Getting arrested for drunk driving can be a daunting experience, leaving you in a state of confusion and worry about what comes next. One of the biggest concerns is often the process of securing a bail bond to ensure your temporary release from custody. This blog aims to shed light on this crucial aspect, guiding you through the process of obtaining a DUI bail bond in Indiana. Here, you will learn about bail bond prices, understanding bail bond agreements, and utilizing collateral for bail bonds.

Moreover, we will delve into the repercussions of failing to appear in court after being released on a drunk driving charge. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for those seeking bail bond services, and anyone wanting to understand the responsibilities that come with involving a bail bondsman.

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Understanding DUI Bail Bonds

Before we dive into the specifics of securing a DUI bail bond, it’s essential to understand what bail bonds are and how they work. A bail bond is a legal contract between the defendant (the individual charged with a crime) and the court that guarantees their appearance in court at the specified date and time. The amount of money required for a bail bond is usually set by the court and can vary based on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history.

Before a defendant can be released on bond, they must be booked and processed into the jail database. However, the law requires an individual to be sober and of sound mind to do this. So, you cannot obtain a DUI bail bond until the arrested person is deemed sober by the jail staff. This usually takes about 8 to 10 hours depending on the extent of intoxication and additional variables. The bail bond company cannot post their bond until they have been booked in the jail. Friends and families waiting to bond out their loved one must be patient and wait 8 hours from the time of arrest to start the bail bond process.

Bail Bond Services for Drunk Driving Arrests

When faced with a drunk driving charge, securing a bail bond can be your ticket out of jail until your court date. However, posting bail requires paying a certain percentage of the total bond amount to a bail bondsman (also known as a bail bond agent). In Indiana, this percentage is typically 10% to 15% of the total bond amount. For example, if your bail is set at $10,000, you would have to pay anywhere from $1,000 – $1,500, plus any additional fees, to the bail bondsman to secure your release. This fee is non-refundable, even if charges are dropped or dismissed.

Bail Bond Agreements

When you work with a bail bondsman, you will be required to sign a contract known as a bail bond agreement. This document outlines the terms and conditions of your release, including your obligation to appear in court on the specified date, maintain contact with the bail bond agent, and avoid any further legal trouble. It also states that if you fail to fulfill these obligations, the court can revoke your bail bond, and you will be required to pay the full bond amount. It’s crucial to read and understand this agreement before signing it, as it is a legally binding contractual document.

Using Collateral for a Bail Bond

In some cases, individuals may not have enough cash on hand to cover the cost of a bail bond. In these situations, they can use collateral (such as property, stocks, bonds, or valuable assets like cars and boats) to secure the bond. It’s important to note that if you use collateral, it will be returned once your case is resolved. However, if you fail to appear in court as required, your collateral may be seized by the bail bondsman as payment for the full bond amount.

Consequences of Failing to Appear for Court

When you are released on bond, it is your responsibility to appear in court as scheduled. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences, including additional charges and the revocation of your bail bond. This means that you will be sent back to jail until your court date, and the full amount of your bail may need to be paid. Additionally, if you used collateral to secure your bond, it will be seized by the bondsman.

Conclusion

Securing a DUI bail bond in Indiana is an essential step in the legal process after being arrested for drunk driving. Understanding how bail bonds work, the costs involved, and your responsibilities as a defendant can help make the process less daunting. It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your bail bondsman and fulfill your obligations to avoid any further legal consequences.

Remember, always seek professional legal advice if you have any questions or concerns about the bail bond process. Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana you can trust. We also offer prearranged bail bond service for arrest warrants and probation violations.

❶ DUI Test and Arrest

The first step that must take place before a defendant can be bailed out of jail for a DUI is actually dual-parted. In “Part A”, the defendant must be stopped by police for suspicion of driving under the influence, and then given a chemical or field sobriety test (or both) to prove or determine their level of intoxication. This can be a traffic stop (pulled over), a DUI checkpoint, or circumstantial police encounter (cop witnessing a person enter their vehicle who appears to be intoxicated). “Part B” is the actual arrest and detainment. After the defendant is tested for intoxication, and retains levels that exceed the state minimum, the arresting officer will then transport the defendant to the corresponding county jail. Once they are turned over to the jail staff, the next step can take place.

❷ Booking and Processing

Before a defendant can post bond, they must first be “booked and processed” into the jail system. This involved the infamous mug shot and fingerprinting, but it also involves more. Upon arrival at the jail, the defendant’s personal belongings are confiscated, tagged, and stored for safe-keeping. Then they are escorted to a holding cell where they will await the booking and processing segment of their stay. This involves mug shots and fingerprinting, but also data entry of their personal information, like name, address, date of birth, employment, dependents, and so on. Once this portion of their jail stay is complete, they are eligible to post their bond. Which leads us to the next step.

But before we move onto the third and final step, there is something important to know about this one: before an inmate can be booking and processed, they MUST BE DEEMED SOBER. This means jail staff will not even consider speaking to the inmate until 8 hours have passed. This helps ensure sobriety. Once 8 hours have passed, the jail staff will commence the booking and processing segment, but only if the inmate is exhibiting obedient and non-threatening behavior. Now we can move onto the last step!

❸ Bond is Set

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For instance, if a person’s bond was $5,000, and a bail bondsman charges 10%, they would pay a non-refundable fee of $500 to the bail bond company for a release from jail. But only on the contracted promise that they will show up for all scheduled court hearings. If they fail to appear, they are liable for the total bond amount and a warrant is issued for their arrest.

❹ Posting Bond

Once an inmate is eligible to post bond, they are given the privilege of using the jail phone. They can make as many calls as they like, so long as they are practicing good behavior. They can call a friend or loved one, or they can contact a bail bonds company directly. Either way, it is the next segment of the DUI bail bond process. A local bail bondsman can facilitate a speedy and secure release from jail for those charged with a DUI in Indiana. If you choose a company that has several decades of experience, you are likely to secure a faster and more reliable release. This is because long-standing bail bondsmen generally have long-standing relationships with the local jails and courthouses, giving them a slight advantage when posting bonds.

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How to Secure a DUI Bail Bond in Indiana: A Comprehensive Guide