Will I Get My Money Back if I Bail a Friend Out of Jail?

Posted on February 20, 2020 by admin

The decision to bail a friend out of jail, especially if they are a loved one, might feel like an easy one. After all, you wouldn’t think twice to help out a close friend in need; right? Well, if you are one of these empathetic people, be very careful. That is because the decision to bail a person out of jail is not as easy as you think. It is a very serious decision, and one that comes with a certain degree risk and liability, and can even have potential consequences for you.

Continue reading to learn how bail works, what risks you are taking on when bailing someone out of jail, and whether or not you get your money refunded for a bail bond.

Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

The Basics of Bail and Bail Bonds

Bail bonds are formal documents that allow a release from jail for a person being detained on suspected charges or crimes. Bail is the amount of money or surety set by the courts. These amounts differ for everyone, depending on the severity of crime, criminal history, flight risk, and more. Once bail is set, a bail bond can be obtained so that a person can be temporarily released from jail to await their following court hearing at home.

By now, your friend has contacted you to let you know they’ve been arrested. If you decide to bail them out of jail, you will contact a bail bond company at this point in the process. A bail bondsman, or bail agent, is the individual who operates a service that provides bail bonds for people who need to turn themselves into authorities, or need a release from jail. They operate by lending, or covering, the bail amount for those who cannot afford the entire fee upfront, in exchange for a non-refundable fee. So, whatever money you pay for your friend’s bail, you do not get back.

The Cost of Bail

Bail is set at various amounts depending on a long list of factors. The most influential factor is the type of criminal charge. Indiana has a set bail schedule for all misdemeanors and felonies, but judges can modify these set amounts at their own discretion, based on the factors mentioned before. See our blog, “Local County Bail Bond Schedules for Indianapolis” to learn the current bail amounts.

The cost of a bail bond is derived by a person’s bail amount set by the judge. You see, bail bondsmen charge a certain percentage of the total bail amount. So, if a defendant’s bail is set at $10,000, a bail bondsman will charge a percentage of that amount, which is what you will pay. However, bail bondsmen cannot fully choose their rates; the Department of Insurance regulates how much a bail bond company can charge for their services. Currently, the percentage is set between 10% and 15%, which means a bail bondsman can use personal discretion and charge a client any amount between that range.

Bail Bond Contract

You must sign a bail bond contract to bail your friend out of jail, which strictly binds you to certain legal requirements. Signing a bail bond contract means that you are accepting the terms and conditions of the agreement, which includes contractually agreeing to ensure the defendant appears for all scheduled court hearings, as well as, paying the bail bond premium. So if your friend’s bail is set at $10,000, and they do not appear for court, you are legally required to pay all of that back to the bail agent. Furthermore, you would be responsible for tracking down your friend and ensuring they go to court, as well as, paying any fines and related fees for the missed court date.

Where Can I Get Cheap Bail Bonds in Indianapolis?

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to talk to a friendly Indianapolis bail bondsman about getting your friend out of jail in Central Indiana. Right now, we are currently offering an 8% fee for bail bonds! This is the lowest rate in years, and only available here! That means you only pay 8% of your total bond amount, rather than the standard 10 to 15% rates required across the state. In order to qualify for this low rate, you must meet certain criteria. Call 317-876-9600 today to learn if you can qualify for 8% bail bonds in Indiana!

Indiana Bail Bondsman
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600
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Which Type of Bail Bond Do You Need?

Posted on February 13, 2020 by admin

Did you know there are multiple types of bail bonds? It’s true; aside from the conventional bail bond you use to get out of jail, there are additional bond options that you may or may not qualify for. Continue reading to review some of the more common types of bail bonds offered in Indiana, and learn which one will best suit your needs for getting yourself or a loved one out of jail.

24 Hour Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
24 Hour Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

The Importance of Bail

There are several ways bail bonds help people.  Having the chance to leave jail and await a court hearing from the comfort of their own home can increase the chances of a person improving their legal situation. You see, when a person is arrested, they are taken to jail to await their court hearing.  Depending on the amount of traffic in the jail, and the type of crime the person was arrested for, court dates can be scheduled days, weeks, or even months away from the date of arrest.

