What Do I Need to Do for a Bench Warrant?

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Bench warrants are arrest warrants, simply put. They are generally issued in criminal cases after a person violates a court order. The term “bench” is meant to refer to the judge’s bench, while the phrase is meant to imply that an offender is being called to the judge’s bench to answer for their crimes. In Indiana, bench warrants are mostly issued for FTA violations. The acronym “FTA” stands for “failure to appear.” It is when a person fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing following an arrest or criminal charge. When this happens, offenders can expect a judge to issue a bench warrant authorizing law enforcement to arrest them on sight.

The Difference Between Arrest and Bench Warrants

Many people confuse arrest warrants with bench warrants since they both authorize the arrest of an offender. But the difference between the two warrants is great. For a judge to issue an arrest warrant, they must rely on the state’s testimony and evidence. Whereas a judge can issue a bench warrant solely on the violation of the court order itself.
Also, arrest warrants are usually issued for more serious cases, and will cause law enforcement to immediately begin the search and detainment an offender. When facing a bench warrant, a person’s name is entered and flagged into a state-wide database that is used by the entire law enforcement community. If they have a random (or even innocent) encounter with police, for instance a routine traffic stop, police CAN and WILL arrest them and take them into custody on the spot.

What to Do

If you are facing a bench warrant in Indiana, it is in your best interest to surrender to law enforcement as soon as possible. The safest and most comfortable method for turning yourself in is using the help of a local and experienced Indiana bail bond company. They can pre-arrange your release from jail so that you can turn yourself in, get booked into the jail’s system, and be home in time for supper. In most cases, an experience bail bondsman can obtain a release from jail for a bench warrant in as little as a couple of hours. This, of course, also depends on how busy the jail is that day and the amount of jail staff.

Many companies also offer free pickup and drop off services to and from the jail, to their office. This means you can easily drive yourself to the bail bond office, pre-arrange your bail bond, and get bailed out of jail, all on your own. Once you pay the bail for your bench warrant, the warrant is formally recalled. But then you will be scheduled a new court date to face your previous charges, as well as, the penalties for missing your initial hearing.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Indiana

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to prearrange a bail bond in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of bail bondsmen, are licensed, insured, and bonded. They have served the Hoosier counties with trusted bail bond services for over 30 years! Whether you need to prearrange bail or post bail for a loved one, we are the friendly professionals for the job. We provide 24 hour bail bond services in virtually ALL Indiana counties, as well as, a wide range of additional services. Call 317-876-9600 to learn more about Indianapolis
bail bonds
, any time.

Facts About Federal Bail Bonds

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When someone is arrested for a minor infraction or misdemeanor, their case is prosecuted through the state’s judicial system and they can get bailed out of jail using a state bail bond. But when someone commits a federal crime, also known as a felony, they can expect an entirely separate set of rules and procedures for getting out of jail with a bail bond.

Continue reading to learn about federal bail bonds, and what you need to know about getting out of jail if you have to surrender to a felony warrant.

Federal Bail Bondsmen

First, it is important to be sure your bail bond company of choice is experienced and familiar with federal bail bonds. Since felony cases are often sensitive, it is in your best interest to choose a licensed bail bondsman that knows what they are doing. And extensive experience usually indicates a company has comprehensive knowledge of the industry, as well as, good-standing relationships with the local courts and jails.

After a Felony Arrest

When it comes time to post bail after being arrested for a federal crime, there is a standard process you can expect to take place. First, a judge sets your bond. This amount varies depending on several factors, including criminal history, severity of the crime, and more. Federal courts set their bond amounts much higher than state courts, so expect the amount to be in the high thousands.

A bail bond company can charge anywhere between 10-15 percent of your federal bond amount for their services. This fee is non-refundable. For federal bail bonds, companies generally charge more because they are more complex cases that require taking on more risk. So if you need a federal bail bond, expect the bail bond company’s fee to be closer to 15 percent.

After you are released on bail, an additional hearing may be scheduled depending on the state or county you live. The federal court will schedule and hold an additional hearing to ensure the money or collateral you used to pay for your bail bond came from a legitimate source, and was not acquired through any illegal or criminal activity. This is called a “Nebbia hearing.” In this case, you would have the burden of proving to a federal judge that your finances came from legal sources.

Indiana Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Marion County Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 if you need to turn yourself in for a felony arrest warrant in Indiana. Owner James Woods, and his team of bail bondsmen, have over 30 years of experience and can get you or your loved one out of jail, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We offer free estimates, free jail information, free jail drop-off and pickup services from our office locations, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 to learn everything you need to know about Indianapolis bail bonds, today.

How Does Woods Bail Bonds Get You Out of Jail?

One of the most common questions a bail bond company hears has to do with the bail bond process. And this is a great question because it is important to understand the methods and responsibilities of everyone involved. A person, whether bailing themselves or a loved one out of jail, has a few options to choose from.

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Federal Bonds

These bonds originate in federal district court and used for defendants accused of federal crimes. Federal bonds are usually more expensive than other crimes, so having a good bail bondsman can make a huge difference and can potentially save you a lot of money. Just be sure to choose a bail bond company that has experience working with federal courts, like Woods Bail Bonds.

Cash Bonds

Defendants also have the option of paying cash for their bond, but this not always a smart move. Surrendering a large amount of money can be hasty since defendants will need cash to survive the legal process. Instead of paying the full bond amount in cash, a defendant can use that money for more important or immediate purposes, such as rent, groceries, daycare, and fuel. Cash bonds cannot be posted by a bail agent. Cash bonds
are returned after court costs and fees are deducted.

Surety Bonds

The alternative to posting a bond in cash is to use a surety bond, which is also known as a bail bond. This process involves a contractual undertaking, guaranteed by an admitted insurance company that retains adequate assets to satisfy the face value of a person’s bond (also known as a bail bond agency).

What We Do

Woods Bail Bonds guarantees to the court that they will pay the bond forfeiture if a defendant fails to appear for the designated court appearances. Woods Bail Bonds guarantee is made through a surety company such as the Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Company. For this service, a defendant is charged a premium. To be released by posting a bail bond, the defendant (or a relative or a friend on their behalf) will contact an agency licensed by the State of Indiana to post bail bonds. Before a bond is posted, we will interview the proposed guarantor of the bail bond, as well as the defendant and relatives of the defendant, as part of the approval procedure for the bond.

By involving family and friends, as well through the acceptance of collateral, Woods Bail Bonds can be assured the defendant being released on a bail bond will appear at a defendant’s designated court date, as required, until the case is completed. Once an agreement is made, we will complete the application and post the bail bond for the full amount of the bail to guarantee the defendant’s return to court.

After You are Released

Once a defendant is released on a bail bond posted by Woods Bail Bonds, they will meet with an agent to be interviewed and learn the terms and conditions of their bail. At Woods Bail Bonds, we strive to make this process as simple and comfortable as possible. All we ask is for defendants to communicate and be courteous. We offer the comfort of not being in jail while your case is adjudicated.

24 Hour Bail Bonds in Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds Marion County Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of licensed bail bondsmen, work around the clock, to help get you or a loved one out of jail fast. We offer free jail information, jail pickup and drop off services, inmate searches, arrest warrant help, prearranged bail, and much more, Call us anytime at 317-876-9600 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable Indianapolis bail bondsman for help.