How Much Does a Bond Cost in Marion County, Indiana?

Posted on July 23, 2013 by admin

This Provisional Bail Schedule shall apply to all defendants arrested outright in Marion County. This schedule shall not apply to those cases where a judicial officer already has issued a warrant with a predetermined bail.

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General Provisions:

A. Bail amounts set pursuant to this schedule shall be based upon the lead charge brought against the defendant and shall not exceed $200,000. Only the assigned trial judge has the opportunity to review and/or alter the provisional bail amounts.

B. Arrestee Processing Center commissioners are responsible for reviewing the bail set by the bail clerk and may correct that amount pursuant to the schedule if a commissioner becomes aware of relevant information not considered when bail was first set. Arrestee Processing Center commissioners also may impose appropriate pre- trial release conditions.

Felonies:

Murder= No Bail

Class A Felony $50,000 Surety
Class B Felony $20,000 Surety
Class C Felony $7,500 Surety
Class D Felony $2,500 Surety

**Enhancements: Class A Felony, Class B Felony, and Class C Felony shall double for each of the following circumstances applying to the defendant:

1. The defendant is not a Marion County resident,
2. The crime alleged involves a deadly weapon or serious bodily injury,
3. The defendant has two or more alleged victims,
4. The defendant has two or more prior felony convictions,
5. The defendant has two or more failures to appear,
6. The defendant has ten or more prior arrests (not including public intoxication arrests). This category shall double for each additional 10 arrests a a defendant has.
7. The defendant has been arrested for an offense while on probation, parole, bond or released on the person’s own recognizance for another offense.

**Enhancements: Class D Felony shall double, up to the maximum of $5,000, for each of the following circumstances:

1. The defendant is not a Marion County resident,
2. The defendant has one or more failures to appear,
3. The defendant has one or more prior felony convictions,
4. The defendant is charged with one of the following Class D Felonies:

– Battery
– Criminal Confinement
– Criminal Gang Activity
– Criminal Recklessness
– Escape
– Intimidation
– Pointing a Firearm
– Residential Entry
– Resisting Law Enforcement
– Stalking
– Strangulation

Misdemeanor:

Class A Misdemeanor Own Recognizance up to $1,500 10% Cash
Class B Misdemeanor Own Recognizance
Class B Misdemeanor (Battery) Own Recognizance up to $1,500 10% Cash
Class C Misdemeanor Own Recognizance

Special Considerations:

Domestic Violence Cases

Class C Felony $25,000 Surety
Class D Felony S10,000 Surety plus $10,000 10% Cash
Class A Misdemeanor S5,000 Surety plus $5,000 10% Cash

Invasion of Privacy Cases

Class D Felony $10,000 Surety plus $10,000 10% Cash
Class A Misdemeanor $5,000 Surety plus $5,000 10% Cash

Operating Vehicle While Intoxicated (Misdemeanor) Cases

Bail shall be set at $1,500 10% Cash with a $1,000 increase for each prior conviction.

Court 13 Cases

A person arrested for or charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense and slated into Court 13 shall be released on the person’s own recognizance.

Child Molesting, Child Solicitation, and Sexually Violent Predator Cases

No bail will be issued until the trial court has conducted a bail hearing for a person who is charged with Child Molesting or Child Solicitation.

No bail will be issued until the trial court has conducted a bail hearing for a person who has been determined to be a sexually violent predator defendant.

The Arrestee Processing Center commissioner shall set such cases for a bail hearing in the appropriate court no later than 48 hours after the person has been arrested or at the earliest possible setting if exigent circumstances prevent holding the hearing within 48 hours.

Review of Provisional Bail Amount:

Except for major felony courts, the trial court to which the defendant’s case is assigned shall review the bail set:

A. Within 5 days of the arrest of any defendant who has not yet made bail as set by the Arrestee Processing Center commissioner or pursuant to the Provisional Bail Schedule

B. Within 5 days upon receipt of motion of the State or the defendant pursuant.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Marion County Indiana 317-876-9600

For more information about the cost of bail bonds in Marion County, Indiana, call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 today. James Woods and his team of licensed bail agents are happy to answer any questions you have about bail in Indiana. Woods Bail Bonds offers a variety of services for Marion County, and all of Indianapolis. Call 317-876-9600 for free information about our Marion County bail bond services in Indiana today.

