Type of Questions to Ask Your Bail Bondsman

Posted on October 3, 2014 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

If you or a loved one was arrested, or has a warrant out for arrest, it is time to consult a bail bondsman for help obtaining a prompt and secure release from jail. Before calling a bail bond agency, it is helpful to be prepared. No one wants to waste any time while their relative, friend, or co-worker sits in jail. By earning a little about the bail bond process for a better understanding of what to expect, and compiling a list of questions you want answered, can significantly expedite the process. Continue reading for a heads up on questions you should be asking your bail bondsman when you want to bail a friend or loved one out of jail.

Here’s a Guide for Questions that Friends and Family Should Ask Bail Bondsmen:

How Many Years Have They Been in Business?

Are They Licensed and Bonded?

How Much Do They Charge?

How Close is the Jail to their Office?

How Long Will the Bail Process Take?

How Fast Can They Get the Defendant Out of Jail?

Do They Offer Full Bail Coverage?

Do They Offer Jail Pickup and Drop Off Services?

What Does the Bail Bond Application Form Look Like?

Do They Offer Inmate Searches?

Do They Offer Discount Bail Bonds?

(Trick Question: Discount bonds DO NOT exist, but a 5% discount is sometimes advertised by bail bond companies. This is not a discount, they are just cutting corners where corners shouldn’t be cut. A reputable company with integrity has plenty of customers and community support, and has no need to cut corners by offering a phony 5% discount.)

When you have bail bond questions, trust a licensed Indianapolis bail bond company to answer them accurately for you. Be sure to choose an agency that has an accomplished reputation within the community, and offers additional services for customer convenience.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of highly trained and compassionate bail bondsmen, are fully licensed with decades of experience in the surety industry. We offer additional services other than bail bonds; including underwriter services, notary services, discreet bail bonds, emergency bail bonds, immigration bonds, federal bonds, property bonds, free bail information, jail addresses, and much more. Call 317-876-9600 and speak with a caring and knowledgeable Indianapolis bail bondsman about getting out of jail in Indiana, today.

Bail Bonds for DUI Arrests

Posted on September 18, 2014 by admin

DUI Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

Nothing is more troubling than making that one bad decision that lands you in jail for the weekend; were talking about drinking and driving. DUI arrests can happen to anyone, and can add considerable stress and humiliation in a person’s life. Making the choice to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a responsible one, but sometimes even the most straight-winged individual is capable of doing so at some point in their lives. No one is perfect and mistakes happen to the best of us. Life is a learning experience, and receiving DUI charge is a lesson in itself. Repeat DUI offenders are strongly encouraged to receive help for addiction. Many people who are arrested for drinking and driving charges want to know how to get out of jail with a bail bond.

Continue reading to learn more about the DUI arrest and bail bond process, and who to call for accurate answers to your bail questions.

DUI Bail Bonds

As soon as you are aware that a relative or loved one has been detained for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is strongly encouraged to seek the services of a reputable and licensed bail bondsman. Contact a local Indianapolis bail bond company once you receive news of an arrest to start the process of arranging bail. Bail bonds can be prearranged for people who need to turn themselves in for an arrest warrant. This could be the case if someone was already released from jail on bail and then breaks the law while waiting for their court date. They would need to turn themselves into authorities and prearranged bail bonds can facilitate this process swiftly and securely. For standard DUI arrests, emergency bail bond services are available.

When it comes to the cost of bail bonds, the fees differ from county to county; but all are state-regulated so that one bail bondsman cannot charge more than another. The Indiana state regulated bail bond fee is 10 to 15 percent. This means bail bond agencies can charge anywhere from ten to fifteen percent of a person’s bond amount, depending on the level of risk and a person’s criminal history. With this said, you can expect to pay a bail bondsman 10 to 15 percent of your loved one’s total bond amount. For example, if the total bond amount is 5,000 dollars, and the bail agent is charging a 10% fee, the non-refundable payment would be 500 dollars. At 15%, the charge would be 750 dollars. This is a non-refundable fee that has to be paid directly to the bail bondsmen before any services are rendered. If the defendant fails to obey the law or rules of the bail bond contract, the person who signs for the bail bond is responsible to pay the rest of the total bond amount unless the defendant turns themselves into authorities. In this case, an arrest warrant would be issued to detain the defendant.

