The Difference Between State and Federal Bail Bonds

Posted on October 9, 2019 by admin

When arrested for a crime, an offender will face criminal charges on either a state level or a federal level depending on the type of offense and the severity. Likewise, the laws and regulations that govern state and federal adjudication will differ from one another. This includes the first step that comes after an arrest; bail.

When attempting to understand the difference between state and federal bail bonds, it helps to first learn more about state and federal bonds. Continue reading to do just that.

Federal Bail Bond Services in Indiana 317-876-9600

State Crimes

State crimes originate in the state court system, who appoint a state prosecutor to bring charges against an accused offender. These charges are called misdemeanors, which are divided into three “classes”, from most to least serious: Class A Misdemeanors, Class B Misdemeanors, and Class C Misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, and Class C misdemeanors are the least serious.

Each state has their own ordinances, procedures, and limitations surrounding state-level crimes and penalties. Accordingly, each state also has their own rules regarding bail bonds. Bail bonds used to get an offender out of jail who was arrested for a state-level crime are referred to as state bail bonds.

Federal Crimes

Federal crimes originate in the federal court system, in which the federal government brings charges against an accused offender. Those arrested for a federal crime face being charged with a felony. Felonies are divided into 7 categories in Indiana: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6, and Murder. Level 6 felony crimes are the least serious type of felony, and are commonly referred to as “wobblers” since they can most often be reduced to Class A Misdemeanors. Bail bonds used to get an offender out of jail who was arrested for a federal-level crime are referred to as federal bail bonds.

Their Primary Difference is Price

State bail bonds are generally cheaper than federal bail bonds. In fact, the difference in price is the main factor that separates the two types of bail bonds. Since federal crimes are more serious, courts assign higher bond amounts, which increases the price for a bail bond. You see, bail bond company rates are regulated by the state, so all bail bonds pretty much cost the same. Right now, bail bondsmen can charge anywhere between 8 and 15% for their services, at their own discretion, depending on the history of the client and other related factors. So a bail bond fee would be higher for a person whose federal bond is set at $100,000, compared to a person whose state bond is set at $10,000.

Need to Get Out of Jail in Indiana?

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure state and federal Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds you can trust. 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. And don’t forget that right now, we are offering 8% bail bonds! Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.

Who Can You Trust to Bail You Out of Jail?

Posted on September 15, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Being arrested is a frustrating and scary situation, and for good reason. No one should think getting in trouble with the law is fun. It can be emotional thinking about how you are going to get out of jail, when you will get out, how long you will be in jail, and what people are going to say about your arrest. There are probably very many things going through your head when you are sitting in the jail cell. Continue reading and learn some valuable advice about who you can turn to when you need to get bailed out of jail.

Family

The first and most often used option is to make a call to home. Whether it’s your parents, husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend, calling home is the first recommended plan of action. Usually, family is the number one source of trust when it comes to legal issues. Family can be the support group you need to get yourself out of a bad situation. Because of their relation, it is easy for them to call a bail bondsman and facilitate a release from jail for you. All you have to do is sit and wait for the paperwork to go through.

Friends

When family isn’t available, or even an option, friends are the next best support group to call when arrested. Friends can sometimes relate to these similar troubles and can help without passing judgment. As long as they have the funds to pay the bail agency and are willing to co-sign for your release, they can facilitate your release from jail as well. If you fail to appear for your court dates and fail to complete your legal obligations, the bail agency can come after the co-signer for the remainder of the bond amount. This amount is usually in the thousands.

A Bail Bondsman

When all else fails, or when you don’t have anyone’s phone number when you need it most, call on your local bail agency to facilitate your release from jail. They are professionals in the industry and can help you gain your own release by filing the paperwork and collecting your funds themselves. A bail agency usually charges 10-15% of the original bond amount. If your bond amount is $2500, then the bail bondsman will charge you at least $250 to get bailed out of jail.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond services in Indiana. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, provides bail bond services for nearly all cities and counties in Indiana. We offer several types of bail bonds and additional services, including federal bonds, state bonds, immigration bonds, probation violation bonds, arrest warrant bonds, notary services, jail pickup and drop off, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 to get out of jail in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding areas.

Can a Person Be Denied Bail?

Posted on May 19, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Bail offers defendants a wide range of advantages, from job security to avoiding jail time. But not everyone has the legal right to bail. In some cases, a judge or prosecutor might deny a defendant bail rights for several reasons. No one can control whether or not this privilege is denied or granted; it is solely up to the courts and judges, and largely depends on a defendant’s personal circumstances. To understand what this means, continue reading and learn the common factors that influence a defendant’s chances of being granted or denied bail privileges after being arrested and detained.

Illegal Citizenship

A person might be denied bail after an arrest if they are in the country illegally, an illegal citizen, or have an expired visa. This is out of concern that they may flee back to their home country to evade legal convictions, or be let loose on the streets with no intention or seek legal citizenship for themselves. Also, in other areas of the country, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) can hold an illegal citizen and deport them back to their country of origin following an arrest.

Failure to Appear in Court

Defendants that are either repeat offenders or retain a reputation for skipping out on scheduled court dates are most likely going to be denied bail rights. For repeat offenders with extensive criminal histories, whether petty or felonies) can be denied bail to teach them a lesson and thwart them from future criminal behaviors; but they might also be granted bail, but at an impossible-to-pay amount. This is intended to keep the defendant in custody without denying them bail. For those who have several FTA’s (failure to appear) on their record, courts will revoke bail rights to ensure they are present for their scheduled court hearing.

Probation or Parole Violations

If a person is arrested, or released from prison, they are generally on temporary probation or parole to promote legal behavior following a conviction. There are specific rules and laws that a defendant must follow to not violate any of their probation or parole terms. If they do, they are immediately issued an arrest warrant and taken into custody. One of the terms of probation or parole is to not commit anymore crimes or be in the presence of crime or other criminals. If a person is arrested while on parole or probation, they will most likely be denied the right to bail. Courts and judges will deny a defendant bail rights under these circumstances in order to prevent them from involving themselves in more criminal activity.

Capital Crimes

Capital crimes are those that are punishable by capital penalties, which is death. If someone is arrested for a crime that calls for the death penalty, they will not be given an opportunity for bail. This is for obvious reasons, but mainly to prevent defendants from fleeing the country or committing more dangerous capital crimes.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, has decades of experience in the bail bonds industry and provides his services all throughout the state of Indiana! We offer probation violation bonds, immigration bonds, federal bonds, state bonds, county bonds, notary services, jail pickup and drop off services, 24 bail bonds, and much more! Call 317-876-9600 to get out of jail in Indianapolis or any of its surrounding counties.