How Long Do I Have to Stay in Jail if I Can’t Afford Bail?

If you are facing an arrest warrant, you already feel the pressure to turn yourself in to authorities. But once you do, you must remain in custody until the judge sets your bail. This can give you even more reason to put off your surrender to your arrest warrant considering you might be worried about paying for bail. After all, not many people have a few thousand dollars of disposable cash on hand, which is what’s required of offenders who wish to post their bail through the jail.

To reduce the cost of bail, you can choose to use a bail bond service instead of dealing directly with the jail, which would allow you to pay only a portion of the total bond amount, thus giving you some financial relief. However, this still requires you to pay out-of-pocket for their services. Overall, posting your bail is up to you. You can choose to pay for bail, or you can choose to remain in jail.

Continue reading to learn the most common factors that influence how long you will have to stay in jail if you cannot afford to pay for bail.

Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Factors That Influence Time in Jail

There are many factors that influence how long you will sit in custody before being allowed a release from jail. The first and most influential factor is the charge you are being arrested on. More serious crimes might not be eligible for bail, which means you stay in jail until your court hearings are complete and you are given a verdict. Another factor is your criminal history. If you are a habitual offender, a judge might not grant you bail.

Accordingly, if you have failed to appear for court in the past, the same consequence might occur. Smaller, but still impactful, factors include the activity and traffic within the jail, including how well-staffed they are at the processing center. Also, anyone arrested under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have to wait at least 8 hours to gain sobriety before being booked and processed in the jail.

If You Cannot Pay for Bail

Your first hearing is usually held within 24 to 48 hours from the time of arrest (in the case of a warrant, the time of surrender), and is called your arraignment, or initial hearing. At the time of your arraignment, the judge will either set bail for you, or release you without bail (also known as “OR”, or “own recognizance”). If you cannot pay for bail or a bail bond, your only option is to remain in jail until your next court hearing, which is likely your trial where you will be found guilty or not guilty. You will be entered into “remand detention”, which is for defendants waiting for their trial.  

The time between your arraignment and your trial can range from a few weeks to several months, or even years. Most trials take place within two or three weeks. If you can’t pay for bail, it is important to consult with your public defender lawyer who can help locate a local Indianapolis arrest warrant bail bondsman that can get you out of jail fast, and at a price you CAN afford.

24 Hour Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds in Indianapolis

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional, arrest warrant bail bond services in Indianapolis, 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. And we provide our services in over 30 Indiana counties, regardless of time, day, or city. Request a free estimate, anytime.

How to Find a Bail Bondsman You Can Trust

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

If you have to get a friend or loved one out of jail, be sure to know how to find a reputable bail bondsman to provide secure and reliable bail services. Choosing the right bail bond company can make all the difference when it comes to obtaining a release from jail, as well as, scheduled court hearings and more. Finding the right bail bond agency is crucial for accurate and dependable information and guidance after a loved one’s arrest. Continue reading for steps on how to hire reputable bail bondsmen in your county.

Where to Start Looking for Bail Bond Service

First, you will need the contact information for all the bail bond companies in the county of your loved one’s arrest. Choose an online directory or phone book, but be sure it is an updated edition or version. There are various terminologies used in the industry, so use the most popular headers to find the appropriate section; such as bail bond company, indemnity services, bail bonds, surety companies, or bail bondsman.

Once you have located the bail bond listings, begin scrolling them for the correct county and jail. It is critical to hire a bail bondsman in the same county as the arrest to get proper service. The best way to determine which company is worth examining, you should look at their references and client reviews. Word of mouth is another reliable source. If any of your friends or family has had to hire a bail bond company in that past that produced satisfying results, follow up on this lead.

Use the internet to look up client reviews and detailed company information. Visit their website and learn about the services they offer. Filter out the companies that cannot offer the services you are looking for, and decide using the last few companies on your list.

If you do not have access to the internet or a computer, you can simply give the company a call. Bail bonds services should naturally be a 24 hour service, so a representative or agent should be able to take your call any time. Do not be afraid to ask them for references, and to describe the services they offer. Also, test their knowledge by asking them any questions you have about the bail bonds process and laws.

Last, ask a bail bondsman for an estimate for their services. This fee is regulated by state law, so it will not change; however, you can tell the bail bond agent the bond amount, and he or she can give you the accurate percentage it will be. If a bond is $5000, the fee will be anywhere from ten to fifteen percent; which is $500 to $750, and it is non-refundable.