Three Reasons to Bail a Person Out of Jail

Posted on July 18, 2013 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

It is never fun to get that late night phone call from a friend or loved one telling you they’ve been arrested and need to be bailed out of jail. It is certainly inconvenient to leave your home, put up the cash for the bond amount, and apply for a bail bond to get them released from jail; however, there are many advantages, and even satisfaction, associated with bailing a friend or loved one from jail.

Continue reading to learn how bail bond services bring families back together and help people in trouble remain on track to repair their legal circumstances, effectively.

Personal Responsibilities

One reason it is important to bail a friend or loved one from jail is that perhaps that person needs to apply their attention to their personal lives; such as their homes, families, and children. After an arrest, emotional support is extremely advantageous; but if a person is stranded in jail,they will not be able to explore their feeling and remorse with loved ones. Children are another key factor to consider. Explaining the extended absence of a mother or father to a child is a very difficult conversation to attempt. Rumors can spread at their schools and kids can get bullied for having an incarcerated parent. It can all be avoided by helping that person gain a release from custody as soon as possible.

Occupational Consequences

Perhaps this friend or loved one has a great job, or even a regular, steady one. Remaining in jail can jeopardize their employment as a result of too much missed work. Besides the risk of being fired or let go, they risk not being able to receive a paycheck for the hours they missed, causing them financial distress that can lead to evictions, repossessions, foreclosures, lights turned off and more. This is an even more serious situation for a person with children. Obtaining a release from jail allows a person to return to work, salvage their jobs, and save money for the upcoming legal fees needed to refute their charges.

Legal Advantages

On the topic of battling legal charges, bailing a person out of jail gives them a significant legal advantage. When you bail someone from jail, this gives them ample time to hire a good attorney, come up with the financial responsibilities associated with their arrest, and concentrate and prepare on their defense for their case. If left in jail, they would have to wait there until their scheduled court date, and show up to trial cuffed and wearing an orange jumper. Showing up in a suit or dress is a much better impression on the judge no matter which way you look at it.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

There are several more reasons to bail a person out of jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Woods Bail Bonds can help you get a friend or loved one released from jail, any time. Call Jim Woods and his team of licensed bail agents at 317-876-9600 for details about bail services, costs, and more. Woods Bail Bonds employs friendly and knowledgeable bail bondsmen that have been in the industry for decades. Our goal is to help people get out of jail fast, and back to their lives as soon as possible. Call us today for bail bond services and to get someone out of jail in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding cities and counties.

When Do You Need a Bail Bondsman in Indiana?

Posted on July 3, 2013 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

There are countless situations in which a person could benefit from the assistance of a bail bondsman. Not all situations are exactly alike; they differ from person to person and case to case. However, bail bonds are an effective and responsible method to obtain a fast and secure release from jail; and a bail bondsman can help someone obtain that release.

Continue reading to learn more about bail bondsmen and how their services help people in a variety of different circumstances within the industry.

First Time Offenders

For anyone arrested and taken to jail for the first time in their lives, a bail bondsman can be very advantageous. They are the professionals in the situation; so they can instruct you on everything from how to behave in jail to what documents you need to bail yourself out. Bail Bondsmen are great resources for guidance when it comes to getting out of jail.

Extreme Bond Amounts

If you are a high profile person, celebrity, or business mogul; then it wouldn’t be a problem paying a court the entire bond amount to release you from jail. These bond amounts can range anywhere from $5,000 to $500,000, depending on the particular charges. An ordinary person on an average payroll isn’t likely to have that kind of cash availability. In these cases, you need to hire a bail bondsman to cover the entire bond amount, while paying them a portion for their services. They charge you only a small percent of the bond amount and pay the courts off themselves. In return, you are required to appear for all court dates or you forfeit the rest of the bond amount. Not only are you obligated to pay the bond amount in full, the bail agency will track you down and have you arrested again. It is never a good idea to skip bail.