Process for a DUI Arrests and Bail Bonds:

Sobriety Testing and Arrest

When a person is pulled over for suspicion of driving drunk, the officer will implement a field sobriety test or breathalyzer test to assess a person’s sobriety. If the person is suspected or proven to be intoxicated, the officer will then put then under arrest. They will be handcuffed, read their rights, and placed in the back of the arresting officer’s squad car.

Booking and Processing

Once the defendant is placed in custody, they are taken to the local county jail. Here they will be processed into the jail’s system. Fingerprints, mug shot, data entry, and more are all pieces of information collected at the time of booking. Once booking is complete, the defendant will have the opportunity to make a phone call and get bailed out of jail. The time it takes to get bailed out of jail is usually only an hour or so. The part that takes so long is waiting to be booked. If a person is arrested on intoxication charges, they must sit in jail for at least 8 hours to sober up before officers will being the booking process. This in combination with the level of traffic and an inmate’s behavior will influence the amount of time they wait for processing.

Setting Bail

When it comes to a person’s bond being set, first time offenders usually fall under 10,000 dollars. Repeat offenders or accident cases can face much higher bond amounts, often times in the hundreds of thousands. This is when collateral bail bonds are sometimes used. A bail bondsman can be called by the defendant themselves inside the jail to bail themselves out; or a friend or family member can make the call and start the bail bond process for them. Either way, a non-refundable fee is paid to the bail bondsman and a contract is signed. The defendant will then be released to await their scheduled hearing at home.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Indiana 317-876-9600

Call 317-876-9600 to speak with James Woods, owner of Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer fast and friendly Indianapolis bail bond services you can trust. Our licensed and bonded bail agents have more than 30 years of experience in the industry, and offer reputable and secure bail bond services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for several Indiana counties. Call 317-876-9600 to bail a friend out of jail in Indianapolis, IN right now.

Discount Bail Bonds are a Myth!

Posted on August 21, 2014 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Most bail bondsmen have encountered a caller inquiring about discount bail bonds and services. In fact, most bail bond agencies get calls like this on a weekly basis! So why do people believe there are discounts available for bail bond services? Who says there’s such a thing as discount bail bonds? The answer is too difficult to come by; however, exposing the truth about discount bail bonds is simple.

It is important to trust your bail bondsman, and ensure you are getting professional service and honest information. Reputation, experience, and credentials are all clues that can better reveal the trustworthiness of a bail bond company. Continue reading to learn what you need to know, once and for all, about discounted bail bonds and bail bond services.

What are Discount Bail Bonds?

Discount bail bonds are a myth! Even though it’s no secret that bail bonds are a price-regulated industry, there are still several people that believe they can purchase bail bonds at a discounted rate. This is because people grasp onto the idea that, even though all bail bond agencies are mandated to charge the same rates, they can eventually find a company that will “make them a deal” or cut them a break in price. Sorry folks, but this is simply not true. Discounting bail bonds and related services is illegal; end of story. No bail bondsman is going to put their livelihood on the line for a stranger that insists on a price-reduction for their services. Believing that discount bail bonds exist is like believing the same about unicorns and fairies!

Deceptive Bail Bonds

If you ever see a bail bond company advertising rates lower than ten percent, they are being deceptive. In the state of Indiana, bail bond companies are permitted to charge anywhere from 10-15% of a person’s total bond amount. For example, if a defendant’s total bond amount is $5,000, a bail bondsman can charge them anywhere between $500 and $750 (non-refundable) for a bail bond. The bail bondsman covers the rest of the bail amount, and receives this money back when the defendant appears for their scheduled court hearing. If the defendant fails to appear, an arrest warrant is issued, and the bail bond company investigates their whereabouts so they do not forfeit the money put up for that person’s bail. Sound familiar?

