Archive | Bail Bond Payment

How Can I Prepare for My Bail Hearing?

By Neysa Watkins on July 28, 2017 in Arlington Bail Bond Agent, Arlington TX Bail Bonds, Bail Bond Payment, Dallas Bail Bond Agent, Dallas TX Bail Bonds, Fort Worth TX Bail Bonds, Immigration Bail Bonds

How does a bail hearing work?

Bail exists solely to secure your presence at future court hearings. The bail hearing is always your first court appearance, after your arrest. A judge or other judicial official will be present at this hearing, along with the prosecutor. You always have the right to have an attorney with you, present and there on your behalf. The prosecutor often makes a recommendation on what your bail should be to the judge. You or your attorney will then make a recommendation for what your bail amount should be, if any. The judge, in their own sound discretion, will determine the type and amount of bail after both sides have made their recommendations.

Forms of Bail

A judge takes many factors into account when determining your bail. sometimes, for crimes of less severity, bail may take the form of a written promise to appear in the future with a cash bail, should the conditions of your release be violated. You may be required to post cash, or some form of property, as your bail with the court before you can be released.

Factors that can Determine Bail Amount

In order to determine your bail, the judge may ask you questions about the following factors:

Seriousness of the alleged crime

If the alleged crime is a misdemeanor, the usual solution is a signature or lower-cash bond. Allegations of violence, drug crimes, or other threats to the community will be examined much more closely, and generally are never granted release with a signature bond.

Existing warrants

Outstanding warrants for previous crimes will results in your release being postponed. You will be detained until the jurisdiction that issued the outstanding warrant can respond. If the warrant is for a “failure to appear”, your bond hearing might be discontinued for a short time to allow the issuing jurisdiction to respond.

Family ties in the area

Your judge might want to know where you will be staying, and who you will be with throughout the duration of your case. These might be the people you will rely on to help you stay out of further trouble with the law.

Steady employment

You will be asked if you have a job. You must be prepared to tell the judge where you work, how long you have been employed there, and what hours you work. You might also be asked about your prior work history.

Property that you own

In more serious cases, the court will ask about your ownership of real estate, vehicles, or other types of personal property. A home, vacant real estate, or other personal property will sometimes be pledged to fulfill your bail.

Prior criminal history

A lack of prior arrests may operate as a mitigating factor with regards to the amount of your bail. prior convictions will almost always influence the judge to set a higher bail. The judge almost always has your record on their desk, and they will know if you lie. If you make that mistake, you may end up in jail until your next court appearance, with no hope of release until then.

History of drug or alcohol abuse

Substance abuse can impair judgement, even to the extent that a person may ignore future court dates. Prior drug or alcohol convictions often results in a higher bail amount. If you do post bail, you may be required to periodically text while on your pretrial release.

What if I cannot post my bail?

If you cannot post a bail bond, you can bring a motion to reduce the amount. Any reduction is entirely within the judge’s purview (their discretion). Be prepared to fully comply with any conditions the judge may order, so that your bail might be reduced.

How Judges Determine Bail Amounts

By Neysa Watkins on July 14, 2017 in Arlington TX Bail Bonds, Bail Bond Payment, Dallas Bail Bond Agent, Dallas TX Bail Bonds, Fort Worth TX Bail Bonds

First, what is “bail?”

Bail is usually defined as an amount of money, given to a court to ensure that a criminal defendant will return for their court appearance after an arrest. People often hear about bail in criminal proceedings, and that “the judge set the bail at a certain amount;” but it can be hard for people without a background in legal professions to comprehend how the process actually works, and how a judge determines an appropriate bail amount.

How bail amounts are set

People without a first-hand understanding of legal proceedings may want to know how the judge knows the amount he or she sets will ensure the defendant returns to court, or what factors are involved in the bail amount determination. Thankfully, if you are one of those people with some of those question, you found this blog!

When a judge is determining the amount at which to set a defendant’s bail, he or she takes into consideration a variety of factors and key points. Some of these include:

The nature of the crime committed and the circumstances surrounding the crime

If the crime was of a particularly violent or dangerous nature, the bail amount may be high. Judges sometimes have particular guidelines that they follow when determining bail amounts for specific types or categories of crimes, but generally speaking, the worse the crime, the higher the bail.

The evidence against the defendant and how likely, or unlikely, it is to lead to a conviction

If there is a high amount of evidence, and a conviction seems very likely, bail may be set high, to dissuade the defendant from trying to make a run for it. The judge must use his or her best judgement to attempt to create a situation where the defendant does what they must according to the law.

The defendant’s history in their community

This generally includes family ties, mental state, finances, and employment history. A person with many ties to their community will generally stick close while they await their court date.

The past and present conduct of the defendant.