So, if a person cannot gain a release from jail before their court date is scheduled, they are forced to stay incarcerated until then. If this happens, not only must a person make certain arrangements for kids, work, school, and all other important personal matters, they also have to make arrangements for their legal situation or use the court appointed legal counselor for representation in court. Neither scenarios are desirable. Fortunately, bail bonds offer some relief. So, always use a bail bondsman to get out of jail.

Here are the Most Common Types of Bail Bonds:

☑ Property Bonds

These types of bonds are used when someone does not have the cash to bail themselves out of jail; so instead, they put up some of their property.  This can be a house, car, or anything of value that has the equivalent value of the bond.  These bonds are not always available and different from state to state.  If the person shows up for their hearing, then the property is released back to them, as if it were just collateral.  If the person does not show up for their scheduled hearing, then the courts begin to repossess their property, and often times, auctions it off for money.

☑ Surety Bonds

A surety bond is more commonly called a bail bond.  It is the type of bond used in most states to promise the release of someone in jail.  In most cases, the bail agency will charge a standard rate, usually 10% of the full bond amount.  If the total bond amount is $10,000, then you pay a non-refundable service fee of $1,000 to get that person released from jail.  If the person does not show up for the scheduled court date, the bail agency is required to pay the full bail amount for them, unless they can find the defendant who jumped bail, and return them to the courts.  These people are called bounty hunters, and really do exist. 

☑ Release on Your Own Recognizance (OR’d)

This is usually for first time offenders and very minor charges, like unpaid traffic tickets.  This is when the federal law allows a person to be released from jail without bail, under the agreement that they will show up for their scheduled court date, and avoid any more illegal activity.

☑ Citation Release

This is for very minor charges like j-walking.  It is a strategy also used by many county jails to avoid over population issues.  Instead of being arrested and taken to jail, the police officer will issue you a citation or ticket, obligating you to show up for court.  In this situation, a person is free to carry on with their day, but attend a future court date and probably ordered to pay a fine.

Where to Get Fast and Affordable Bail Bonds

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional, 24 hour bail bond services in Indiana. Not only can we get you out of jail fast, we can prearrange a bail bond if you need to surrender to an arrest warrant. We provide all Local, State, and National bonds, and serve over 30 Indiana counties. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
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Where Can I Find Good Bail Bondsman Near Me?

Posted on February 11, 2020 by admin

Are you asking yourself, “Where can I find reliable bail bonds near me?” If so, you are in the right place! Hoosiers all across the state know the answer is quite simple: Woods Bail Bonds!

Indiana Bail Bondsman
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

24 Hour Bail Bonds You Can Count On

Although Woods Bail Bonds is based out of Indianapolis, we can get you or a loved one out of jail in virtually ANY Indiana city and county. In fact, we have a friendly, licensed bail bondsman on duty, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, in over 30 towns! With over three decades in business, we have long-standing relationships with numerous Indiana courthouses and jails.

So, our licensed, bonded, and insured bail bond agents can provide a prompt and secure release from county jail, anywhere in Indiana! From Gary to South Bend, Terre Haute to Richmond, and everywhere in between, our bail bondsmen are on the clock, around the clock, waiting to help you get out of jail at a fair price. And right now, we are offering 8% bail bonds! Call our office located in your region for trusted bail bond services today.

✨ Northern 765-644-0400 ✨
✨ Central 317-876-9600 ✨
✨ Southern 812-333-3399 ✨

How to Get Started With Bail

Once you know you require the services of a bail bondsman, contact your agency of choice in the county where the charges originated. Do this immediately following an arrest, or as soon as you are ready to prearrange your release from jail for an outstanding arrest warrant. You may choose to contact the bail bond company and request their services on your own, or you may delegate the duty to your lawyer instead. In jail, detainees are allowed to make as many phone calls as they need to obtain a bail bond, however, bad behavior can have this privilege revoked. From jail you can contact your lawyer, or a loved one to do so for you; or you can simply contact a bail bondsman directly.

Bailing Yourself Out of Jail?

