What You Need to Know Before Bailing Out a Friend

We’ve all been in a situation where our friend has gotten into trouble and needs help getting out of jail. It can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you don’t know the first thing about bail bonds or how to get your friend released from jail. Luckily, there are professionals who specialize in helping people with their bail bond needs. But before you dive head-first into bailing out a friend, it is important to understand the process and all of its implications. This blog will provide some essential information that you should know before deciding whether or not to bail out a friend.

Call 317-876-9600 When You Need to Post Bond in Marion County Indiana
Call 317-876-9600 When You Need to Post Bond in Marion County Indiana

Are You Thinking About Bailing Your Friend Out of Jail?

Bailing a friend out of jail can be a difficult decision to make. Before deciding, it is important to understand the bail process and the potential consequences. Bail is the amount of money set by the court to ensure the defendant’s appearance for all scheduled court dates. If the full bail amount cannot be paid, a bail bond can be obtained through a licensed bail bond agent. However, bail bond agents typically charge a fee, which can be non-refundable. It is also important to consider the reason for your friend’s arrest and whether or not they are a flight risk. Ultimately, the decision to bail out a friend should be carefully thought out and discussed with a trusted advisor or legal professional.

Here is What You Need to Do Before Posting Your Pal’s Bond:

Learn the Basics of Bail Bond Regulations

First and foremost, you should be aware that there are certain rules and regulations associated with bail bonds. In the United States, a bail bond is a contract between an individual (the defendant) and a bail bondsman or surety company. This contract obligates the defendant to appear at all court hearings related to their case in exchange for their release from jail. You may also have to pay a non-refundable fee to secure the bond as well as provide collateral (e.g., real estate deeds or cars).

Understand Your Bail Options

When it comes time for your friend’s release, you have two options: either post cash or secure a surety bond through a professional bail bondsman. If you choose the latter option, the surety company will typically require you to pay a non-refundable fee, usually 10% to 15% of the total bail amount. Also keep in mind that if your friend fails to appear at court hearings or violates any conditions of their release, you could be held liable for the entire cost of the bond as well as any additional fines or fees assessed by the court.

Know the Risks of Being a Bail Bond Cosigner

Finally, it is important to understand that bailing out a friend is not always an easy process and there are risks involved. Before making a decision, think carefully about whether your friend is likely to return for all their court appearances and abide by any restrictions placed on them while they’re out on bail. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to post bail for your friend, but if you do decide to go through with it, make sure you have all the facts and make an informed decision.

What Happens if Your Friend Skips Bail?

Bailing a friend out of jail with the help of a bail bond can be a lifesaver in difficult situations. However, if your friend fails to show up for their court hearing after being bailed out, it can cause quite a bit of stress. If this happens, it means that your friend has skipped bail, also known as bail jumping or jumping bail. As a result, an arrest warrant will be issued for their arrest. As the co-signer of the bail bond, you will be held responsible for paying the full amount of the bond. For instance, if your pal’s bail was set at $5K and you paid only 10% of that for a bail bond, that means you paid a non-refundable fee of $500 for a bail bond. But you will owe the bail bondsman the remaining $4,500 if your friend fails to appear for court.

It is important to remember that bail bonds are a legally binding agreement between you, your friend, and the bail bond company. This means that you should always make sure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of the bond before signing anything. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and ensuring that your friend shows up for their court hearing is crucial.

Do you need a quick release from jail in Indiana for yourself or someone you know? We can provide the perfect solution for your needs! Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for speedy and secure bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer prearranged bail bond service for arrest warrants and probation violations, too.

Related Posts:

Bail Bond Cosigner Liability Information You Need to Know
Understanding Bail Bond Terminology: A Guide for Clients
Which Jail is My Friend Being Held At?

Can I Post Bail for 2 People at the Same Time?

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

It is common for people to get arrested at the same time. And in most cases, these people are either friends or family. When this happens, co-workers, friends, parents, and other loved ones, are faced with the choice of posting their bail or not. One of the most common questions bail bondsman get about this situation is whether or not a person can post bond for two people at the same time. For instance, if two brothers are arrested for vandalism, their parents may wonder if they can post their son’s bond and get them both home
at the same time.

Posting Bail for More Than One

Although there are no actual laws against it, most courts will not allow a person to be a surety for two or more people at one time. They only permit this under very rare and special circumstances. Likewise, in almost all cases a bail bond company will not allow a person to post bond for two people at the same time either.

This is primarily because acting as a surety is a serious responsibility. Not only does a surety have to strictly supervise the defendant and ensure they refrain from committing more crimes, they must ensure the defendant appears for all scheduled court hearings.

If the defendant fails to appear for court, the surety is responsible for paying back the entire bond amount, which is usually in the thousands. Undertaking this type of potential financial risk for one person is a serious responsibility, let alone for two. In a far off theory, it could also be argued that a person is attempting to unlawfully act as a bail bondsman if they take on multiple sureties.

What To Do Instead

If two or more of your loved ones are arrested at the same time, talk to a local bail bondsman about your options for getting them out of jail. For parents, a mother and father could post bail for each child separately, or pay the full bond amounts in cash for both kids. There are options available, you just have to contact a trusted Indianapolis bail bond company to get started.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to post bail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner James Woods and his team of licensed bail bondsmen, are happy to answer your questions about posting bail, bail bonds, and more. We are open around the clock, all year round, so there is always a friendly bail agent to take four call. Dial 317-876-9600 to request your free information, today.

How to Find Inmate Information for Free in Indiana

Indiana Inmate Search

Indiana Inmate Search 317-876-9600

If you are looking for inmate information in Indiana, you will find that there are several resources to choose from, many of which are also free of charge. The source you choose will likely depend on a variety of factors, including the type of information you need, when you need it, and where the inmate is detained. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for inmate searches, as well as, popular portals for locating inmates in Indiana.

State and Federal Databases

Both state and federal prisons provide inmate status information via online databases. If you know which type of crime the inmate was charged with, start with that prison system. This will expedite the process and get you the information you are looking for, faster. These systems are easy to use, and most are free. Some will require you to create an account, which is also usually free, while others may not. They provide general information about an inmate, such as the incarceration date and date of release. And for most prison inmate search systems, all you need is the inmate’s name and state of residence. If you know which prison the inmate is being held at, you can phone the jail directly and request information.

Local Bail Bonds Company

If a loved one was just arrested, and still in police custody, contacting an experienced local bail bondsman is the quickest method to use. They generally get inmate information long before information is entered into the jail’s database because they have close ties with the local jails and courthouses. They can provide generic information about an inmate, including charges, court dates, and bond amounts. Not only do they operate on a 24 hour basis, they usually provide these services for free if you use their company to bail your loved one out of jail.

Helpful Inmate Search Portals for Indiana:

Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search
Inmates Plus Free Locator
The Inmate Locator
Indiana Jail and Inmate Records Directory

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Marion County Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds Marion County Indiana 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to get a friend out of jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of bail bondsmen, are licensed, bonded, and insured, and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. We offer fast and friendly 24 hour bail bond services for as low as 8%! Call 317-876-9600 to request a free estimate from a licensed Indianapolis bail bondsman you can trust.