If you ever come across bail bond advertisements that claim having cheaper bail bond rates and discounted prices, they are not giving you all the information. What they are selling, instead, is a discounted rate for putting money down on a payment plan. No matter what, a person will always pay the full ten to fifteen percent of the total bail amount. Depending on the risk, a bail bond company will charge either closer to ten, or closer to fifteen percent. Keep in mind that any bail bond company attempting to sell, or even advertise, cheaper rates for bail bonds, they are breaking the law and should not be trusted. They can face massive fines, apprehensions, and prosecution for numerous civil and criminal penalties.

Woods Bail Bonds

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for more information about bail bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. James Woods, owner and operator, has more than 30 years of experience and provides licensed bail bond services in several Indiana cities and counties. He and his team of highly trained and licensed bail bondsmen are eager to help you or a loved on obtain a safe and secure release from jail. Call 317-876-9600 and speak with a live, friendly bail bondsman in Indianapolis, IN today.

Am I a Fugitive if I Have a Warrant Issued for My Arrest?

Posted on August 6, 2014 by admin

Arrest warrants are issued by a court or judge when a person, or group of people, is suspected of committing a crime. They are legal documents that give appointed authorities the right to arrest such person at any time. Arrest warrants also serve as evidence that a person can legally be arrested without violating their human rights. The warrant is entered into a universal police and court database that documents all warrants and related records. Now that you have a basic understanding of what an arrest warrant is, you can now understand what being a fugitive of the law means, and if it is related to arrest warrants or not.

Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Court-Ordered Warrants

Not all warrants are for an arrest. There are also search warrants that allow police and investigators to search a particular place or property; as well as, seize warrants that give legal permission for authorities to confiscate or apprehend property for further investigation. Now, when it comes to arrest warrants, a person is not always a fugitive. It all depends on when and how many warrants are issued for a person’s apprehension. When someone is arrested for a crime, and they fail to appear for their scheduled court hearing, an arrest warrant will be issued and yes, they are considered a fugitive until they are caught or choose to turn themselves in. When a person is “wanted” by the law, they are considered a fugitive; however, an arrest warrant can also be issued for minor infractions like traffic violations and unpaid parking tickets. Either way, a person is a fugitive if they are wanted by the law under an issued arrest warrant.

The best case scenario for anyone with an arrest warrant in their name is to turn themselves in immediately. Not only does this look good to the prosecutor and magistrate, it evades adding on additional legal troubles for a person. Fortunately, an individual can pre-arrange their bail when turning themselves in for an arrest warrant. This way, they only have to spend a limited amount of time in the processing center and can be released immediately after being booked. If a person turns themselves in without pre-arranging bail, they can still use a bail bond to get out of jail quickly. When a person chooses to NOT turn themselves in for an arrest warrant, and decides to wait around to get caught instead, they can expect to run into many problems. An individual with an arrest warrant cannot file tax returns, renew a drivers’ license, take out a bank loan, and more.

Pre-Arranged Bail Bonds in Indianapolis

Woods Bail Bonds Indiana 317-876-9600

Call James Woods at Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis by dialing 317-876-9600 day or night. We offer 24 hour bail bond services, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year! If you have an arrest warrant, we offer prearranged bail bond services and can provide a speedy release from jail! We also provide inmate searches, free jail information, arrest warrant lookups, jail drop-off services, jail pickup services, emergency bail bonds, and more! Call 317-876-9600 and receive the most accurate, friendly, and professional bail bonds services in Indianapolis, IN.

Bail Bondsmen Offer More than Just Bail Bonds!

Posted on July 22, 2014 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When a person is arrested and taken to jail, we call a local bail bondsmen. Quite similarly, when a person has an arrest warrant in their name, they prearrange bail with a local bail bond company. But do bail bondsmen only do bail bonds? What other services can they offer? Bail bond agencies are much more than just bail services. They provide a wide-range of additional amenities and conveniences for the public.