If you are bailing yourself out of jail, one of our licensed bail bondsmen will file for your release from jail, pick you up from the entrance, and take you back to the bail bond office. At Woods, jail pickup and drop off services are free! At the office, there will be a remainder of paperwork that needs signed and dated, but then you are free to go home! Just remember to appear for all scheduled court hearings so you do not get your bail revoked.

We are Always Standing By For Your Call!

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds you can trust, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Not only do we serve both adult and juvenile clients, 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. Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
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What Became of Indiana’s Bail Bond Relief Pilot Program?

Posted on January 30, 2020 by admin

A few years ago, the Indiana Supreme Court issued Criminal Rule 26, which encouraged state courts to let low-risk offenders out of jail without bail. Soon after, several Indiana counties initiated an experimental risk-assessment program regarding the value and efficiency of local bail. Known as Indiana’s Bail Bond Relief Pilot Program, the pretrial release test was intended to evaluate whether or not arrested individuals should be required to post bail while awaiting trial. In 2017, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill asking all Indiana courts to implement evidence-based risk assessment rules by 2020. This means the program is set to go statewide this year, making it pertinent news to us right now.

Continue reading to learn more about this piloted reform program, and how it can affect your county’s bail regulations and requirements.

Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Indiana’s Pretrial Release Program

Between June 2016 and October 2017, eleven Indiana counties launched a progressive pretrial release program intended to take a different approach to those arrested and awaiting trial. Under the Indiana bail reform pilot program, rather than setting bail for someone who has been arrested, a judge would consider and apply certain risk assessments in order to determine whether or not a defendant should be detained in custody or allowed to go home on the vow to return for their upcoming court date.

The desired outcome from this experimental program was to reduce jail overcrowding, namely the occupancy of low-risk or non-violent inmates. In turn, this program should save taxpayers a lot of money, and therefore, helps support our local economic wealth. More importantly, it is deemed a more humane and rational way to deal with low-risk offenders, especially those who are low-income or below the state poverty level, and who might have trouble affording bail.

Why It Might Not Be Worth It

Many argued that this program was too risky since it could potentially set free dangerous criminals who will commit more crimes before their next court date. Bail bondsmen argued that this reform might work fine for minor offenders, but in the long run, it will cost taxpayers more money searching for those who still skip bail. Bail bond services guarantee the appearance of offenders, therefore saving taxpayer money in terms of law enforcement labor and more.

So, what has been the outcome of Indiana’s Bail Bond Relief Pilot Program so far?

It’s hard to say how long it will last, especially since much of the data was not properly recorded before the program was initiated. It is difficult to evaluate the progress of FTA rates (failure to appear) when counties did not monitor them before. On the other hand, some counties reported lower FTA rates. According to Hendricks county’s court administrator, Catherine Haines, FTA rates have dropped 9% since the program began. In counties like Hamilton and Hendricks, those released without bail are setup to receive email, phone calls, and even SMS messages to remind them of upcoming court dates.

11 Indiana counties partook in the pretrial release program:

⮞ Porter County – Valparaiso, IN
⮞ Hamilton County – Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, IN
⮞ Hendricks County – Danville, IN
⮞ Allen – Fort Wayne, IN
⮞ Bartholomew – Columbus, IN
⮞ Grant – Marion, IN
⮞ Jefferson – Madison, IN
⮞ Monroe – Bloomington, IN
⮞ St. Joseph – South Bend, IN
⮞ Starke – Knox, IN
⮞ Tipton – Tipton, IN

Bail Bond Services Will Always Be Necessary in Indiana

Not all arrests are minor, and not all Indiana counties are on board with pretrial releases. So, you can still find yourself in jail and in need of bail assistance. If you are arrested in Indianapolis, call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9800 to get out of jail fast. We offer 24 hour bail bond services for all arrests, and can even prearrange a bail bond if you need to surrender to an arrest warrant. Best if all, our licensed bail bondsmen serve more than 30 Indiana counties, regardless of time, day, or city. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
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Will My Marion County Bail Be Free if I am Arrested for Marijuana?

Posted on January 23, 2020 by admin

On Monday, September 30th, 2019, the Marion County Prosecutor’s office announced they will no longer prosecute simple marijuana cases. What does this mean for those caught in possession of cannabis in Indianapolis? Will they go to jail? Will they be let go? If they go to jail, will their bail be free if they are not prosecuted? Continue reading to learn how this change will affect jail and bail in Marion County.