Bond amounts differ from person to person. Many variables influence the total cost. For example, if a person has multiple arrests on their criminal history, their bond amount would be higher than someone who is being arrested for the first time. It can also depend on the severity of the charges. Armed robbery will be higher than a public intoxication charge or probation violation.

Woods Bail Bonds

Bail Bonds Indianapolis

Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, provides bail bond service in almost every city in Indiana! No matter where you get arrested, Woods Bail Bonds can be there for you in a flash! We offer a wide range of services, including probation violation bonds, arrest warrant bonds, prearranged bail, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 to speak with a friendly bail agent about getting out of jail in Indianapolis, IN today.

Myths About Bail Bonds

Movies, TV shows, and crime novels may have given people an incorrect perspective about bail, bail bonds, and bail bondsmen. There are so many inaccurate ideas about the bail bond industry. In this blog, we will explore some of these myths and why they are false.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Myth #1

“Bail Bondsmen are Bounty Hunters”

This is simply not true. In fact, bounty hunters are not supported in most states. Bounty hunters are people whose intentions are to assist bail bondsmen and police officials in tracking down defendants that have skipped bail or missed court dates. Anyone with an active arrest warrant in their name falls into this category. Real life bounty hunter is not what they are portrayed as on television and in movies.

Bail Bondsmen are licensed to provide indemnitor services for people requesting to obtain a release from jail following an arrest. If the defendant skips their scheduled court date after being bailed out of jail, a warrant is issued for their arrest, and the police will begin to search for them. In other states, a bail bondsman will hire a bounty hunter to help hunt down the fugitive because they are the ones that forfeit the entire bond amount if they cannot bring the defendant to the judge’s bench. This, however, is not the case in all states; for example, Indiana.

Myth #2

“Bail and Bail Bonds are the Same Thing”

Here is another area people are confused about. Bail is the amount of money set by the courts to act as collateral for an appearance for a scheduled court date. The court sets this amount based on the defendant’s prior criminal history and their likelihood to flee. The defendant can pay the courts this amount, which is usually large, or they can hire a bail agent to cover the amount with a bail bond. Bail bonds are the documents and methods used to gain the actual release from jail.

Myth #3

“Bond Costs Vary from Agency to Agency”

The amount a bail bond company can charge for their services is mandated by local ordinances. In the Midwest, like Indiana, bail bond fees cannot exceed 15 percent of the person’s total bail amount. In these areas, bail agencies typically charge between 10 and 15 percent of a person’s bond total. This means at ten percent, $5,000 bail would cost a person $500 for bail bond services.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds Indianapolis Indiana 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. We are happy to answer any questions you have about Indianapolis bail bonds, arrest warrants, jail, and more. Call 317-876-9600 for professional bail bond services in Indianapolis, IN you can trust.

How to Do a Search for Active Arrest Warrants

Indiana Inmate Search

Indiana Inmate Search 317-876-9600

Anytime you suspect there might be a warrant out for your arrest, you need to deal with it head on. This means locating the information regarding your warrant and alleged charges. Once you determine you do or do not have a warrant issued for your arrest, you can relax. If you do have an active arrest warrant issued in your name, whether you are guilty or not, it is very important to make contact with the courthouse or prosecutor as soon as possible.

Avoiding an arrest warrant is a not a desirable situation to have on your shoulders, and it can cost you additional penalties once you are finally detained or turned in. In the case of an outstanding arrest warrant, the Department of Motor Vehicles will be notified to suspend your driving license, and if you come into contact with the police, they can arrest you on the spot, at any time.

Arrest warrants do not just go away, they have to be dealt with at some point or another because the law does not forget. It is better to get the facts about your suspected charges and deal with them appropriately in a legal manner rather than avoiding a warrant and facing whatever penalties may come, later. When you are finally ready to check for your arrest warrant, be cautious and discreet so that you can arrange turning yourself into authorities on your own time and on a day you prefer.

Checking for an Active Arrest Warrant

The best way to search for an active arrest warrant, whether for you or a loved one, is to use the internet. Do not just ask a police officer, because if he finds a warrant, he has the legal obligation to arrest you on the spot, under law. If you want time to prepare for jail, then discreetly search in the privacy of your own home first by using the internet or some other source. The internet has so many portals and websites that offer free inmate searches and warrant searches. Other sites charge a minimal fee for their services. The downfall to these sites is that they typically ask for a lot of personal information that they then keep in their database. Also, some claim to be free, but later ask for a credit card; and you can never be sure if they are updated properly with accurate information.

