Indiana Arrest Warrants Explained: What You Need to Know

Understanding arrest warrants can be daunting, especially when you’re unsure of the procedures involved or how to navigate the process. When it comes to Indiana, the laws surrounding arrest warrants can be quite specific. This blog post aims to guide you through the intricate details of Indiana’s arrest warrants, the process of conducting an arrest warrant search, and understanding arrest warrant bonds. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to tackle such situations confidently and prudently.

Call 317-876-9600 for an Arrest Warrant Bond in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-876-9600 for an Arrest Warrant Bond in Indianapolis Indiana

What is an Arrest Warrant?

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate, authorizing law enforcement officers to arrest and detain an individual suspected of committing a crime. In Indiana, the prosecutor’s office files a complaint with the court, which determines if there is enough evidence to issue an arrest warrant. If granted, the warrant remains active until the suspect is arrested or until it is recalled by the court.

3 Types of Warrants Issued in Indiana:

Arrest Warrants – An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a court or other authorized body that authorizes the police to arrest an individual suspected of committing a crime. An arrest warrant contains information about the suspect, such as their name and address, and details of the alleged crime. In order to issue an arrest warrant, there must be probable cause that the suspect has committed a crime.

Search Warrants – A search warrant is a legal document issued by a court or other authorized body that allows law enforcement officers to search an individual’s home or business for evidence of criminal activity. In order to issue a search warrant, there must be probable cause that the person is in possession of evidence related to criminal activity. A search warrant must also specify what type of evidence can be searched for and where it can be found.

Bench Warrants – A bench warrant is a legal document issued by a court or other authorized body that orders the police to bring an individual before the court so they can answer accusations against them. A bench warrant typically arises when an individual fails to appear in court for their scheduled hearing or has violated the terms of their release from custody. A bench warrant does not authorize law enforcement officers to enter someone’s home or business without permission; instead, it requires them to locate and apprehend the individual named in the document so they can be brought before the court.

Arrest Warrant vs. Bench Warrant

It’s important to note that an arrest warrant is different from a bench warrant. While both are issued by a judge or magistrate, an arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement officers to make an arrest based on probable cause of a crime committed, while a bench warrant is typically issued for failure to appear in court or comply with a court order.

Conducting an Arrest Warrant Search

If you believe there may be an outstanding arrest warrant against you, your first step should be to conduct an arrest warrant search. You can do this by contacting your local law enforcement agency or visiting their website, where many have a public database that allows you to search for active warrants. Additionally, the Indiana State Police maintains an online database, known as the “Public Records Index,” where you can search for active warrants statewide. You might feel more comfortable contacting a local Indianapolis bail bondsman instead – they often perform free inmate lookups and warrant checks, plus they can help you turn yourself in and get out of jail fast.

Understanding Arrest Warrant Bonds

After an individual is arrested and taken into custody, they may be required to post bail in order to secure their release until their court date. In Indiana, this is typically done through an arrest warrant bond. The bond is a monetary amount set by the court, which ensures that the defendant will show up for their scheduled court appearance. If they fail to appear, the bond is forfeited, and an arrest warrant may be issued for their re-arrest. As mentioned earlier, a licensed and experienced bail bond company in Indianapolis may offer

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding Indiana’s arrest warrants requires knowledge of its legal procedures, conducting an arrest warrant search, and understanding arrest warrant bonds. It’s crucial to be informed and aware of your rights when it comes to dealing with arrest warrants, whether you are the suspect or a concerned citizen. If you have any further questions or need assistance navigating this process, it is always best to consult with a qualified legal professional.

We hope this blog has provided you with valuable information and empowered you to handle arrest warrants with confidence. Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to set up secure bail bond services before you turn yourself in for an arrest warrant in Indianapolis. Our licensed and insured Indiana bail bondsmen can get you in an out within a couple of hours, sometimes much less!

Related Posts:

How to Find Out if You Have an Arrest Warrant in Indiana
How to Resolve an Arrest Warrant as Fast as Possible
Where to Get Pre-Arrest Bail Bonds in Indiana

Understanding Financial Obligations When Posting Bond

When someone is arrested, the court may require them to post a bail bond in order to be released from jail. This means that someone else must pay a certain percentage of the total amount of the bond as an assurance that the accused will appear for their scheduled court dates. The process can be confusing and overwhelming, so it’s important to understand your financial obligations when posting bond.