Marion County Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Marion County Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Marion County Marijuana Arrests

The Marion County Prosecutor, Ryan Mears, declared his office will not prosecute minor marijuana offenses anymore. In his announcement, he stated, “Too often, an arrest for marijuana possession puts individuals into the system who otherwise would not be. That is not a win for our community. (…) The enforcement of marijuana policy has disproportionately impacted people of color, and this is a first step to addressing that. (…) Our priority is violent crime. (…) We are not going to mess around with these small possession of marijuana cases.”

However, there is something very important to know about this announcement. As it turns out, local law enforcement is not on the same page. In fact, the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police openly objected the Prosecutor’s decision, which was made clear in an official statement, ““(…) While we recognize and value prosecutorial discretion, our law enforcement officers have significant concerns anytime a single person elects to unilaterally not enforce a state law as a matter of practice or policy. We are attempting to better understand the basis for this decision and any potential unintended outcomes. In the interim, it is our understanding the IMPD Chief of Police has directed officers to continue to enforce the laws as proscribed by the State of Indiana and we strongly concur.”

So what does this mean? It means that although petty marijuana offenses will no longer be prosecuted in Marion County, those caught will still be arrested and taken to jail. If you are caught with marijuana, and as a result, arrested and taken to the Marion County jail, the standard proceedings for such arrests will take place. You will be booked, detained in custody, and have bail set for you.

Once your bail is set, you can contact a Marion County bail bondsman to get a release from jail. Your bail will not be set to $0 even though the Prosecutor’s office will no go through with the charges. But be happy that you only need to pay to get out of Marion County jail, and not court and attorney fees for your criminal charges!

The Fastest Way Out of Jail in Marion County

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional Indianapolis bail bonds in Marion County, Indiana. We provide 24 hour bail bonds in over 30 Indiana counties. We serve the Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana areas with safe and secure bail bonds you can afford. Right now, we are offering 8% bail bonds! Request a free estimate or information, anytime.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
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Guaranteed Questions Your Bail Bondsman Will Ask You

Posted on January 16, 2020 by admin

Do you need to surrender to an arrest warrant? Was your friend just arrested? If so, you might soon be on the phone with a local bail bondsman. During your initial phone call with a bail bondsman, you can expect to be asked for certain information pertaining to the arrestee. Such questions will vary slightly depending on who the bail bond is for. Continue reading to learn some bail bond questions you are likely to hear.

Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Choose Seasoned Bail Bonds Company

There are certain qualities a bail bondsman should have, and it is important to look for these qualities when searching for an agency to call. A reputable bail bond agency will have the proper certifications from the state, proving they are legally appointed to handle all processes related to the release of a defendant from jail. 

By law, bail agencies are required to be fully licensed in Indiana. A proper bail agency will also be bonded and insured, allowing them to operate successfully and safely.  Having this reassurance is important when choosing a bail bondsman.  Licenses, insurance, and certifications can all contribute to the reliability of a bail bond company. 

Speaking With a Bail Bondsman

During your initial phone call with a bail bondsman, you can expect to be asked for certain information pertaining to the arrestee. Such questions will vary slightly depending on who the bail bond is for. Common questions you are likely to hear include:

➤ Where is the arrestee being detained?

➤ How long has the arrestee been held?

➤ On what charges are they being held?

➤ How long have they lived in their current residence?

➤ What is their employment information?

This consultation allows the bail agent to assess the risk involved in the bail bond. If the person requesting a bail bond decides to go through with the bail process, they will be asked to complete and sign official documents, such as a bail indemnity agreement,
bail bond application, and a receipt.

Getting Out of Jail

Most bail bond companies in Indiana can process this paperwork by fax or email, which reduces the timeline of the bail process. Also, come bail companies will actually dispatch a bail agent to the client. Once the bail bond paperwork is complete, signed, and finalized, the bail process can move forward.  This involves a licensed bail agent “posting” bail at the jail where the defendant is being held.  This will result in the release of the defendant.