Continue reading to learn more about the role of a bail bondsmen, and the services they offer alongside bail bonds.

Bail Bonds and More

A bail bond company generally provides bail services; such as bail bonds, pre-arranged bail, federal bonds, immigration bonds, sureties, property bonds, cash bonds, appeal bonds, state bonds, and more. With so many bail services, it is understandable that the general public is unfamiliar with the additional services they commonly offer.

A bail bond agency is also known to provide services for people searching for an arrested individual, people in need of jail information, families seeking advice for relatives who are detained, and more. Here is a complete list of typical services offer through a bail bondsmen, other than bail bonds themselves:

• Jail Pick-Up Services
• Jail Drop-Off Services
• Notary Services
• Indemnity Services
• Underwriter Services
• Inmate Look-Up Services
• Jail Addresses and Information
• Courthouse Information
• Full Bail Coverage
• Emergency Bail Bonds
• Arrest Warrant Information
• And More

If you have questions for your local bail bondsman, don’t hesitate to call any time. Most companies are operational 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. They provide free over-the-phone information, advice, and guidance for those unfamiliar with the bail bond industry and process. Be sure to consult a licensed and experienced Indianapolis bail bondsman for accurate industry information and advice. There are many unprofessional bail bond companies out there, so it is important to keep a watchful eye and choose an agency that is accomplished and respected in the local community.

Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana

Woods Bail Bonds Indiana 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for more information about bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, retains a fully licensed, bonded, and insured bail bond agency. We are highly trained, licensed, and experienced bail bondsmen with a highly respected reputation within the Hoosier communities. We offer free information, and all the services listed above! We provide emergency bail bond services and more! Call 317-876-9600 for professional bail bonds you can trust in Indianapolis, IN today.

When Do You Need a Co-Signer for a Bail Bond?

Posted on July 2, 2014 by admin

Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

Getting arrested, or learning about an arrest warrant, is never a fun day for anyone. Fortunately, there is a professional service available for misdemeanor arrest defendants that can grant them a release from jail. This service is called bail bonds. When a person is arrested, they are taken into jail and then processed into the system. Being processed is also referred to as being “booked”, and consists of fingerprinting, frisking, data entry, mug shot, and more.

Once this process is complete, a person has the opportunity to pay their assigned bond amount for a temporary release from jail. Once released from jail, they have to stay out of trouble while awaiting their subsequent trial date. At this scheduled hearing, a defendant will learn whether or not they are sentenced to more jail time, or given alternative penalties for their crime.

How to Get Out of Jail with a Bail Bond

When it comes to paying the bond amount, many people cannot afford to put up that much money, even though they get it back when they show up for their court hearing. This is because bond amounts, even for the simplest misdemeanor, can be in the thousand-dollar range. Not many people or families have this kind of cash availability. This is when an Indianapolis Bail Bondsman comes in handy. They are a licensed company that can pay a person’s entire bond amount, in exchange for a non-refundable fee and contractual agreement. This way, families do not have to hand over large amounts of money to the court for a release from jail. Instead, defendants or families can pay a smaller, more affordable fee to a bail bond company in exchange for their bond amount to be paid in full. If a person does not obtain a bail bond, or pay the entire bond amount, they are forced to wait in jail until their scheduled court date. These court dates can sometimes be scheduled months out, depending on the amount of traffic in the courts.