In this blog post, we’ll explore exactly what you need to know about bail bonds and how they work. We’ll discuss fees associated with bail bondsmen, what constitutes a good or bad bail bond percentage, and more. By understanding these concepts better, you can make sure you are educated on your rights and responsibilities when posting bond for yourself or another person. Let’s get started!

Call 317-876-9600 When You Need Bail Bond Assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana!
Call 317-876-9600 When You Need Bail Bond Assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana!

A Brief Explanation of Bail Bonds

Bail bonds are an agreement between the defendant, a bail bondsman, and the court. The person posting bail must pay a percentage of the total bond amount to secure the release of the accused from jail. This fee is usually between 10 and 15% of the total bond amount but can vary depending on the jurisdiction or company providing the service. Currently in Indiana, the Department of Insurance has qualified certain bail bond companies to offer rates between 8 percent and 15 percent.

Generally speaking, it’s important to find a reputable bail bondsman when seeking help with posting bond. Not only should they be familiar with local laws and regulations surrounding bail bond payments, but they should also be willing to explain their fees and what constitutes a good or bad percentage rate.

Bail Bond Percentages and Total Costs

When looking at different rates offered by bondsmen in your area, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, a good bail bond percentage rate is typically between 10% and 15%, although some bail bond agents are authorized to go as low as 8 percent. If a bail bond company offers a rate lower or higher than 8% to 15%, they may not be operating ethically. Secondly, it’s important to make sure you fully understand the terms of the agreement before signing anything or making any payments. Make sure you are aware of all associated fees and that you have received an itemized copy of the costs and fees involved with posting bond.

Bail Bond Assistance and Funding Resources

Lastly, always remember that if you are unable to pay for the whole bail amount yourself, there are other alternatives available. Many local organizations offer grants or loans to those in need of financial assistance when posting bond for someone else. Additionally, in some cases a lawyer may be able to negotiate a lower bail amount with the court.

If Posting Bond For Someone Else

Posting bail for someone else means that you will have to put up something of value (usually money or property) so that your friend or loved one can leave jail and await their trial date at home. However, in many cases, friends and family of criminal defendants are not able to put up the necessary cash or collateral on their own. In this case, they would require assistance from a bail bond company. Before posting bond for another person, keep in mind the legal (and therefore- financial) liability you are taking on.

Signing for a bail bond is a serious contractual agreement as the co-signer is taking responsibility for any consequence if the defendant does not show up at their trial appearance. Breaking this contract can be troublesome and there may be financial ramifications imposed on the signer by the court or the bail bond agency itself. It’s important to understand and read all legal literature before signing a contract to obtain a bail bond.

Get Your Bail Bond Payment Plan in Place Today

Understanding financial obligations when posting bond is essential in order to ensure that you are making an informed decision. By familiarizing yourself with local laws and regulations, understanding fees associated with bondsmen, and exploring alternative sources of funding, you can make sure that you are taking the right steps towards securing release from jail. With this information, you can rest assured knowing that you are educated on your rights and responsibilities when posting bond for yourself or another person.

Looking for fast and friendly, emergency assistance with getting yourself or someone else out of jail in Indiana? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast and secure bail bond service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We also offer pre-arranged bail for arrest warrants.

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Explaining the Process of Posting a Bond for Someone Else
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a Bail Bond in Indianapolis?
What is the Difference Between Surety VS Cash Bonds?

Here is What You Want to Know About Collateral Bail Bonds

When it comes to getting out of jail in Indianapolis, bail bond service is the best option for budget-minded folks. The alternative to bail bond service would be cash bonds, which required an individual to pay the full bail amount in cash directly to the jail. Now, there are pros and cons to using either option, but bail bond services are more popular simply because they are more reasonable. Most people cannot afford to give up large sums of cash at once, and bail bond services provide an alternative to doing that.

When it comes to paying for a bail bond, companies will accept different forms of payment depending on their personal preference and the state laws. One such bail bond payment option is collateral. A person, whether a co-signer for the bond or the actual defendant, can secure their bail bond agreement with an asset of equivalent value. This is known as collateral.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about collateral bail bonds, including what makes good collateral and what does not, plus who to trust in Central Indiana for a fast and secure release from jail.