A professional and experienced bail bond company can complete the entire bail bond process in less than three hours. For arrests involving alcohol or narcotics, the bail bond process cannot even begin until the facility or jail has determined the defendant sober. This is usually a 7-9 hour wait.  Then the bail process can begin.

You will also have the opportunity to ask your bail bondsman some questions. See our blog, “Type of Questions to Ask Your Bail Bondsman” to learn which ones you should not forget.

24 Hour Indiana Bail Bond Services You Can Trust

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional bail bond services in Indiana. We provide 24 hour bail bonds in over 30 Indiana counties. We serve the Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana areas with safe and secure bail bonds you can afford. Right now, we are offering 8% bail bonds! Request a free estimate or information, anytime.

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Are Bail Bonds an Economical Choice?

Posted on January 9, 2020 by admin

When contemplating the most economical approach to getting someone you love out of jail, or even yourself for that matter, are bail bonds the right way to go? Continue reading to learn about the cost of bail bonds, particularly here in Indiana, to better understand whether or not a bail bond is a smart financial option for you.

24 Hour Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
24 Hour Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Bail Bond Prices

Bail bonds are priced in percentages, and vary in cost depending on how much a person’s bail is set at by the court. The cost of a bail bond is a set percentage of the total bond amount set by the judge. Furthermore, the bond amount set by the judge depends on a wide range of factors, such as the charges against the defendant, their criminal history, and whether or not they are a threat to the surrounding public, or liable to commit another crime, if released from custody. Keep in mind that bail bond service fees are non-refundable, which is in contrast to posting bail in cash with the jail.

Here in Indiana, the Department of Insurance regulates how much a bail bond company can charge for their services. Currently, the percentage is set between 10% and 15%, which means a bail bondsman can use personal discretion and charge a client any amount between that range.

For example:

↪ Defendant’s bail is set at $10,000.
↪ Bail bondsman charges 12% service fee.
↪ You pay 12% of $10,000, which equals $1,200.
⚠ The $1,200 bail bond fee is not refunded.

The Economics of Bail Bonds

Now comes the question, “Are bail bonds an economical option for you?” Well, the answer depends on how much disposable cash you have on hand, and whether or not you desired putting that cash up as collateral for a release from jail. You see, you can choose to pay cash and post bail directly with the jail. In this case, you would pay the total bond amount ($10,000 in the above example), but then receive that money back in full so long as the defendant follows all court orders and appears for all hearings.

The problem with this option is that most Americans do not have thousands of dollars in cash they can temporarily give up. There are bills, groceries, car expenses, and the potential for emergencies, all of which require the average American family to retain a safety net of savings. For these reasons, bail bonds can be the more economical choice.

Although you do not get your money back for a bail bond, you are only paying a fraction of the total bail amount, which in the above example is $1,200. Yes, this can be a massive cost in itself, but it is meant to be since bail and jail are meant to thwart individuals from committing more crimes in the future. Overall, bail bonds provide financial relief and realistic options for getting out of jail for those who do not have tens of thousands of dollars on hand. Talk to a local Indianapolis bail bondsman to learn all of your options for bail, and whether or not it’s the right choice for you.

Where Can I Get Fast Bail Bonds in Indianapolis?

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds you can trust, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Not only do we serve both adult and juvenile clients, 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. Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
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Did Your Friend Get Arrested on Christmas in Indiana?

Posted on December 26, 2019 by admin

There is nothing worse than a ruined holiday, and nothing can ruin a holiday faster than an arrest. After all, ‘tis the season to be merry, not incarcerated. However, everyone is vulnerable to making mistakes and might even end up in jail for them. In fact, the number of arrests here in Indiana increase during holidays, especially national ones like Christmas. If your friend or loved one is currently in jail after being arrested on Christmas Eve or Christmas, you can quickly get them out with a few simple steps. They true key to a fast release from jail is hiring a local and trusted Indiana bail bondsman. In fact, that is your very first step.

Continue reading to learn how to get your friend or loved one out of jail in Central Indiana using a bail bond.