If a person wants to be bailed out of jail with the services of a bail bondsman, they do not need a co-signer; instead, they need an indemnitor. This is a person that is signing for the release of a defendant in jail, and who takes on the responsibility of the entire bond amount in the case that the defendant flees or skips their court hearing. The indemnitor must be at least 18 years of age, have decent credit history, be gainfully employed or have an income of some sort, and be able to provide the cash upfront for the bail bond services. They must also be able to provide a valid ID or drivers’ license. If a defendant is under the age of 18, he or she cannot legally bail themselves out of jail, and will need a co-signer. For anyone who wishes to bail themselves out of jail, they will have to provide collateral or credit in case they skip or miss their court hearing; otherwise, the bail bond agent will not receive their money back for the bond.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Nicholas Woods Indianapolis Indiana 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly bail bond services and information in Indianapolis, Indiana and its nearby counties. James Woods, owner and operator, has more than 30 years of experience in the indemnity industry. He and his team of licensed and bonded bail bondsmen are highly trained and retain good relationships with local courts and jail houses. We can offer you the quick and speedy release from jail you are after! Call 317-876-9600 and receive free information about Indianapolis bail bonds and more, today.

Bail Bond Terms and Definitions

Posted on May 22, 2014 by admin

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Terms on the topic of law enforcement, courts, trials, charges, and more can all be very confusing for a first-time criminal. It is important for anyone arrested or suspected of a crime to fully understand the proceedings of the law and what to expect. One must educate themselves on the law and the terms used to describe the circumstances in which they face. The initial step in learning how to understand legal and jail jargon is to catch up on some basic terms and definitions commonly used.

Below is a list of terms you should be familiar with if you or a loved one has been arrested, convicted, charged, or suspected of a crime.

Bail Bond Glossary

Arrest

Individuals that have committed a crime are arrested and taken to the county jail by law enforcement. They are detained in jail until they can make bail or go to court.

Jail

County detention center where criminals are detained under law; either serving a sentence or awaiting trial.

Inmate

A person that is detained in jail for committing a crime; either serving time or awaiting trial.

Bail

Money paid in place of an inmate’s temporary release from jail while awaiting their initial hearing. Individuals who deposit the bail take on the responsibility of the inmate. They have to forfeit the money paid if the inmate fails to appear for their hearing.

Bail Bond

A written contract used to release an inmate from legal custody, usually between a bail bondsman and/or other surety; but only upon the guarantee that an inmate appear for their scheduled court hearing. If they fail to appear, the bail bondsman or guarantor forfeits the money paid for their release from jail. If the inmate shows for their hearing, the guarantor or surety receives their money deposit back in full.

Bail Bondsman

A person or company that acts as a surety and pledges the full bond amount to the courts in trade for an inmate’s release from jail; on the guarantee that the inmate appear for their court date, otherwise forfeiting the money paid. These agencies charge a non-refundable fee that is a legally-mandated percentage of an inmate’s total bond amount (Generally 10-15%).

Indemnitor

The person that co-signs, guarantees, and is responsible for an inmate’s appearance in court. The indemnitor is held accountable for the entire bond amount, plus additionally incurred fees (i.e. fugitive recovery fees, filing fees, processing fees, legal costs, etc.), if an inmate misses their hearing.

Collateral

Property given in place of cash to a bail bondsman in trade for services rendered (i.e. boats, cars, fine jewelry, real estate, etc.).

Failure to Appear – FTA

Absent for scheduled mandatory court hearings. This is an additional criminal charge.

Forfeiture

In the case of an FTA, an indemnitor or guarantor must pay courts bond in full or relinquish collateral pledged for an inmate’s bail. The courts generally send a “Notice of Forfeiture” to the bail bondsman to disclose an inmate’s FTA and date in which the bond amount must be paid in full to the court.

Fugitive

An inmate that has failed to appear for their scheduled court date, an escapee from a corrections facility, or individuals that have a warrant out for their arrest.

Arrest Warrant

A legal decree that gives law enforcement permission arrest an individual that is a known fugitive or suspected of a crime. FTA’s also have warrants issued for their arrest. For example, if a person is pulled over for a traffic violation and has an arrest warrant, they can be arrested and taken to jail on the spot.

Aiding and Abetting

Knowingly providing money, food, help, assistance, or shelter to a fugitive.