Collateral Bail Bond Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-876-9600
Collateral Bail Bond Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-876-9600

Collateral for Bail Bonds

Using collateral for a bail bond means that you are fronting something of considerable financial value, like a home or car, that is equivalent to the bail bond amount. The bail bond agency will hold the asset as collateral to secure their own financial protection. The agency has a legal duty to ensure the full care and protection of collateral while in their possession.

When the defendant appears for their court date, as required in the bail bond contract, the collateral is returned. If the defendant fails to appear, they are deemed a fugitive of the law and the collateral they used for a bail bond is forever forfeited.

Basically, the collateral must be of equal value or more to the bail amount, and it is used to ensure that the defendant cooperates with all bail bond contractual obligations and court requirements. If the defendant flees, the bail bond agency is responsible for paying back the remaining bail amount. To do this, they liquidate the collateral the defendant legally fronted in the bail bond agreement.

Good Collateral Versus Bad Collateral

Bail bond companies differ in terms of which types of collateral they accept. Not only are they regulated by the state on such matters, but they also get to use a degree of their own personal discretion to decide what to accept or not accept as collateral. Additionally, there are good types of collateral and bad types of collateral to use for bail bonds.

For instance, it is not wise to use your house as collateral if you are still making mortgage payments on it. Similarly, you don’t want to use a car for collateral if you are leasing it or have not yet paid it off. That goes for anything you have purchased on credit or that a lender still owns the lien or title on.

Examples of good collateral for bail bonds would include things that are opposite of what was just described, like unfettered real estate that does not have any mortgages of liens, or high value assets like cars, boats, and motorcycles that are paid off in full. You can also use bank accounts, fine jewelry, computers, guns, and televisions.

Are you looking for help with bail bonds? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for trusted, secure, and professional bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana and its surrounding counties with 24 hour service.

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Are Bail Bond Fees Required Upfront?
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Everything You Need to Know About Bail Money

When a person is arrested or facing an arrest warrant, money is always one of the first points of priority. Arrest warrant defendants, as well as friends and loved ones of those arrested, want to know how much it will cost to get out of jail and whether or not they get their money refunded.

Continue below to learn what you need to know about bail money, including how much bail costs, terms of bail money refunds, where to get the cheapest bail, and more.

Bail Bonds Near Me Indianapolis IN 317-876-9600
Bail Bonds Near Me Indianapolis IN 317-876-9600

Bail Money is What You Need

If someone is arrested, money will be required in almost all cases, whether that money is used to hire a lawyer to defend the charges, buy a bail bond, pay court fees, pay fines upon conviction, or pay a combination of them all. As for bail alone, there are several ways to spend money on obtaining a release from jail, that is, if the defendant is granted bail privileges. There are some criminal charges and circumstances that will revoke a person’s right to bail, like murder or being a previous flight risk.

Average Cost of Bail

The cost of bail will depend on several factors, mostly how much the bail was set at by the judge, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether a person chooses to hire a bail bond company or pay the courts directly. If you choose to pay the courts directly, you will be paying the entire bail premium, which is what the judge sets the bail at. This is usually in the thousands, even as high as tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands. If you choose to hire a bail bond company, you only pay a fraction of the bail premium. This has long been the more affordable and rational approach to getting bailed out of jail.

Bail Money Refunds

There is only one way you get refunded bail money and that is if you choose to pay the courts directly. Again, this is a very extreme and risky approach since you have to let go of a large sum of cash or collateral all at once. Not many people have an extra $10,000 or $50,000 laying around for emergency needs. But for those who do, they can choose to pay the court directly, and as long as the defendant appears for court, they get the money refunded. If you hire a bail bond company, you only pay a fraction of the bail premium, but you do not get this money back. Furthermore, the person who signs for the bail bond is liable for paying back the remaining bail premium if the bailee skips out on court.

Free Bail Money

If you are looking for bail money, do not give up. There is really no such thing as free bail money, especially because there is no state or government financial assistance for bail bond expenses. In all cases, someone is paying for bail, even if you get someone else to cover the cost for you.

