If you are ever faced with a legal situation that requires you to bail a friend or yourself from jail, it is important to have a basic understanding of what to expect. Bailing a friend or loved one out of jail can be frustrating and stressful if you are not prepared. So before making that call to your local bail agent to turn yourself in on an outstanding arrest warrant, check out these frequently asked questions about bail bonds first. It will help you turn yourself in, or get someone else out of jail more efficiently.
Continue below to review the true answers to your top 3 Indiana bail bonds questions.
Indiana Bail Bond Q’s & A’s
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost in Indiana?
This is one of the first questions a person asks when they need bail services. This fact is not surprising, considering it is a huge influence on whether or not bail is an option for someone. Currently in the state of Indiana, bail bond agencies are allowed to charge 10 to 15 percent of the total bond amount assigned by the court to the defendant. If a person were arrested on a minor drug possession charge, their bond could be set at around 5,000 dollars. This is just an example and not accurate. Bond amounts are calculated by examining a person’s criminal history, flight risk, and other variables.
It is different for everyone. Hypothetically, if a person’s bond were five thousand dollars, a bail agent charging ten percent would require a fee of 500 dollars. This ten or fifteen percent fee is not refundable, but it allows a person to get out of jail before their scheduled court hearing without having to pay the entire 5,000 dollars fine. If they fail to appear for court, they forfeit the rest of the bond amount and a warrant is issued for their arrest. At that point, they are a repeat offender and may have trouble gaining bail for a second time. This leads into the next question.
Can a Bail Bondsmen Refuse Their Service? Will They?
The answer to this dual question is yes, both ways. Bail bond agents are a separate business, and can refuse their services to anyone, just as any other privately owned business can. The reason a bail bond company may refuse service to a person is mostly based on their likelihood to flee and not appear for their scheduled court hearings. On top of that, they take into consideration past criminal records and charges, just as the court does when they set a bond amount. If a person seems like a risky client, they will refuse service in order to protect themselves.
Can I Post My Own Bail With a Bail Bond?
Once you are arrested, you are taken to the nearest county jail and processed. Depending on the charges and individual situation, processing entails breathalyzer tests, paper work, finger printing, body searches, mug shot picture, and medical checks. Once this is complete, you will remain in the jail processing center until your scheduled court date or until you post bail. You can post your own bond by calling a local bail bonds agency directly from jail, or you can have a loved one sign your bail bond agreement and post your bail for you. Keep in mind that whoever signs for your bail bond is legally responsible for paying back the FULL bail amount if you do not appear for court. The same goes for you if you post your own bail, or post bail for someone else.
Do you need to surrender to an arrest warrant or get someone out of jail? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for the fastest and friendliest bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate or information, anytime.
You Should Also Read:
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Get Out of Jail?
How Do I Begin My Arrest Warrant Surrender in Marion County Indiana?
Posting Bail on Your Own is Possible