Arrest Warrants

When a person is turning themselves in on an outstanding arrest warrant, they will need the help of a bail bondsman to get out of jail the same day. If you have any type of warrant issued for your arrest, it is important to turn yourself into authorities as soon as possible. Call a bail bondsman to arrange your release ahead of time so that you may leave right after you are processed into the jail’s system. This is the fastest way to take care of an arrest warrant.

24 Hr Bail Bonds for Indianapolis

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

If you would like to know more about the advantages of a bail bondsman in Indianapolis, Indiana, call Woods Bails Bonds today. James Woods and his team of bail bondsmen are industry professionals that retain extensive experience and knowledge in the bail services industry. Their licensed bail agents can provide a fast, friendly, and secure release from a long list of jails in Indiana. Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 today to speak with a live bail bondsmen in Indianapolis, IN.

What is Collateral in the Bail Bond Industry?

Posted on June 22, 2013 by admin

Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

When people are arrested, they are taken into custody where they await their bail hearing. At a bail hearing, the judge will determine what amount to set your bond, taking into consideration your past offenses, and the severity of the current one. Your bail amount will differ from everyone else because of these particular variables.

Once your bail amount is set by the courts, you are given the opportunity to either hire a bail bond agency and obtain a release from jail, or remain in jail and await your next court date, in which you’ll receive your sentencing. When you hire a bail bond agent to obtain a release from jail, many will require some form of collateral in exchange. Read on to learn what collateral means in the world of bail bonds.

Collateral Bail

Collateral is any form of asset, whether it’s cash, property, vehicles, or something else of equal value that is held onto by a person lending a service or product. A bail bond agency will sometimes facilitate their services for the arrested, without asking for any collateral at all. Again, it all depends on the previous criminal history, employment status, credit history, and the type of current offense. A bail bondsman will examine these variables before deciding if they require collateral or not.

The reason a bail agency would ask for collateral is to ensure that the defendant does not skip bail, or fail to appear for their court dates. If they fail to appear, the bond agency is obligated to pay the remaining bond amount unless they can find the person and bring them to the courts. A bond amount can be anywhere from $1000 to $100,000. A bail bond agency only charges 10-15% of the entire bond amount. If a person’s bond amount is $5,000, then a bail agency would charge a $500 non-refundable fee for a bail bond. If the person skips their next court date after being released on bail, the agency has to pay the remaining $4,500 until they find the fugitive.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

For more information about collateral and bail bonds, call Woods Bail Bonds today! James Woods is a veteran in the bail bond industry and is happy to answer any questions you have about turning yourself in, outstanding arrest warrants, bail, and more. He and his team of licensed bail bond agents have been working in the bond industry for more than 30 years! Call them today at 317-876-9600 for questions about collateral and bail bonds in Indianapolis and its surrounding cities in Indiana.

What Happens When You Get Arrested for a DUI in Hamilton County, Indiana?

Posted on June 8, 2013 by admin

Has a close friend or a loved one recently been arrested in Hamilton County and now you want to know what happens next? The arrest and release process in Indiana works a little different in each county and each jurisdiction. Continue reading to learn about a recent case Woods Bail Bonds handled in Hamilton County, IN.

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Hamilton County DUI Case

Recently we placed a bond for a girl here in Hamilton County that claimed she was pulled over for speeding. The officer on duty asked her if she knew why she was being stopped; her reply was that she didn’t know. The police officer informed the girl that she was driving 45 in a 40 zone. He then asked her if she had been drinking. She admittedly told the cop that she had a couple of drinks early in the evening.

At this point, police are obligated to make sure a person is not over the legal alcohol limit while driving. So from there, the officer administered a field breathalyzer test, informing her that it was not exactly accurate but would give him a good idea on whether or not she needs to be taken to jail for further testing. If a person blows over a .08 alcohol level, they are considered intoxicated by law. She tested .08, and then was transported to Hamilton County Jail. Once there, she was administered a second breathalyzer test on a different machine that the officers claimed would give a more precise reading of her toxicity levels. Unfortunately, the girl tested at a .09% and was immediately placed under arrest. She was placed in a holding cell commonly referred to as the “drunk tank”, and forced to turn over all of her personal property she had on hand. She was told that she would have to wait at least 6 hours before she would be sober enough to be released from jail.