Do you need to surrender to a warrant or get someone out of jail in Central Indiana? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bonds in Indianapolis, or anywhere in Central Indiana. We also offer prearranged bail bond service for arrest warrants.

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How to Calculate the Total Cost of a Bail Bond in Indiana
Know the Difference Between Discounted and Reduced Rate Bail Bonds
4 Ways to Earn Bail Bond Money in Marion County Indiana

Key Points Regarding Marion County Bail Bonds

If you will soon be surrendering to an arrest warrant, or if your loved one has just called you from the Marion County Jail, there are some important, key points about Marion County Indiana bail bonds you need to know if you want the fastest release from jail. Continue below to learn important facts about getting out of Marion County Jail with local, Indianapolis bail bond services.

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

Indiana Bail Schedules

Each county in Indiana has a bail schedule that decrees how much a bond will cost depending on the level of offense. Bail schedules will differ slightly among counties, but they are generally the same across the board. Check the local county bail bond schedules for Indianapolis to gain an idea of how much your bond might cost. In Indiana, the cost of a bail bond is regulated by the Department of Insurance, so by estimating your bond amount using the Marion County Bail Schedule, you can calculate how much your bail bond might be.

Bail Bond Costs

Indiana’s Department of Insurance allows bail bond companies to charge anywhere between 10% and 15% of the total bond amount. So, if the Marion County Bail Schedule says your Class A Misdemeanor for a domestic violence offense renders a $1,000 bond, and your hired bail agent charges you a 15% non-refundable fee, you will pay $150 out of pocket for a bail bond. If you fail to obey all terms and conditions set forth in your bail bond contract, such as not appearing for your court hearing, you will have to pay back the remaining $850 owed on your bond.

Length of Jail Stay

The amount of time you sit in jail while waiting to post bond will depend on a few factors. First, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or arrested on a domestic violence offense, a judge will not set your bond until 8 hours after you are taken in. You cannot get booked and processed into the jail’s database system until you are sober and of “sound mind”, and a judge will not set your bond until this time has passed. Once you are booked and your bond is set, you can then begin the process of posting your bail.

If you are surrendering to an arrest warrant, with the help of an experienced Indianapolis bail bondsman, you can get in and out of Marion County Jail in as little as an hour or two. This can be accomplished through prearranged bail bond services, which get all of your paperwork and payments in order before you are driven to the jail to turn yourself in. The bail bondsman can facilitate the process before you even get there, thus cutting down the wait time substantially.

Do you need to surrender to a warrant or get someone out of jail in Marion County, Indiana? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bonds in Marion County, or anywhere in Central Indiana. We also offer prearranged bail bond service for arrest warrants.

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Will My Marion County Bail Be Free if I am Arrested for Marijuana?
How to Turn Yourself in for a Warrant in Marion County

Your Top 3 Indiana Bail Bond Questions Answered Here

If you are ever faced with a legal situation that requires you to bail a friend or yourself from jail, it is important to have a basic understanding of what to expect.  Bailing a friend or loved one out of jail can be frustrating and stressful if you are not prepared.  So before making that call to your local bail agent to turn yourself in on an outstanding arrest warrant, check out these frequently asked questions about bail bonds first. It will help you turn yourself in, or get someone else out of jail more efficiently.

Continue below to review the true answers to your top 3 Indiana bail bonds questions.

Indiana Bail Bond Q’s & A’s

How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost in Indiana?

This is one of the first questions a person asks when they need bail services.  This fact is not surprising, considering it is a huge influence on whether or not bail is an option for someone.  Currently in the state of Indiana, bail bond agencies are allowed to charge 10 to 15 percent of the total bond amount assigned by the court to the defendant.  If a person were arrested on a minor drug possession charge, their bond could be set at around 5,000 dollars.  This is just an example and not accurate.  Bond amounts are calculated by examining a person’s criminal history, flight risk, and other variables.

It is different for everyone.  Hypothetically, if a person’s bond were five thousand dollars, a bail agent charging ten percent would require a fee of 500 dollars.  This ten or fifteen percent fee is not refundable, but it allows a person to get out of jail before their scheduled court hearing without having to pay the entire 5,000 dollars fine.  If they fail to appear for court, they forfeit the rest of the bond amount and a warrant is issued for their arrest.  At that point, they are a repeat offender and may have trouble gaining bail for a second time.  This leads into the next question.

