Bail Bonds: Items You Can Use for Collateral
Sometimes you need to post bail at a moment’s notice. It’s possible that you won’t have sufficient funds to pay the entirety of your bail. At times like these, you can turn to a bond company. If you can’t come up with the 10% fee a bondsman can accept different forms of collateral. Vehicle Most people have some form of transportation to get around. Even if it’s just for work. You can use your main…
Common Myths About Bail Bonds
There are a lot of myths about bail bonds floating around, that can make you feel hesitant to get one. However, it doesn’t have to be a scary or overwhelming process. Our bondsmen at ABC Bail Bonds want to make this as painless as possible and get you out of jail fast. So we’re going to dispel some common myths and set your mind at ease. All Bail Must be Paid Before Release A bail…
How To Navigate Felony Charges
Crimes fall into two categories: misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious and generally carry a maximum of up to one year in jail. Felonies involve more serious crimes that typically carry sentences of more than one year’s imprisonment or potentially life in prison. A felony is a serious criminal charge. The resulting penalties can be severe. If you are convicted of the charges, the consequences will be serious including large fines, imprisonment, and social…
What Happens to Bail Money?
Bail is typically very expensive. In Texas, misdemeanors can run up to $4,000. Felonies can go up to $20,000 and serious felonies like murder can start at $1 million. If you don’t appear in court then you forfeit this money. This may lead you to wonder what can happen to your bail money. Factors That Can Raise Bail There are a variety of factors that determine the amount of your bail. These factors can also…
Next Steps After You’re Released on Bail
After being released on bail, hire an attorney right away. Your attorney will be able to get things for you, such as police reports, lab reports, probable cause statements from the arresting officer, dash and body cam recordings, and any other information that can help you build a case. Your attorney can also inform you and protect your rights. Aspects of your life will probably change after an arrest. You should follow the proper steps…
How to Avoid Arrest on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the good things of the past year and the possibilities of the year to come. Enjoy the festivities, but also be aware of your surroundings and take a few precautionary measures to avoid ringing in the new year in one of the most costly ways possible: getting arrested. Most Common New Year’s Eve Crimes Driving Under the Influence – There are more alcohol-related accidents on New Year’s…
Bail Industry News: New Los Angeles District Attorney Makes Immediate Reforms
In recent years, bail has been a major focus for social justice advocates. Activists argue that bail disproportionately punishes the poor. They are often the ones affected by high bail amounts for misdemeanors and traffic violations. While there may be some merit to these positions, there could also be problems with doing away with bail entirely. The biggest problem is, of course, violent offenders. However, thanks to a changing of the guard in Los Angeles,…
Practicing Gratitude When Out on Bail
Posting bail for someone is a huge favor that warrants a huge amount of gratitude. If you were recently arrested and a friend or loved one bailed you out, you can show appreciation by staying out of trouble upon your release. Appreciation is not always an easy thing to do, but it can be learned. Showing appreciation is not as easy as saying “thank you,” they just bailed you out of jail. Being appreciative that…
You Missed Your Court Date: Now What?
When a person is given a summons to appear in court in the state of Texas, they are entering into a type of obligation with their county and state. According to this obligation, that person is expected to appear in court at the appointed date and time. They are also expected to appear at court in a certain manner. For example, they are expected to be sober, dressed appropriately and cooperate with the rules of…
Why You Shouldn’t Stay In Jail
If a person is convicted of a crime and given a jail sentence, the sentence will be reduced by the number of days that person was detained in jail prior to conviction. (This is called “credit for time served.”) Thus, a suspect who expects to receive a jail sentence may consider saving the cost of a bail bond and in effect begin serving the sentence prior to conviction. From an economic standpoint, forgoing bail in…