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The Top Bail Bond FAQS of 2021 You Need to Know

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So many things have changed in our state in the past several months, and even years. As for the bail bond industry, the only change that has really taken place is the permission by the state to lower bail bond rates to 8%, as opposed to the general rate of 10% to 15%. However little the changes to the Indiana bail bond industry might be, there are still some pertinent questions that you might need answered if you are facing an arrest warrant, or your friend was just arrested.

For this year, here are the top bail bond frequently asked questions and their answers.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds
Frequently Asked Questions About Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

What is Bail and How it is Different from a Bail Bond?

Bail refers to the amount of money set by a judge for a person to be released from jail to await their scheduled court hearings. The amount of money set by the courts is determined by the person’s past criminal record, current offense, and their level of threat to society. Their level of threat includes the likelihood of them committing another crime while awaiting sentencing.

A bail bond is a bond for gaining a persons’ release from jail.  These are also called surety bonds.  When a person is arrested and taken to jail, they are given a choice to either stay in jail until their scheduled court date, or obtain a bail bond to get out of jail and appear for court on the scheduled day. The court assigns a dollar amount for their release depending on the person’s criminal history and current charges.  If the courts believe the person is likely to flee and not appear for trial, they will assign a very high dollar amount. 

How Much Will a Bail Bond Cost Me?

Bail amounts can be anywhere from a couple thousand dollars to upwards of one million dollars!  For a misdemeanor charge, bail can range anywhere from $1500 to $5000 dollars, depending on the state and county, it could be more or less.  Either way, most people do not have this kind of cash on hand, so instead, they obtain a bail bond.  A bail bond allows a person to pay only a percentage of the total bail amount, on a promise to appear for all court hearings.  If they fail to appear for court, they forfeit the rest of the bail amount and a warrant is issued for their arrest.  A bail bondsman can facilitate this entire process for a percentage of the bail amount.  The average take is usually 10%, give or take.  If a persons’ bail amount is $5000, then a bail bond agency will charge $500 for their service.  This is always a non-refundable fee.

The Best Rate for Bail Bonds: Woods Bail Bonds is currently offering the lowest state minimum bail bond fee of 8% to those in need of a release from jail in Indiana! In order to qualify for this low rate, you must meet certain criteria. Best of all, our bail bond agents work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week in over 30 Indiana counties, which means we are serving your very county at this very moment!

When Do I Need a Bail Bond?

There are a few scenarios in which a person would need to obtain a bail bond.  It all depends on their legal situations, criminal history, criminal behavior, and current charges.  The two most common reasons people opt for bail bond service is getting out jail and arrest warrants.  If a person is suspected of committing or being involved in a crime, a warrant might be issued for their arrest.  Also, if a person fails to appear for court, the same might happen.  In these cases, this person is expected to turn themselves into police to get their charges cleared in due process.  One way of doing this quickly is to hire a bail bondsman to get them out of jail right after they turn themselves in.

Where Can I Get Fast and Cheap Bail in Indianapolis?

Contact James Woods of Woods Bail Bonds!

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional Indianapolis bail bond services, information, and advice you can trust. 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.

Indiana Bail Bondsman
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

FAQS about Indiana Bail Bonds

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If you have questions about the bail bond process and the cost to obtain such services, you are in the right spot. Just continue reading to get some helpful answers to your bail bond questions.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?

Bail bonds require a non-refundable payment called a bail bond premium. Across the country, the standard rate for bail bonds is 10 to 15 percent of a defendant’s total bond amount. But at Woods Bail Bonds, we offer 8% bail bonds in all Indiana counties!

Here’s an example for a $5,000 bond:

Total Bond Amount = $5000
15% Bail Bond Fee = $750
10% Bail Bond Fee = $500
8% Bail Bond Fee = $400

How is a Bond Amount Set?

A defendant’s bond amount is fixed by the court in the county of the charges. It is dependent on several factors, including the severity of the charges, criminal history, flight risk, and more.

What Does it Mean to Be “Booked” or “Processed” in Jail?

Once a defendant is arrested, they are transported to the nearest county jail. When they arrive, they must wait their turn to be “booked and processed” by jail staff. Depending on a number of factors (sobriety, behavior, jail traffic, number of staff available, etc.), this process can take anywhere from one hour to 24 hours or more. Upon good behavior and sobriety, the booking process can begin. It generally includes:

✒ Confiscation and Cataloguing of Personal Belongings
✒ Weapons Check
✒ Warrant Check
✒ Background Check
✒ Finger Printing
✒ Mug Shot
✒ Jail Database Entry of Defendant’s Profile
✒ And More

Can I Be Denied a Bail Bond?

There are two circumstances in which a defendant could not obtain a bail bond. First, they can be denied bond by the court as a result of their criminal history or severity of charges. In this situation, the defendant must wait in jail until their initial court hearing, where they could be ordered back to jail or granted the right to bail. On the other hand, even if a court sets a defendant’s bond, they can be denied service by a bail bond company if they are considered a flight risk, or have a history of “skipping” bail.

What Information Do I Need to Bail Someone Out of Jail?

If you are assuming the responsibility of signing for a friend or loved one’s bail bond, you are taking on a very serious legally-binding obligation. In order to expedite the process, you will need to gather the following information to give to your bail bondsman:

✒ Full Name
✒ Booking Number
✒ County of Arrest
✒ Arrest Charges
✒ Bond Amount

Who is Liable for a Bail Bond?

The co-signer, or indemnitor, is responsible for the full face value of the bail bond, which is the total bond amount. So if a defendant’s bond is set at $5,000 and you co-sign for their bail, if they do not appear for court you will be legally-bound to pay the entire $5,000 or face legal penalties yourself. This is why it is so important to only co-sign bail bond agreements for close friends and family, or people you know you can trust. Never sign for a person you have just met or only known for a short while.

Can I Get a Refund for a Bail Bond?

No; once the bond is posted and accepted by the court or county jail, liability is taken on the bail bond. Since this means the bail bond premium is fully earned, there is no possibility of a refund. The only way the cost of a bail bond is refunded is if the bail agent makes an error that inhibits them from providing their service. Keep in mind that this rarely ever happens.

What is Collateral?

Collateral might be required by a bail bond company under special circumstances, but usually it is not necessary. Collateral can be money, assets, property, and more. The collateral is held until the bail bond is exonerated and the premium is paid in full.

Where Can I Find Indiana Bail Bonds I 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!