This can include whether they have ever been convicted of a crime in the past, and whether they ever failed to appear when previously called to court. It has been said that history will repeat itself, if given the chance. The judge may not want to provide that chance if a defendant has failed to appear, previously.

The defendant’s criminal history

This often includes the chance that they would be a threat to the community if they are released after their arrest. If the crime was unusually violent, the judge will almost always set bail higher, to protect the community.

The defendant’s current criminal status.

This can be a major factor in setting bail. If the defendant is already on parole, probation, or release from another crime, those factors will heavily impact the amount at which bail is set.

The source of the defendant’s finances.

This is a factor, especially if their income appears to stem from a history of criminal activity. For example, if the defendant is arrested for selling drugs, it may be likely that their income is mainly from that “enterprise”. The judge may need to adjust bail accordingly, to ensure the defendant appears at court when they are required to do so. If the arrest is on a drug-related charge. If drugs are involved in the case, the street value of the drugs has an impact on the amount of bail. A high value of drugs generally leads to a high bail amount. This usually coincides with more serious charges against the defendant.

So, who controls bail amounts?

In general, the laws give a judge a great amount of leeway and freedom in setting bail. Judges are allowed to consider any other factors that may seem relevant to the case, above and beyond the factors we discussed in this blog. There is no real set rule or guideline, though judges sometimes follow precedent (what judges before them have done in similar cases) to set bail.

What happens once bail is set?

After the bail amount is determined, the defendant goes through a process called “booking”. During this process, the defendant is given the opportunity to post their bail (a legal term for pay or arrange payment), or arrange to have their bail posted on their behalf at a later time. Once bail is posted, the defendant will be released, and will be required to wait for the arraignment of their case (the beginning of the trial process).

Bonus Round!

What is “flight risk?”

Flight risk is used to describe a defendant who is likely to NOT show up to their future court dates if they are allowed to post bail. Defendants with a high probability of flight risk may not be released at all, or bail may be set at an extremely high amount, to ensure they do not miss their future court appearances. If a defendant skipped town before a prior court appearance, it is likely the judge will not afford them a similar opportunity again. But, if a defendant is not considered a flight risk by the judge, then the defendant completes the booking and bail processes as described above, and is released with the understanding that they are responsible for appearing in court at their assigned time in the near future.

Does Posting Bail Affect Your Credit Score?

By Jay Everyday on January 2, 2015 in Bail Bond Payment

Financial Questions About Posting Bail

Resolving crime is difficult, and handling funds related to misdemeanors and felonies can be costly. When posting bail for a friend or loved one, individuals often wonder about credit score infractions and effects. Sometimes, suspects are released upon their recognizance—costing the individual nothing.

Often, wondering about one’s credit score during such an incident is part of the process. Bail falls beneath the umbrella of “monetary lending actions”, and most wonder about bail posting’s impact upon credit scores. Thankfully, the effects are minimal, and they are indirect.

Bail Bond Agencies

Bail’s minimal impact upon credit scores is attributed to third party intervention. If one cannot easily write a bail check, or if one’s credit is not high enough to put the expense on a credit card, bail bond agencies are often a next resort. In general, they are capable of posting bail for a small fee—normally 10 percent of the total bail amount.

This expense is normally creditable, though it’ll be treated as a credit card cash advance. These advances can be expensive, and they often contain the following, defining factors:

Require an initial three-percent fee
Require interest
Begins accruing immediately
No grace period
Raised Balances and Loans

Realistically, the only factor posing a significant risk to an individual’s credit score within context is a raised balance. A raised balance attributed to a bond agency’s fee and credit utilization may impact a credit score when raised too high.

Additionally, taking out a personal installment loan can affect one’s score. Initial hard inquiries will drop the score, but new loans may give one additional credit—improving their overall score. In such cases, checking credit scores through online databases may be useful.

Overall, posting bail is not too damaging to a credit score, though raising balances and procuring loan funds can hinder an individual’s credit score fundamentally. The act of posting bail, itself, is harmless—though resulting processes may fall within the realm of “credit-score-damaging actions”. Discussing such situations with a credit advisor is important, and determining a pre-set action plan can both streamline future action and prevent credit damage.

Call (817) 303-3400 with any more bail related questions.

Understanding Your Bail Bond Payment Options

By Jay Everyday on September 24, 2014 in Bail Bond Payment

Bond Payments When an arrest lands someone you care about in jail, your first reaction is to post bail quickly. Before releasing a defendant, the court wants assurance that the defendant will appear back in court on an appointed date; posting bail is how you provide that assurance. Often, people cannot afford to pay the entire bail amount. At Just Bail Bonds, we understand that and offer a variety of bond payment options.

