5 Resources for the Families of Incarcerated People
Few things in life are more stressful than seeing a loved one go to jail. The criminal justice system is obviously tough on incarcerated people, but their families suffer too– especially young children. Without proper support, it’s easy to slip into despair and confusion. Unfortunately, Texas has an exceptionally high incarceration rate of 891 per 100,000 people. Many of these inmates’ families are negatively affected. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help inmates’ families…
What Are the Different Types of Bail Bonds?
Ending up in jail is the last thing anyone wants to do. However, if that happens — there’s still a way out. So let’s talk about the best way out, i.e., bail bonds. There isn’t a particular type of bond that can encompass all crimes. In fact, there are plenty of different types of bail bonds that vary depending on the crime committed. Before we start talking about the types, it’s important to know what…
Do Police Have to Read You Your Miranda Rights?
You’re under arrest, and just like in movies, you have the right to remain silent. What does this mean? Miranda rights are something we’re all familiar with. Whether we know these rights from movies or not, they can prove useful if we’re facing an arrest. However, sometimes the police will not give you a Miranda warning, and that act has its own meanings and consequences. Before we talk about whether police have to read you…
Is Recording the Police Officers in Texas Legal?
Due to police brutality becoming a regular topic on the news and social media these days, most states around the country require police officers to wear body cams. The purpose of these devices is to provide evidence of whether the officer in question is doing their job the right way. However, if the public wants to see those recordings, they need to pay a fee. This has led ordinary people to start filming all interactions…
When Should You Use a Bail Bond Agency?
If you go into custody for a criminal offense, the court will likely set bail for your release. You can pay with cash or opt for a surety bond. You can purchase a bond from a bail bond agency by only paying a small percentage of the bail amount. Bail agents can be helpful in some other ways too. Exercise Your Legal Rights The Eighth Amendment protects American citizens from excessive bail. That means that…
How to Pay for the Full Bail Amount Without Cash
Getting arrested is never a good experience, and there are so many things that you will need to deal with. But luckily, the court will often allow you to post bail and wait for the trial at home. The idea behind it is quite simple. If you qualify for bail, the judge will set an amount based on the severity of the crime, previous criminal history, and other important details. The money necessary for bail…
How to Explain a Houston Arrest to Your Child
When a child sees someone they love in cuffs, it can be pretty traumatic for a child– especially if that loved one is their parent. The thing is, losing a parent is a hard thing for young children to comprehend. It’s also hard for convicted parents to explain why they’ll be gone. How do you explain to your child that you voluntarily made a bad decision (albeit, a mistake), and now you have to leave…
How Does an Appeal Bond Work?
Not every bond is there to let you leave jail. An appeal bond, instead, is a bond that you place to ensure payment of the judgement in case your appeal fails. In essence, it is a method for the state to protect itself from your potential bankruptcy. It’s not uncommon for the average person to have problems understanding how the U.S. justice system works. When it comes to the rules of appellate procedure, people often…
Are DUI and DWI Checkpoints Legal in Texas?
DUI and DWI arrests are not rare in the U.S., but they aren’t something that can happen in every state. Some states find the entire process to be unconstitutional. You might want to know whether you are safe from these DWI checkpoints in Texas, and if the two terms are used interchangebly. What Is a DUI Checkpoint? DUI stands for driving under the influence. The precise definition differs from state to state, but it usually…
The Difference Between Cash Bail and a Surety Bond
If you or a loved one got arrested, you might have received the option for bail. Sometimes, the bail amount is low enough to pay with cash. However, most times bail amounts are set pretty high and are nearly impossible to pay with cash bail. This is when a surety bond comes to the rescue. How Does Bail Work? When a person gets arrested, they need to wait for the trial. In some cases, the…