Indianapolis Christmas Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indianapolis Christmas Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Most Bail Bond Services are 24/7/365

Regardless of what day your loved one was arrested on, you can start the process of a bail bond right away. Most bail bond companies operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, including national holidays. Here is what you need to do to get someone out of jail after they were arrested on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day:

🎄 Your First Step

Hire a local bail bond company that serves the county in which your friend or loved one was arrested in. Even if a bail bond company is not headquartered in the county of arrest, they likely still serve that area. Larger, more experienced bail bondsmen keep a broad service area in Central Indiana. See our blog, “Qualities to Look For When Choosing a Bail Bond Service” to learn how to hire a reputable bail bondsman near you.

🎄 Your Second Step

Prepare as much information as you can about your loved one and their arrest to give to your Indiana bail bondsman. Although this step is not entirely necessary since bail bondsmen tend to have the resources and technologies to locate this information themselves, to speed the process up a bit, you can have the information ready and organized before you make a call to a bail bondsman. See our blog, “Information to Have Ready for a Bail Bondsman” for a complete list of data and documents you should prepare to bring to the bail bond office.

🎄 Your Next Step

Go to your scheduled bail bond appointment on time. Once you arrive at the bail bond office, you will turn over all of the information you have prepared for them. At the same time, the bail bondsman will have you fill out a series of paperwork, including a contract that obligates you as a co-signer to certain legal and financial liabilities. See our blog, “The Responsibilities of a Bail Bond Contract” to fully understand the risk you take on when posting someone’s bail in Indiana.

🎄 Your Final Step

At your appointment, you will be required to provide payment for their services. The cost of a bail bond depends on how much bail was set at by the judge. The Indiana Department of Insurance regulates how much bail bond companies can charge for a bail bond, so no company can charge more or less than the state standard. Generally, this standard is set between 10% and 15%, but right now in Indiana, companies can go as low as 8% if they choose. So, if your loved one’s bail is set at $5,000 and the bail agent charges 10% for their service, you would pay $500 for a bail bond. This fee is not refunded.

How to Get a Quick Bail Bond in Indiana

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis Indiana bail bonds you can trust, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Not only do we serve both adult and juvenile clients, 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.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
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FAQS About Affording Bail

Posted on December 20, 2019 by admin

When it comes to being arrested and going to jail, there is no way around a release. You either pay up or stay put. Although there are cases in which a person is released on their own recognizance, also known as being OR’d, the more common likelihood is that you will have to pay to get out of jail. To pay for bail in Indiana, a person has a few options. The method they choose will depend on a wide range of factors, the most common being affordability. If you are afraid you cannot afford to bail your loved one out of jail in Indiana, learning some tips about paying for bail bonds might help. If you still are unsure about whether or not you can afford bail, you may need to look into some alternatives.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about affording bail, including these tips and more.

Cheap Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Cheap Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

How Much is Bail?

Bail is set differently for everyone. The amount it is set at mostly depends on the Indiana bail schedules. See our blog, “Local County Bail Bond Schedules for Indianapolis” to learn more about bail schedules. However, bail is also strongly influences by the judge’s personal discretion. A judge will look at various factors and details of a person’s arrest to determine how much to set their bail at.

Serious offenses and repeat offenders are often given higher bail. Some offenses are not allowed bail at all, such as homicide. As mentioned, some people are released without any bail being set, known as being OR’d, or released on your own recognizance. Generally, OR’s are granted in cases of minor crimes, such as adolescent offenses, traffic offenses, shoplifting, and similar minor infractions. See our blog, “Can I Get Out of Jail Without a Bail Bond?” to learn more about this possibility.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Bailed Out of Jail?

There are two primary options for bailing someone out of jail. You can post bail directly with the jail, but you will have to provide the full amount. Generally, bail is set in the thousands, so the cash amount will be high. On the other hand, this money is refunded back to you in full so long as the arrestee shows up for all of their court hearings. Your other option, which is more common, is to hire a bail bond company and pay for a bail bond.

Their rates are regulated by the state’s Insurance Department, so all bail bond companies are mandated to charge between 10% and 15% of the total bail amount. For example, if the bail is set at $10,000 and your bail bondsman charges 11% for their services, you would pay $1,100 for a bail bond. In some cases, there is an automatic 5% added on for local taxes, etc. Right now in Indiana, some bail companies are allowed to go as low as 8% for a fee.