Bail Payment Methods

Licensed bail bond agents operate day and night to provide assistance for those who are unable to post bail. Bail bond agents guarantee the bail bond in return for a nonrefundable payment of a set percentage of the full bail amount. Acceptable bail bond payment options include checks, major credit cards, and Western Union. In certain circumstances, credit terms are available.

Collateral on Bond

A written guarantee or personal signature provides an assurance on the total value of the bond. If the bail amount is significant, the bond requires backing with property of sufficient value to cover the total fee. Examples include recreational vehicles, boats, securities, jewelry, and electronics. In some cases, a lien on a house or vacant land is accepted as a form of collateral.

Cash Bail

When a judge sets bail, the defendant also has the option to pay the entire amount up front. When the case ends, the courts refund the amount, as long as the defendant makes all required court appearances. Payment options include cash, money order, certified and cashier’s checks, and checks from law enforcement and legal agencies.

Call for Advice

Our licensed bail bond professionals are available to consult with you regarding case specifics, financial issues, bond payment options, and any personal concerns that you might have. For dependable, confidential assistance, call Just Bail Bonds at (817) 303-3400 to speak with a licensed bail bond agent.

Dallas Bail Bonds: What Affects Bail Amount?

By Jay Everyday on July 24, 2014 in Bail Bond Payment, Dallas TX Bail Bonds

After the bail process begins, many people wonder what affects the amount of Dallas bail bonds. Although there is usually a bail schedule that determines how much bail should amount to based on the crime committed, a person’s bail amount can also vary depending on other impacting factors. At Just Bail Bonds, we’re here to help you understand what types of things affect your bail amount.

Determining Factors

A person’s background may affect a judge’s decision while they are determining the amount of Dallas bail bonds. These conditions may include:

The person’s prior criminal court record and their history of following court orders
The person’s job and the state of their finances
How much time they have lived in their current community
The person’s threat to public safety
If they have ties to family members in their community
The probability of conviction and what their future sentence may be like

Additionally, the judge may also consider factors such as the severity of the crime, what type of property they own in their community, and their country of citizenship.

Judges Have the Ultimate Say

Although there are a variety of different factors that can affect bond amounts, judges have the ultimate say in how much bail will be. For example, if the accused person is charged with a minor offense, they have a stable career, and have lived in their community for several decades, the judge on the case may choose to release them without making bail a requirement. A judge may also decide to lower the bail amount for a person if they lack significant financial resources.

If you were accused of a crime and are in need of Dallas bail bonds, you can turn to us at Just Bail Bonds for assistance. You can reach us by calling 214-272-0792.

What Happens if You Can’t Post Bail?

By Jay Everyday on June 24, 2014 in Bail Bond Payment

There are a lot of uncertainties about what happens after you are booked into a jail. At Just Bail Bonds, we understand there are a lot of things going through your mind when you or your loved one is arrested. Often, after being booked into jail, you are given a bail amount which you must post before you can be released. You can post the bail yourself or call us to find out about bail bonds. What happens if you can’t post bail?

You Sit and Wait

If you really don’t have the money to afford your own bail and are not considering Dallas bail bonds, the best thing you can do is sit and wait. This means that you remain in jail until the time of your trial. How long you wait depends on the courts and when they can fit you in. You could be sitting in jail for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months. Getting help with bail bonds can get you out faster.

Time May Be Taken Into Account

On the plus side, when you do go to trial, if you are convicted, the judge may take into account how long you have been sitting in jail waiting for your trial. For example, if you are sentenced to jail for one year, but have been sitting and waiting for your trial for three months, the judge may deduct three months off of your sentence so you only have nine more months to serve.

Get Help When Necessary

While sitting in jail might save you a little money, it also means not being able to be with your family or go to work. Bail bonds help you post bail for a marginal fee. As long as you make good on your court appearances, you don’t have anything to worry about. If you’re struggling with making bail, contact us, Just Bail Bonds, at 817-303-3400 for more information.

Knowing How to Pay for Bail Bonds Can Protect You

By Jay Everyday on February 14, 2014 in Bail Bond Payment, Dallas TX Bail Bonds

How To Pay For Bail Bonds When you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, getting out of jail quickly is often the most important thing that you can do. Rather than having to stay in jail until your trial date comes up, you can post bail and get home after booking. At Just Bail Bonds we want you to know how to pay for bail bonds so you can get through the process quickly and ensure that you are out of jail as soon as possible.

Different Types of Bonds

Bail bonds can be paid in several different ways, often depending upon the type of crime that was allegedly committed. When considering how to pay for bail bonds, you have several common options:

Personal Bond
Cash Deposit Bond
Surety Bond
Cash Bond

Which Bond to Use

Deciding which bond to use can depend on how much money you have. If you are short on cash, a personal bond may be your best bet since they allow you to be released on credit. If you have some money to spare, using a Dallas bonds company that can provide a surety bond may be a good option. We can help guide you through the process so that you have the most information available and make the decision that is best for your situation.