Hours later, the girl was removed from the holding cell and processed; meaning they took her finger prints and her picture, and then extensively questioned. Her bond was set by a judge at $2,500 and was notified that she needed to get a hold of a bail bondsman, or pay the entire amount with cash. She asked them if she could be released on her own and their reply was that she “wasn’t in Marion County”.

Hamilton County Bail Bond Process

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

A pre-established bail schedule is used to set your bond. This schedule is formulated by the local courts so you are able to post bail before actually appearing before a judge. The types of charges and even where you live can be taken into consideration. For example, out of state residents are likely to be considered a greater risk for failure to appear.

If a surety bond is allowed, a bail agent can post a surety bond on the defendant’s behalf. The agent’s company then takes responsibility for making sure they appear in court. This means all dates until the case is over. A cash bond is paid directly to the jail. When posting a surety bond with a bail agent normally an “indemnitor” will be required to sign for financial responsibility. This can be a family member, employer or close friend. The indemnitor helps indemnify the surety against loss. It also provides a sense of responsibility for the defendant since they know a family member or friend will bear financial loss. There are a lot of times we will post bonds on defendants and let them sign for themselves.

Any OWI or DUI arrests will have an additional schedule that calculates when a defendants BAC (blood alcohol content) will be metabolized low enough to allow for a safe release. If the defendant is arrested on a warrant out of a different court jurisdiction he will be jailed in the arresting officer’s jail. Then normally transported back to the jail by the original law enforcement authorities; and they will not tell you when that will happen for security reasons. This can take days.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

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If you have more questions about the bail bond process in Hamilton County, Indiana and all over Indianapolis, ask James Woods, owner of Woods Bail Bonds. You can reach him and his team at 317-876-9600 for the most accurate and up-to-date information about bail bonds in Indiana. Him and our team of licensed bail agents are friendly and there for you in your time of need. We are happy to take your call 24/7, day or night. When it comes to getting bailed out of Hamilton County Jail, trust us for fast and courteous service.

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.

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

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.

The Truth about Your Miranda Rights

Posted on May 9, 2013 by admin

In every cop movie you see, you know when you hear the officer say, “Read him his rights”, that the person in question is about to be arrested. Well, this is true in real life too. Continue reading to learn about these rights, and where they originated.

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What Are My “Miranda Rights” And What Are They For?

The Miranda Rights are basically an explanation of your right to remain silent before being questioned. Because the exact phrasing of the official “Miranda Rights” isn’t depicted in the Supreme Court’s history of decision making, local law enforcement stations have created their own version and style of the Miranda Rights, covering the basic statements that need to be read to the person being charged. An example goes something like this:

1. You Have The Right To Remain Silent.

Everyone knows this one, right? The courts position is this:

“At the outset, if a person in custody is to be subjected to interrogation, he must first be informed in clear and unequivocal terms that he has the right to remain silent.”

2. Anything You Say Or Do Can Be Held Against You In A Court Of Law.

And the Court’s position is this:

“The warning of the right to remain silent must be accompanied by the explanation that anything said can and will be used against the individual in court.”

3. You Have The Right To Have An Attorney Present Now And For Any Future Questioning.

And the Court says:

“…the right to have counsel present at the interrogation is indispensable to the protection of the Fifth Amendment privilege under the system we delineate today. … [Accordingly] we hold that an individual held for interrogation must be clearly informed that he has the right to consult with a lawyer and to have the lawyer with him during interrogation under the system for protecting the privilege we delineate today.”

4. If You Cannot Afford an Attorney, One Will Be Appointed To You Free Of Charge.

What does the Court have to say? They Say This:

“In order fully to apprise a person interrogated of the extent of his rights under this system then, it is necessary to warn him not only that he has the right to consult with an attorney, but also that if he is indigent a lawyer will be appointed to represent him. Without this additional warning, the admonition of the right to consult with counsel would often be understood as meaning only that he can consult with a lawyer if he has one or has the funds to obtain one.”

The Court continues by declaring what the police must do if the person being interrogated indicates that he or she does want a lawyer…

“If the individual states that he wants an attorney, the interrogation must cease until an attorney is present. At that time, the individual must have an opportunity to confer with the attorney and to have him present during any subsequent questioning. If the individual cannot obtain an attorney and he indicates that he wants one before speaking to police, they must respect his decision to remain silent.”