Can a Bail Bondsmen Refuse Their Service? Will They?

The answer to this dual question is yes, both ways.  Bail bond agents are a separate business, and can refuse their services to anyone, just as any other privately owned business can.  The reason a bail bond company may refuse service to a person is mostly based on their likelihood to flee and not appear for their scheduled court hearings. On top of that, they take into consideration past criminal records and charges, just as the court does when they set a bond amount.  If a person seems like a risky client, they will refuse service in order to protect themselves. 

Can I Post My Own Bail With a Bail Bond?

Once you are arrested, you are taken to the nearest county jail and processed.  Depending on the charges and individual situation, processing entails breathalyzer tests, paper work, finger printing, body searches, mug shot picture, and medical checks.  Once this is complete, you will remain in the jail processing center until your scheduled court date or until you post bail. You can post your own bond by calling a local bail bonds agency directly from jail, or you can have a loved one sign your bail bond agreement and post your bail for you. Keep in mind that whoever signs for your bail bond is legally responsible for paying back the FULL bail amount if you do not appear for court. The same goes for you if you post your own bail, or post bail for someone else.

Do you need to surrender to an arrest warrant or get someone out of jail? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for the fastest and friendliest bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate or information, anytime.

You Should Also Read:

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Get Out of Jail?
How Do I Begin My Arrest Warrant Surrender in Marion County Indiana?
Posting Bail on Your Own is Possible

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

How to Get Out of Jail After Being Wrongly Arrested in Indiana

You’ve heard the phrase, “innocent until proven guilty”, and that’s exactly how the United States judicial system works. But even though an arrest is perfectly constitutional, it doesn’t mean that the arrestee is actually guilty of the alleged offense. If you or your loved one is arrested for a crime they did not commit, do not panic. Post the bond as soon as it is granted and set by the presiding judge, and then start looking for lawyers to defend your case.

Continue below to learn how to get out of jail after being wrongly arrested in Indiana.

Indianapolis IN Bail Bondsman
Indianapolis IN Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Innocent But Under Arrest

Not all arrests are spot on. Innocent people get arrested or detained on a daily basis. When this happens, the most important thing to do is cooperate. The more cooperative you are, the better the police, jail staff, and prosecutors will treat you. Failing to cooperate will only result in negative consequences for you, and potentially your family if you are the main caretaker. Upon cooperation, you will be allowed to make phone calls, have a drink of water, use the restroom, and more, depending on the nature of your wrongfully-alleged crime. Accordingly, the faster you can get permission to make phone calls, the sooner you can get out of jail.

After the Phone Call

Whether you are on the receiving end of the phone call, or the person placing the call from jail, the phone call is a turning point milestone in the arrest and bail process. Once contact can be made to the other side, the process of hiring an Indianapolis Indiana bail bondsman can begin, which is the first essential step to obtaining a release from jail. It makes a difference which bail bond company to choose. Be sure to find a local bail bondsman that has decades of experience. They have the best relationships with the local courts and jails, and the proper resources to deliver fast turn around times.

Choose Woods Bail Bonds to Get Out of Jail in Indiana! We Serve Over 30 Counties!

Surrendering to an Arrest Warrant When Innocent

For those who have to surrender to an arrest warrant for a crime they are innocent of, you can prearrange bail bond services with a local bail bond agent. They can drive you to the jail, and then pick you up and take you back to their office after they post your bail. You would sign the bail bond agreement and make your payment prior to being dropped off. Once you are dropped off at the jail, you will be booked and processed into the jail’s database. This will all take place while your bail bondsman is posting your bail. After you are done being booked and your bail is posted, you will be released!

Coming Home

When you are released from jail and find yourself back in the comfort of your own home, start thinking about a lawyer. You will need to be defended in court if you are innocent of the criminal charges! Also, be sure to follow all terms and conditions decreed in your bail bond agreement, as well as all court orders. Any violations, large or small, will significantly impact your future and your freedoms.

Do you need to bail someone out of jail, even if it’s yourself? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for the fastest and friendliest bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate or information, anytime.

You Should Also Read:

Do I Need a Bail Bond for a Bench Warrant?
How to Get Your Teen Bailed Out of Juvie in Indianapolis
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Get Out of Jail?