For more information on how to pay for bail bonds and the different types available, contact Just Bail Bonds today at 817-303-3400 so that you can get home quickly.

Know How Bail Bonds Work Before You Need One

By Jay Everyday on January 17, 2014 in Bail Bond Payment, Dallas TX Bail Bonds

How Bail Bonds Work

Not everyone starts off a night of casual drinking expecting to drive home. When you drive while intoxicated, you put yourself and the people around you at risk. This is exactly why a DWI offense is taken so seriously. If you or someone you know is arrested for a DWI, it is important to understand how bail bonds work and how we at Just Bail Bonds can help you out.

The Process

If you or someone you know is arrested for a DWI, you will likely be taken to the local jail where you will be fingerprinted, a mug shot will be taken, and you will be asked for a statement. Unless a bail is posted, you will need to remain in jail until your scheduled court date. This is how bail bonds work: when you do not have the money to post the bail yourself, a bail bond company can post Dallas bail bonds for you so that you can go home until your court date.

Your Responsibility

There is usually a non-refundable fee to the bail bondsman of approximately ten percent of the bail. As long as you show up to your court date, the bail bondsman will get back the money he or she put up for you and you just owe that fee. Should you fail to appear in court, the bail bondsman may not receive the bail back, can hire a bounty hunter to track you down, and sue you for the money lost due to your failure to appear. In short, don’t miss your court date.

Know how bail bonds work before you or someone you know needs one. Should you need help with bail, call Just Bail Bonds at 817-303-3400. We can help you get home quicker.

Post Bail and Stay Out of Jail with a Criminal Defense Lawyer

By Jay Everyday on September 30, 2013 in Bail Bond Payment, Criminal Defense

Getting arrested is an emotionally difficult experience. It is also hard because the legal process can be very complicated. It is important to have a good criminal defense lawyer assist you after you have been arrested for a crime. We at Just Bail Bonds can help you make bail and guide you through the bail process. Here is more information on making bail:

How long does a suspect have to wait before they can post bail?

If the crime is not very serious, a suspect can potentially post bail right after he is booked. If there is not an opportunity to immediately post bail, the accused must wait for a bail hearing. Bail hearings typically occur within 48 hours of an arrest. The presiding judge at the hearing will decide if the suspect is suitable for bail and the bail amount.

How is bail determined?

The nature of the crime can be a big factor in determining a bail amount. Some areas of the country have standard bail amounts for different crimes. The judge can also have a substantial influence. The judge may consider the previous criminal record of the accused, if there is one. If the suspect has a history of run-ins with the law, it will probably not make a favorable impression on the judge. A suspect that a judge considers a danger to others will probably receive a higher bail, if he is granted bail at all. We can help you find a way to pay for bail in Texas.

Contact Just Bail Bonds in Dallas at 817-303-3400 if you need to make bail. We understand how important it is to get out of jail.

How to Pay for a Bail Bond

By Jay Everyday on May 23, 2013 in Bail Bond Payment

Paying for a Bail Bond Price is usually not an issue when the goal is to get out of jail. Whatever it costs is worth it to an incarcerated defendant or his or her family members. The reality, however, is that getting bail is an expensive matter. Just Bail Bonds offers many ways to pay for a bail bond, including personal and local checks, major credit cards, and financing plans.

Designating a Co-Signer/Indemnitor

Planning ahead for the possible occurrence of a DUI arrest makes release from jail occur sooner rather than later. The defendant gets to make one phone call which usually goes to a person who can take responsibility for making financial arrangements with a Dallas bail bonds company.

As a co-signer, the indemnitor is responsible for paying a non-refundable fee of about 10% of the bail to a bondsman. For a $10,000 bail, $1,000 would be due at the outset to get the release process started.

Making the Initial Payment with a Card, Check, or Finance Plan

Even if the initial bail bond payment is only a tenth of a $10,000 bail amount, coming up with $1,000 is not an easy job for many people. Just Bail Bonds offers credit terms in addition to checks, transfers from Western Union and these credit cards:

American Express
Visa
Mastercard
Discover

Payment with Collateral on Bond

Large amounts of bail may require a co-signer to take a different route to payment. A lien on a property that has a value equal to 10% of bail is usually acceptable.

Properties that are often used as collateral include:

electronic equipment
jewelry
a boat or recreational vehicle
a home
vacant land

The co-signer regains ownership of collateral when the full bail bond payment is complete.

If you ever need to get a friend, loved one, or family member out of jail, call Just Bail Bonds at 214-272-0792.

1 2 Next →