Now that you have a better understanding of what terms and jargon to expect when getting involved in legal dealings and the bail industry, you can be confident contacting a bail bondsman for professional guidance and service. Choose a bail bond company that has an established and respected reputation within your community. They will have the best relationships with the local law enforcement, jails, and courts.

Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, IN

Woods Bail Bonds Indiana 317-876-9600

Call James Woods at 317-876-9600 for more information about bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and our team of licensed, bonded, and insured bail bondsmen are eager to help you understand the bail bond industry by answering all of your bail and arrest warrant questions. We provide services in several counties within Indiana and offer 24 hour assistance, seven days a week. If you have an arrest warrant, or need to bail a friend out of jail, we are the highly trained, professional, and experienced Indianapolis bail bondsman to trust. Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 today!

Meet the Team at Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana

Posted on April 5, 2014 by admin

Woods Bail Bonds has been around for several decades, providing fast and friendly bail services for people all over the state of Indiana. They offered their bail bond services in a variety of counties outside of Indianapolis; including Monticello, Terre Haute, Fort Wayne, Muncie, Danville, Gary, Tipton, Lafayette, Anderson, Peru, and much more. As a family-owned and operated business, the team at Woods Bail Bonds share one common attribute; their passion to help people in need.

When a person is arrested in Indiana, Woods Bail Bonds is there to grant them a secure and speedy release from jail upon their request. One reason their company has become highly reputable and respected within the community is that their team remains motivated and eager to assist Hoosiers of all ages in need of help with arrest warrants, bail bonds, notary services, inmate searches, and more. Meet the team that makes all of this happen at Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Owner James Woods

Hamilton County Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

James Woods is the owner and President of Woods Bail Bonds in Indiana. He has more than three decades of experience in the indemnity and bail bonds industry. He is extensively well-versed and highly proficient when it comes to everything that has to do with bail bonds, bonds, local jails, and more. His daily routines include managing all standard operations of his bail bondsmen, as well as, providing secure and professional bail bond services and related legal assistance. He also manages bond approvals, court proceedings, complaints, transfer bonds, family advisories, and much more. James Woods has a sincere compassion for his clients and a genuine eagerness to help people in their time of need. His respected and accomplished status within the community of Hamilton County, Indiana speaks for itself. It comes from his experience and reliable services that always stand out and go far above those of his competitors. Call James Woods at 317-876-9600 anytime, day or night, for the best bail bond services in Indianapolis.

Office Manager Teresa Woods

Teresa Woods Indianapolis Indiana 317-876-9600

Teresa Woods, office manager of Woods Bail Bonds, is wife to owner James Woods. She is a fully licensed and highly skilled bail bond agent with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. Teresa is extensively proficient and knowledgeable when it comes to everything bail bonds. Her primary duties include handling the day-to-day dealings; including in-house credit, cash, and collateral transactions. She also manages credit reports, collections, exoneration, and more. Teresa is certainly the glue that holds everything together within the office. She does her job so well because she too has a genuine passion for the industry and wishes nothing more than to help people, just like the rest of the Woods Bail Bonds team.

Vice President Nick Woods

Nicholas Woods Indianapolis Indiana 317-876-9600

Nicholas Woods is the operating and active Vice President of Woods Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana. You maybe be seeing a trend here with the last name; but as mentioned before, it is a family-owned and operated business. This is one of the key reasons why they are great bail bondsmen. They all as a family share the same passion and motivation to provide excellent bail bond services and assist people and families in need of help. VP Nick Woods has more than five years of experience in the bail bonds and indemnity industry.

Nicholas has a list of complex duties that allows the company to run like a well-oiled machine. Outside of a wider perspective, his daily duties include tasks such as processing data, managing collections, creating bail agent reports, gathering information on bail bond forfeitures, and more. For more than five years, Nick has also been a fully licensed bail agent whose contributions have colossally influenced their company’s success and accomplishments. You may call Nick Woods at 317-876-9600 for more information about bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana anytime.