Do I Bail My Kid Out of Juvenile Detention?

Many parents want to know if they need to call a bail bondsman after their child is arrested and taken to a county juvenile detention center. If you are one of these parents, continue reading to put your mind at ease.

Juvenile Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Juvenile Bail Bonds 317-876-9600


Juveniles are children between the ages of 10 and 17. Once a child turns 18 years old, they are considered adults in the legal system. So when a minor is arrested for a crime, there is a separate procedure for getting them released from the juvenile detention center. That is mainly due to the fact that juveniles have a separate set of rights compared to defendants being tried in adult criminal court.

Although juveniles do have the right to an attorney, the right to an appeal, and the right against self-incrimination, they do not have the same rights as adults when it comes to bail. They do not have the right to a trial by jury either. On the other hand, there are some exceptions to the rule. For instance, if a juvenile is being tried as an adult, they get all the same constitutional rights as adults do in court.

Getting Out of Juvenile Hall

Just because juveniles are not given the right to traditional bail options doesn’t mean they have to sit in the detention center until their trial date. Most states have strict regulations and procedures on just how long a juvenile can be held prior to their trial, as well as, the methods by which they can be held. For example, Pennsylvania requires juveniles be held no longer than 24 hours prior to their detention hearing. Check with your state’s legal system to learn the specifics of juvenile detention limits.

A professional court officer called a juvenile master determines if there is enough evidence and probable cause that the minor committed the crime in question. They also have the discretion to decide how severe the penalties shall be depending on the nature of the crime, prior criminal records, and available adult supervision. These factors and more will influence the juvenile master’s decision to keep the defendant in custody until their trial or to release them to their parents.

If the court officer decides they need to be held, juveniles are kept in a secure facility while undergoing therapy, educational courses, and rehabilitation until their trial. Those who are released from custody prior to trial may face alternative penalties such as electronic ankle monitoring devices, house arrest, suspended drivers’ license, and intensive adult supervision.

In conclusion, you do not need a bail bondsman to get your child out of juvenile detention. Instead, contact your trusted criminal defense lawyer for help on taking the next steps in your child’s legal defense. If your teenager is under the age of 18, but being tried as an adult, they can be bailed out of jail. In this case, contact our Indianapolis bail bond company immediately for safe and secure assistance, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for bail assistance, anytime. Owner, James Woods, and his team of licensed bail bondsmen, provide 24 hour bail bond services in over 30 Indiana counties. Regardless of time, day, or city, we can get you out of jail fast, and for as low as 8% of your total bond!

Additional FAQS About Acting as a Surety

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Acting as a surety is an important, yet complex, responsibility. For this reason, it is important to do your research to full understand the liability you face when you become a person’s surety. As an extension to last week’s blog, we are covering even more frequently asked questions about acting as a surety for someone who has been arrested and detained in jail. Continue below to review some more common questions, and their answers. You may also contact a local Indianapolis bail bondsman for direct
assistance with your bail bond inquiries.

Can There Be More Than One Surety for a Personal in Jail?

Yes; sometimes courts will mandate multiple sureties for a person in jail. This usually happens if the case is a very serious one, or if the courts determine that the defendant requires more adequate supervision. Acting as a surety in a multi-surety arrangement simply means that you, as well as the others, will be fully responsible for the monetary consequences in the case that the defendant does not appear for court. Each party with sign the bail bond agreement contract, and hold equal liability.

If I Am Acting as My Own Surety, What Do I Need?

To act as your own surety is not uncommon, especially when defendants are surrendering to an arrest warrant. All you need to bring with you to court is your legal photo identification and proof of address. Having proof of address is especially important if your address on your photo I.D. differ from your mailing address. Although not necessary, it can also be helpful to have current bank statements (as far back as 3 months), employment records, and possibly proof of property ownership (i.e. car title, house deed, etc.). This shows a court that you have the assets to back up the bond amount.

Can I Be a Surety For More Than One Person at the Same Time?

This is usually frowned upon, and rarely approved by the court. That is because it is necessary to provide adequate supervision for a person who is out on bail and awaiting trial. Supervising more than one person is considered “spreading oneself too thin” since your attention is being demanding by two separate people, simultaneously.

Does a Person Have to Have a Surety to Be Released From Jail?

A person in jail does not always need to have a surety to get out of jail, and for a couple different reasons. For instance, a defendant may not be granted bail by the court, and instead, must wait in jail until their trail hearing. In another situation, a person may act as their own surety and post their own bond. They can do this by hiring a bail bond company on their own, or paying their total bond amount in cash at the jail.

Who Do I Call for Free Bail Bond Advice?

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call James Woods, owner and operator of Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can reach him or one of his highly trained and licensed Indianapolis bail bondsmen at 317-876-9600, day or night. We offer fast and friendly bail bonds, free jail information, inmate look-ups, jail pickup services, jail drop-off services, 24 hour emergency bail bond services, and more!

FAQS About Acting as a Surety

Learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions about acting as a surety for someone who has been arrested and taken to jail.

Indiana Bail Bond Company 317-876-9600

Indiana Bail Bond Company 317-876-9600


Acting as one’s surety is a serious responsibility. If a person fails to appear for their scheduled court hearing, you are responsible for paying the remainder of the bond amount on their behalf. If you do not have the cash to pay off the bond, you would likely have to forfeit assets, such as real estate and vehicles. This means you could lose your home, your vehicles, your savings, and more. Because of the seriousness of becoming one’s surety, it is common for people to have a lot of questions and concerns. Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions and answers about acting as a surety in order to obtain a release from jail for a friend or loved one.

What Does It Mean to Act as One’s Surety?

Signing bail bond paperwork, also known as an agreement or contract, you are becoming one’s surety. This means you will supervise them while they are out on bail to ensure they do not leave town, break any further laws, and appear for their scheduled court hearing. If they do not appear for court, you face financial penalties. A surety must be approved by the court.

As a Person’s Surety, Do I Have to Make a Payment Upfront?

Yes; an upfront payment will need to be made to the bail bond company during the signing of the bail bond contract, which must take place before the process can begin. This fee depends on the set bond amount and the local percentage regulations. Most Indiana bail bond companies are authorized to charge anywhere from 10 to 15 percent of the total bond amount. This fee is nonrefundable and due at the time of signing.

Can I Be a Surety if My Income is Low?

Your income should not make too much of a difference as long as you can prove you are employed full-time and have been employed consistently for a long duration of time. This shows the bail bondsman that you are capable of paying the entire bond amount in the case that the defendant fails to appear for court. Having assets also helps. You can put up collateral, such as real estate, vehicles, stocks, and more.

After I Agree to Act as a Surety, Can I Change My Mind?

Whether the trial is taking too long or you have fallen tired of keeping track of the defendant, you may change your mind and want to rid yourself of the responsibility. Unfortunately, this is not easy. Once you sign the bail bond agreement, you are in a contract. However, you can go to the court and request to “pull” the bail. But this means they will also issue an arrest warrant for your friend or loved one, and they would have to surrender to police, get booked in jail, and post bail all over again. The decision is up to you!

Can I Be a Surety if I Have a Criminal Record?

Usually a minor criminal record will not keep you from being qualified to act as a surety. It depends on the severity of the charges and/or convictions, whether or not you have any pending warrants or charges, and a few other factors.

Indiana Bail Bonds You Can Trust

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional bail bond services in Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of licensed and insured bail agents, provide 24 hour bail bonds in over 30 Indiana counties. Regardless of time, day, or city, we can get you out of jail fast, and for as low as 8% of your total bond! Request a free estimate, anytime!