repeat offender of serious crimes, such as ones that involve violence or bodily harm.

I am Charged With a Violent Crime?

As mentioned above, if you are arrested or wanted for a violent crime, there is a chance that a judge will refuse to set bail. If a person is considered a danger to themselves or to others, they will be denied bail, and forced to wait in custody until their scheduled hearing. If you are charged with assault or domestic battery, and do not have a history of violence, you will likely be granted bail, albeit, it might be high.

I Have Warrants in Multiple Counties?

When you are surrendering to an arrest warrant, you are surrendering solely to that particular county you are wanted in. If you have other warrants in other counties, even if they are adjacent, it will not affect your current county arrest warrant surrender process. Unless you are wanted by the feds, each county will separately arrest you and prosecute you, accordingly.

I am Legally Indigent?

Whether you have money or not for a lawyer does not impact your potential for bail. However, if you cannot afford to pay your bail, nor have no collateral to cover it, you will be forced to remain in custody until your scheduled hearing.

I am on Probation?

When you are charged with a new offense while on probation, you can expect to be in more trouble than you typically would be if you were not on probation. However, this would not likely affect a judge’s decision to set bail for you; that is, unless you are wanted on multiple charges of violent crimes.

Where to Get Fast and Affordable Bail Bonds in Indianapolis

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds you can trust, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Not only do we serve both adult and juvenile clients, 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.

The Top Qualities of a Dependable Bail Bonds Company

Posted on April 16, 2020 by admin

When you have the responsibility of getting a friend or loved one out of jail after they have been arrested, it is important to find the right resource for the job. In almost all cases, using a bail bond is the fastest, easiest, and most secure method to obtaining a person’s release from jail in local counties. Since bail bond services are very common, you are likely to find a handfuls of companies offering bail bonds, but beware! Not all bail bondsmen are reliable or even licensed! There are certain qualities you must look for in a bail bond company to weed out all the unreliable businesses.

When starting out your search, be sure to look for these top three qualities in a bail bond company before using their services to get a friend or loved one out of jail.

Experience

Extensive experience is a must when choosing a reliable bail bond company. Experience shows that a company is well-established and not a fly-by-the-night business. It also shows that they are trained and well-versed in everything there is to know within the industry. On top of longevity and knowledge, experience often gives local bail bond companies an advantage because they have long-standing relationships with the local jails and courthouses. This can aid in the speediness of a person’s release from incarceration. A well-established and respectable company should have at least ten years’ experience in the same county.

License d and Bonded

Never use a bail bondsman or company that cannot show proof of licensing. There are crooks out there that will promise bail bond services, take your money, and never be heard of again. Also, licensing is important in order to run a legitimate bail bond business. Without proper licensing, it is not legal for bail bond companies to do business.

Customer Services

On top of bail bonds, a reliable company will offer a variety of customer services and conveniences. Services such as notary services, various bond services, emergency bail bonds, and more are a good start; while customer conveniences could include services like free jail pickup and drop-off services, complimentary inmate lookup, free jail address information, 24 hour service, and more. These extras are a great indication that a company is serious and proficient at what they do.

Don’t Waste Your Time Looking Around….
Call Woods Bail Bonds of Central Indiana to Get Out of Jail

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 if you or a loved one needs bailed out of jail anywhere in Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana. Right now, we are offering bail bonds rates as low as 8% for those who qualify. Our offices operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, and in over 30 Indiana counties. There is never a time that we don’t have a licensed bail agent standing by to take your call. Get started with a free quote and jail information, today.

At What Legal Age Can a Person Bail Another Person Out of Jail?

Posted on September 27, 2013 by admin

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When it comes to bail bonds, there are several laws, rules, and guidelines that must be followed precisely on each end of the bail process. This means a bail bondsman, as well as a signee, must carry out a particular set of requirements and responsibilities as ordered by the court and county ordinances. It is a delicate process, but more importantly, it is a huge responsibility to undertake. This is why there is a legal age requirement to post bond for someone else.

The age obligation is different from state to state; however, in Indiana. The legal age requirement is consistent in all counties. Continue reading to learn the legal age condition for a person to bail another person out of jail, and who to call for bail services in Indiana.

Indiana’s Legal Age Requirement to Post a Person’s Bond

A person who wants to post bond for an individual imprisoned in Indiana must be at least 18 years of age. This is the age in which a person is considered an adult according to the law. Posting bond for someone in jail is a serious situation that includes a very real stipulation and potentially has even more serious consequences.

Anyone who bails another person from jail is responsible for the violator’s bond amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. This is why the law states an adult is only allowed to post bond for someone. Realistically, a person has to be old enough to understand and have the means to be responsible for the bond. This is why the law is what it is.

Indianapolis Bail Bond Services

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

For more information about posting bond for a person incarcerated in an Indiana jail, call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9890 today. Jim Woods and his team of reputable bail bondsmen are licensed and bonded to provide all types of bail services for all Indiana counties. Call them any time, day or night, because they offer 24 hour bail bonds. If you are looking for a fast and friendly bail bondsman to answer your questions about bail in Indianapolis, call 317-876-9890 and get reliable answers right now!

How to Get Out of Jail Fast in Indianapolis

Posted on May 31, 2013 by admin

Jail can be an intimidating place, especially if it’s a persons’ first offense. Jail is not meant to be fun; it is intended to thwart offenders from repeating another crime. If you are going to turn yourself in on an outstanding warrant, or of a loved one has been arrested, continue reading to learn the fastest way to get out of jail.

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Bail Bond Agencies in Indianapolis

Bail bond agents are people who facilitate a release from jail for people that have been arrested for minor charges and misdemeanors. Repeat felons and offenders are usually not offered an opportunity for bail. Using a bail bondsman is the most reliable way to get out of jail. Most bail bond agents have been in the industry for years. They have close ties to judges and court officials, as well as the local jails. Although a person must pay a bail bond agency a non-refundable fee for their service, they avoid waiting in jail for weeks until their court hearing. Freedom is priceless in these situations.

How to Use a Bail Bond

Once a person is arrested or taken in, they are passed through a processing center. This is where the jail officials take fingerprints, personal information, mug shots, and more. The processing segment of jail can take up to 12 hours depending on the amount of traffic and size of the staff. If a person is arrested under the influence of a drug or alcohol, they are placed in a cell to sober up for 8 hours before even going to the processing center. Once a person is done being processed and entered into the system, they are given a chance to make phone calls. Most of the time, a person can use the phone as many times as they like, not just for one call. If they are being rude or behaving badly, the jail staff has the right to take away phone privileges.

With the phone call, they should dial the number to a local bail bond agency. The bail bondsman will immediately begin the process of releasing them from jail. If you are turning yourself in on an outstanding warrant, then call a bail bondsman ahead of time for a faster process.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call James Woods of Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana at 317-876-9600 today for information on how to get out of jail fast. He has been serving Hoosiers with bail bonds for more than 30 years. He and his team of licensed bail agents are highly experienced professionals with decades of service in the bail bond industry. Visit our website to learn more about James and Teresa Woods, Owners of Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, IN.