If you do not have online access, turn to a phone book instead. You have a few options here. You can call the local county police station and ask for warrant services. They should be able to track any and all warrants for your arrest in your state. This could be risky too because, if they wanted to, the police could dispatch a cop toy our location and arrest you.

If you wish to avoid the police altogether, calling a local bail bondsman is your best option. They retain the most up-to-date records and have access to all warrant databases. Most agencies offer free warrant look-ups to the public. A licensed bail bondsman can help search for a warrant, as well as, assist you in turning yourself in and bailing yourself out. This is the best possible option to locating active arrest warrants.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

When you need information about arrest warrants in Indianapolis, call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 today. Owner, James Woods, and our team of licensed, bonded, and insured bail bondsmen, are happy to answer your arrest warrant questions, around the clock. We offer 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis, and in many cities throughout Indiana. Our bail agents also offer free jail pickup, jail drop off, inmate searches, notary services, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 and speak with a licensed bail bondsman in Indianapolis, IN about arrest warrant bonds today.

How to Post Your Own Bail For an Outstanding Arrest Warrant

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

In many unfortunate circumstances, a person has to rely on their own personal resources and abilities to get bailed out of jail. If you are facing a misdemeanor charge and have an active warrant out for your arrest, it is time to think about turning yourself in to the authorities. The sooner you turn yourself in, the sooner you can be done with the entire ordeal. With these tips on how to post your own bail, you can feel comfortable knowing what to expect and how to care for yourself in this restless and frustrating situation.

Posting Bail

If you are waiting to turn yourself in for an outstanding arrest warrant, you are making the responsible choice. The longer you avoid this responsibility, the longer the entire legal process will take. When you first decide to turn yourself in to the jail, consult a lawyer or public defender for advice and counsel. They can instruct you on how to facilitate the best process for your particular charge and criminal record. Many public defenders and lawyers will give you free advice and consultation, so take advantage of this resource wherever you can. Every case is different, so talking to a professional about each circumstance is a huge advantage before facing your warrant. Usually, for first-time offenders and minor legal infractions, the jail and bond process are quick and simple. But as mentioned, all cases are different and become more complex depending on an individual’s prior criminal history.

Once you consult a lawyer or public defender, be sure to strictly follow their instructions, and everything should work itself out the way they described it to you in your meeting. If you cannot afford or find a legal consultant, you can still get out of jail on your own. Continue reading and learn the basics on how to bail yourself out of jail.

How to Post Bail

Once you have decided to turn yourself in to authorities, first call a local bail bond agency nearest to the jail you are turning yourself into. Talking to them first will get your foot in the door when it comes to processing all the paperwork. In some cases, the bail bond agent will have you fill out all the necessary paperwork and pay your fee, then walk or drive you to the jail themselves to finish your processing. Otherwise, they will have you complete all the paperwork and give you the instructions you need to feel comfortable going to the jail afterwards.

Once you walk into the jail and tell the desk officer you are turning yourself in for an outstanding warrant, they will take you from there and give you all the instruction you need. You will then wait to go through an entire processing routine. They will take your picture, fingerprints, book you, and more.

When you are finished being processed, the bail bond agency will facilitate your release and pick you up from the jail. Because you completed your paperwork ahead of time, you will be one step closer to completing the whole process. If you are unable to file paperwork before turning yourself in, it is not a big deal. The bail bondsman will simply take you back to their office and have you complete the forms then. Depending on the amount of traffic in the jail and the number of employees to defendants, the process can take 1-10 hours, and sometimes more. Generally, on a non-drug related charge, you can be expelled in just a few hours with the right bail bondsman. In even minor cases, you can be in and out in under an hour. If you are intoxicated, the law requires you to be sober for processing and booking. So wait until you are sober before turning yourself into jail, otherwise you will sit for at least 8 hours before they even consider processing you.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 and speak with James Woods, licensed bail bondsman in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his team of licensed, bonded, and insured bail agents are friendly and extensively experienced in the indemnity industry. You can feel calm and comfortable speaking with them about your bail bond needs or questions, and know you are getting accurate answers and information. Call 317-876-9600 and learn about arrest warrants and our 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis, IN today.