Can A Person Be Arrested WITHOUT Being Read Their Miranda Rights?

The answer, Indiana, is yes. The Miranda Rights aren’t used to protect you in any way from being detained and charged. It is simply an informative script warning you of what your rights are at that moment, because when you are being arrested, you don’t continue to have all the normal rights of a person not in question. Police only need a little thing called, “probable cause” to detain a person. Basically just a good-enough reason mixed with events and facts that leads cops to believe the person has committed an offense. The only time Miranda Rights are required to be read, is before interrogation sessions.

Where Did Our Miranda Rights Originate From?

The history of where the Miranda Rights came from is not pretty. It is named after a man from Arizona that was convicted of rape almost 50 years ago. His name, Ernesto Miranda. He was arrested on a theft charge for suspicion of stealing $8 from a bank employee. He was also suspected of a series of recent rapes, kidnappings, and robberies in the area. The story goes that he was never offered a lawyer during the two hour questioning session, where he admitted of raping an 18 year old girl a week prior, and of the robberies. He was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in jail. But during the trial process, his lawyers argued about his rights being violated because he was never informed of his right to remain silent, even though he signed legal documents attesting he understood his legal rights. In 1966, the Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Miranda’s rights were violated because he was never told of his right to remain silent. He was awarded a second trial but was still convicted. But that is where the phrase, “Miranda Rights”, originates from.

Bail Bonds in Indianapolis

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

For more information about your Miranda Rights, and other rights after being arrested in Indianapolis, IN, call James Woods at Woods Bail Bonds, today. His teams of professional bail agents are highly trained and experienced in the legal industry and can accurately answer any questions you have about getting someone out of jail. You can reach James, or another friendly bail agent, 24/7, at 317-876-9600 for help with bail bonds in Indianapolis and all other surrounding counties in Indiana.

The Advantages of Bail Bonds

Posted on May 3, 2013 by admin

Posting bail is usually the first and most obvious thought that a person has once they are arrested and taken to jail. No one wants to spend an extra minute in jail if they don’t have to. A bail bond can make that happen. Here are some reasons why it can be more beneficial to obtain a bail bond, rather than waiting in jail until the scheduled court date.

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Maintain Employment

If a person decides to get bailed out of jail, a very important advantage is avoiding lost work. If a person does not get bailed from jail, they risk missing valuable work hours and possibly employment altogether. Being employed after an arrest is crucial because an arrest leads to court dates, fines, fees, hiring a lawyer, and other costly consequences. Being bailed out of jail right after an arrest allows a person to go to work and continue making money, while dealing with their legal issues.

Family Responsibilities

Many people who have been arrested have homes, family, and children in their lives that require attention and support. Obtaining a bail bond to get released from jail gives people the opportunity to go back to their homes and take care of their children and personal responsibilities. If a person declines a bail bond and remains in jail, it can be weeks before they see a judge, and even then may not be released from jail. Someone may have an elderly parent they care for, or young children that require constant attention. Having to stay in jail complicates these personal situations. If a person does not have children or family responsibilities, there are still benefits to being released from jail on a bail bond. It allows a person to just connect back with family and re-enter their emotional support circle and friends to help them through this rough time of their lives.

Legal Benefits

Another great advantage to being released from jail on a bail bond is getting a legal head start. If a person does not have to wait in jail, they have an ample amount of time between their release date and when they have to appear for court. In this time they can hire a reputable lawyer, examine their case, and prepare for their hearing. If a person remains in jail, they will be appointed a public defender for free. Although these are good legal representation, Public Defenders, because they are free, are swamped with court cases, and cannot dedicate a lot of time to every case. This results in the most severe court rulings because of the lack of representation.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

For more accurate information about posting bail or bail bonds in Indianapolis, contact James Woods of Woods Bail Bonds. Here at Woods, we are a licensed, insured, and bonded bail agency with decades of experience in the industry. We can help facilitate a courteous and speedy release from jail any time of day or night. Call James today at 317-876-9600 for professional bail bond assistance in Indianapolis, IN.