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

Basic Bail Bond Terms For First Timers

If you need to surrender to an arrest warrant, or bail someone out of jail for the first time, your best asset is knowledge. Knowing some important industry terms can help you understand the process in a clearer sense, and therefore reduce any stress or ambiguity involved in obtaining a release from jail.

Below are the most commonly used terms spoken in the everyday bail bond business.  Familiarize yourself with these terms, and you are one step closer to being prepared for such a situation.

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

Bail

Bail is often confused with “bail bond”. They are, in fact, separate terms. Bail refers to the amount of money the court assigns to a case that will allow the defendant to be released from jail, to await their future court dates. Bail can be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Bail amounts depend on many variables. They are determined by the defendant’s criminal history, the charges against them, and the level of flight risk they may be. 

Bail Bond

A bail bond is the actual item that a person needs to obtain to be released from jail while awaiting their court dates. To be “bonded” out of jail requires the assistance of a bail bondsman or a bail agency. They will be able to make a deal with the court by guaranteeing the appearance of the defendant at their court date. If the defendant fails to appear, then the bail agency is responsible for the entire bond amount. The defendant is only required to pay a small percentage of the full bail amount to receive the services of a bail agency and be released from jail. That percent is usually between 10-15%, depending on the state. 

Bail Bondsman

A bail bondsman is simply the conductor of bail bonds. They are the men, women, and companies that facilitate the process of obtaining a bail bond and gaining a release for a person in jail.

Bail Hearing

After an individual is in detention, a bail hearing is scheduled to decide whether or not they are a flight risk, as well as, set the bail, or deny it altogether if they are considered a flight risk.

Bail Schedules

Most states have bail schedules with predetermined bond amounts for certain categories of crimes. For instance, shoplifting might come with an automatic bail schedule of $1000, while domestic violence might have a $10,000 bond or more. The more serious the crime, the higher the bond amount set by the judge.

Prearranged Bail

Most bail bondsmen offer prearranged bail bond services for those who need to surrender to an arrest warrant. All you have to do is contact a local bail agent in the county of your warrant, and they will take you through the entire process, start to finish. They may even give you a ride to and from the jail.

Surety Bonds

The most common type of money bail used in today’s court systems are actually surety bonds, which are more colloquially known as bail bonds. If using a surety bond, a person would pay a third party (a bail bond company) a state-regulated fee that is a derived percentage of the total bail amount set forth by the judge. This means that the fee will not vary in percentage, but it will vary in cost from person to person depending on how high the judge sets their bail.

Cash Bonds

Cash bonds involve only two parties: the jail and the client. Again, the client can be the actual defendant or a friend or family member of the defendant. In a cash bond scenario, the defendant pays their set bond amount in cash directly to the jail to get released. So long as they appear for their court hearing, they receive the money back in full; if they do not show up for court, they surrender the money entirely. Not many people have $5,000 or $10,000 in cash laying around, so they cannot afford to use a cash bond.

Collateral

Collateral refers to a person’s assets that can be translated into cash, and thus, adequate to secure a debt. A person will provide collateral in exchange for a service (such as a bail bond), and if they cannot cover the terms and conditions of the contract (a bail bond agreement), they will forfeit their collateral, and the service provider (a bail bond agent) will still be able to collect financial restitution for the value of the collateral. If the payee does meet the terms and conditions of the contract, the provider returns all collateral once the case is closed.

8th Amendment Rights

According to the Bill of Rights, our 8th Amendment gives us certain rights surrounding bail. Basically, it prohibits the federal government from being unfair or callous to suspected criminals and convicts. Specifically, it states, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

See our BAIL GLOSSARY for a comprehensive list of bail bond terms and definitions.

Where to Get Cheap Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, FAST

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 serve the entire state, as well as the Indianapolis region, including Hamilton County, Marion County, Hancock County, Hendricks County, and more! From convenient customer services like free jail pick up and drop off, to 24 hour emergency bail bonds, free jail and courthouse information, and more, we are truly your best option for fast bail bonds near you. We operate 24-7-365, even on National holidays. Request a free estimate, anytime!

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

What Became of Indiana’s Bail Bond Relief Pilot Program?

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

Guaranteed Questions Your Bail Bondsman Will Ask You

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.