Winter Storm Uri’s Impact on Texas Jails
It’s common knowledge that inmates in Texas jails endure unhealthy conditions and abuse. In the past, they’ve experienced extreme temperatures and unsanitary conditions. As the Texas prison population continues to grow and jails near capacity, more accounts of physical abuse and neglect emerge. When winter storm Uri tore through Texas, inmates also had to contend with infrastructural issues. Nearly ⅓ of Texas jails lost power and had very little water if any. All prison units…
How to Find a Job With a Criminal Record
Once you complete your jail sentence, and are ready to re-enter society, it can feel like a daunting task to find work. Your heart plummets every time a job application asks if you’ve ever been convicted, and you realize you probably won’t even be called for an interview. Finding a job is an important part of getting your life started again and staying on the straight and narrow. In the past, newly rehabilitated individuals struggled…
What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
The terms felony and misdemeanor are ways of classifying the severity of a crime. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies and result in a year or less in jail time. Felonies are very serious and you may find yourself in jail for a year or up to a lifetime. Misdemeanor A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that can carry up to a year in jail time. These crimes are less serious than felonies, and you’ll…
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,…