Can I Get My Money Back for a Bail Bond?

Bail bond fees are not refunded, no matter what. Although this money is not refundable, it is much more affordable than paying a large lump sum of cash. Not many people want to clear out their entire bank account of life savings for a release from jail. This can create problems for families who need money for rent, groceries, school, and more. For these reasons, bail bonds are the better and more convenient approach to getting out of jail.

What Happens if I Can’t Pay for Bail?

If there is simply no way for you to pay for bail, the arrestee will have to remain in custody until their court date. At their court date, the judge might decide to release them, or they may decide to maintain their bail and keep them in jail until their sentencing hearing. For this reason, it is vital to retain a private lawyer who can put in a motion to have bail reduced or waived. See our blog, “How Long Do I Have to Stay in Jail if I Can’t Afford Bail?” to learn more.

If you need financial assistance for a bail bond in Indiana, there are very little options. You can visit a cash advance loan store for help, sell some belongings, or ask family and friends to borrow money. You can also choose an Indiana bail bond company that offers low rates for their services.

Where Can I Get Cheap Bail Bonds in Indianapolis?

Right now, Woods Bail Bonds is currently offering an 8% fee for Indianapolis bail bonds! This is the lowest rate in years, and only available here! That means you only pay 8% of your total bond amount, rather than the standard 10 to 15% rates required across the state. In order to qualify for this low rate, you must meet certain criteria. Call 317-876-9600 to talk to a friendly and knowledgeable Indianapolis bail bondsman to learn if you can qualify for 8% bail bonds in Indiana!

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
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How to Get Your Friend Out of Jail in Marion County

Posted on December 11, 2019 by admin

Was your friend just was arrested in Lawrence and taken to Marion County jail? If so, do not panic; it is perfectly normal to have no clue what to do next. However, you are not alone. Everyone feels this way when they have to post someone’s bail for the first time.  By simply following a few easy steps, you can quickly bail your friend or loved one out of jail in Marion County without any hassles.

Continue reading for a step-by-step guide to posting Marion County bail.

24 Hour Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
24 Hour Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Step One

The first thing you want to do if your friend has just been arrested is find out what jail or county their charges are in.  An effective way to figure this out without calling every jail in the state is to first call the jail nearest to the site of the arrest.  In most cases, this is the jail your friend is being booked at.  If you are unaware of where your friend was arrested, there are other ways to find the jail they are in.  There are many inmate search portals online.  By entering in the name and some other information of the inmate, these portals can usually detect which jail they are being held in.  Once you figure out which jail your friend is being held in, you can proceed to the next step.

Step Two

Once the jail has been determined, you can then proceed to look into bail options.  The most efficient and quickest way to do this is to contact a professional bail bond company in the area.  You can find these bail agents online or in a phone book.  Just look under bail bonds and then your city.  By calling a bail bondsman, you will have immediate access to all the information you need to bail your friend from jail.  They will instruct you on all the different bail options there are, and which ones you actually qualify for.

Step Three

By hiring the bail company, you will be required to fill out applications, forms, and contracts.  These papers provide the state and the bail company with all the necessary information they need to support bail for your friend.  The contract is to protect the bail bond agency in the case that your friend fails to appear for their scheduled court date, leaving the bondsman responsible to pay your friend’s original bond amount. Once these papers are signed and submitted, the fee is implemented.  This fee is non-refundable.  Typical bail agencies accept all major credit cards, cash, and money orders.  They do not usually accept checks; however, some do. 

Step Four

Once the paperwork is filled out and approved, and the fee is paid, it is time to just sit back and wait for your friend to walk out of the jail.  This can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the amount of traffic the jail is experiencing, the efficiency of the jailers, and the time it takes to get your friend processed and booked. Your friend cannot be bailed from jail until they are finished being booked.  If they were arrested under the influence of an illegal or controlled substance, they cannot be booked until they are sober.  In this case, the jailers will wait 8 hours to allow the inmate to get sober.  Then they can be booked.  Once they are booked, they can post bail.  The timeline depends on all these variables.

Where to Get Secure Bail Bonds in Indiana

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indianapolis 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.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
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