What is Fugitive Extradition? Can it Happen to Me?

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When a person commits a crime they should be arrested for the crime and determined innocent or guilty in a court of law. Once a person is booked in jail, they can be bonded or bailed out to await their court date in the comfort of their own home. They are then expected to return on their own recognizance and face their criminal charges as they agreed to prior to being released. This person decides to leave the state, which is against the rules of the court, they are considered a violator; but if this person takes it a step further and decides to not return, they are then considered a fugitive.

So what does the local law enforcement and prosecutors do when one of their suspected criminals flees and moves out of state to evade jail time or criminal charges? In many in most cases, they would implement extradition process. Continue reading to learn more about what it means to extradite fugitive from another state.

The Extradition Process

Extraditing a fugitive is the process in which one state surrenders a person that is wanted in a bordering state; in return, that state accepts or receives this said fugitive through a series of steps and procedures. Extradition prevents fugitives from fleeing all over the country and avoiding trial. It protects the safety of the public, and supports justice for all. Fugitives and wanted felons that have left their state to escape criminal charges are wrongfully evading trial. They should be held accountable for their crimes and penalized so that their victims are given justice as well.

When local law enforcement or prosecutors have to extradite a fugitive from a bordering state, there is a series of steps they have to complete. For example, they have to obtain the signatures of both states’ governors, complete a link the amount of paperwork, and pay certain costs and fees. The unfortunate part of these requirements is that a few states within the nation are neglecting these responsibilities and allowing fugitives to get away. They don’t wish to pay these extra costs and complete all of the tedious work that goes along with the extradition process. This this behavior is just as morally wrong as the fugitives that have already fled and ran away.

The Supreme Court may refuse to extradite a fugitive if:

❎ Extradition Paperwork is Not in Order
❎ The Person is Not Charged or Suspected of a Crime in the Initial State
❎ The Person is Not a Fugitive
❎ The Person is Not the Person Specified in the Extradition Documents

Skipping Bond

Skipping bond, especially if you used a bill bondsman to get out of jail, is irresponsible and sometimes dangerous. Not only can this negligence put you back in jail, it can leave a permanent mark on your criminal record. A bail bond agency is forced to forfeit the money they put out for the entire bond amount to obtain a person’s release from jail; if this person skips bond, the bill bondsman will go after them and bring them back to face their charges in a court of law. This way, they get their money back and justice is served. The best part about bail bondsmen and fugitive extradition is that there are no fees to pay and taxpayers are not charged a penny.

Indiana Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for more information about extraditing the fugitive in Indiana and its surrounding states. Owner, James Woods, and his team of highly trained and experienced bail bond agents are friendly and eager to help you obtain a release from jail in Indianapolis; however, they expect all of their clients to responsibly appear for all of their scheduled court hearings in order to avoid becoming a fugitive themselves. If you want to learn more about the extradition process, contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for reliable information.

FAQs About Bail Hearings

Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

A bail hearing is a court trial that determines an offender’s bail eligibility. At this hearing, a judge decides whether or not to set bail for the offender, or keep them in custody until their trial or until they enter a plea deal. Many people are confused after an arrest, and worry about the proceedings that need to take place to secure a release from jail. If you are preparing to surrender to an arrest warrant, or have a loved one currently in custody, you can benefit from the information below.

Continue reading to find the most frequently asked questions about bail hearings and better understand what to expect.

When Does the Bail Hearing Take Place?

There are several factors that influence the amount of time a bail hearing will occur from the time of arrest. These factors include the complexity of the case, the severity of the crime, criminal history, enhancements (factors that increase the criminal charges or penalties), court traffic, and more. However, by law, an offender must be presented in front of a court within 24 hours of detainment. If at that time the bail cannot be addressed, the court will adjourn and reschedule. But the bail hearing must be rescheduled with 3 days from that time. More time may pass at the permission of the defense.

Is an Arraignment the Same as a Bail Hearing?

The initial hearing after your arrest, also sometimes referred to as an arraignment, your charges will be read and you will be given a choice of entering into a plea deal. At this same hearing, your bail will be determined. A judge will either grant you bail privileges, or deny them and detain you until your sentencing trial.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bail Hearing?

No one has to have a lawyer for a bail hearing, but it is strongly recommended. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given the opportunity to have a public defender represent your case for free. It is best to hire private counsel directly after an arrest so that they can get started on your case right away. They can negotiate your terms of release and more.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to speak with a licensed agent about getting out of jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and our team of licensed bail bondsmen provide prompt and secure bail bond services for virtually all Indiana counties and cities.

What is a Show Cause Hearing?

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When a person is arrested and taken into custody, many processes take place among the police station, the prosecution office, and the judge. After an offender is processed into the jails database (a process known as booking – fingerprints, mugshot, etc.), they are given the opportunity to post bail. For minor offenses, bail schedules are already in place in most states. This means there is no need to hold a court hearing for a judge to set bail.

However, for more serious offenses and habitual offenders, a bail hearing is scheduled for a judge to decide how much to set their bail at, or whether to set one at all. Bail hearings are generally held within the first 36 to 48 hours of arrest, but interestingly enough, the term “bail hearing” is not actually used in our state’s criminal code. Instead, the term “show cause hearing” is used, and “bail hearing” is a colloquial term used interchangeably in its place.

Show Cause for Release or Detainment

A show cause hearing is the same thing as a bail hearing. The term comes from the purpose of the hearing, which is the prosecution and defense to argue why a defendant should be detained or released prior to their criminal trial. Each side must “show cause” for their argument, and at the end, a judge ultimately decides the defendant’s release.

Held for Show Cause

So if you call the jail to locate a friend or loved one who has been arrested, and the police officer informs you that they are “being held for show cause”, it simply means that their offense or priors do not make them automatically eligible for bail, and a bail hearing has been set for them in the next few days to determine the possibility of their release. A licensed bail bondsman can answer any questions you have about arranging bail after a show cause hearing.

Get Out of Jail in Indiana – FAST!

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to learn the whereabouts of your recently arrested friend or loved one in Indiana. Owner and licensed Indianapolis bail bondsman, James Woods, has a full team of licensed, insured, and bonded agents that serve in over 30 Indiana counties. Regardless of time or day, we are always on duty to take your call and obtain a fast and secure release from various county jails across Indiana. Call our Indianapolis headquarters at 317-876-9600 for a free estimate or information, anytime.