It isn’t really common to do any type of research about bail bonds unless a person is actually in need of one. When put in a stressful situation, such as having the responsibility of bailing someone out of jail, or even surrendering to an arrest warrant yourself, the obligation to learn the facts about the industry can overwhelm even the calmest person. However, this proactive approach is also very wise, and helpful. Although you can find endless information regarding the basics of the bail bond industry, there are many facts that are more difficult to come by.
Continue reading to learn what you might not know, or discover, about bail bonds, that will help you get yourself or a loved one out of jail, faster.
Bail is Not Always an Option
Not all judges grant a person bail after an arrest. For instance, some crimes are not eligible for bail, such as murder. Also, someone who has attempted to flee or evade law enforcement, or escape from prison, might be denied bail privileges. See our blog, “When a Judge Might Deny Your Bail” to learn reasons why a person might not be given the option to post their bail with a bail bond.
Bail Bonds Require a Co-Signer
If you are bailing someone out of jail using a bail bond, you will be required to sign a contract that holds you liable for their full bail amount if they violate any part of the bail bond agreement. So, if you sign the agreement, and then the person fails to show up for court, not only do you not get a refund on the price of the bail bond service, you are legally mandated to pay the courts the FULL bail amount, which is usually in the high thousands. If you are surrendering to an arrest warrant, you will need to have a co-signer to ensure you show up for court.
There is an Amendment About Bail
The 8th Amendment of the Unites States Constitution decrees that every citizen is protected against excessive and unfair bail. So, even though a judge has the discretion to deny bail, they cannot set a person’s bail excessively high, nor impose any cruel and unusual punishments. See our blog, “Which Amendment Has To Do With Bail?” to learn more about this right.
Bail Amounts are Pre-Set
Judges have the discretion to deny bail, and they are prohibited by law to set bail excessively, but in most cases, judges do not set the bail amounts. 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.
Call Woods Bail Bonds of Central Indiana to Get Out of Jail
Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 if you or a loved one needs bailed out of jail anywhere in Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana. Right now, we are offering Indianapolis bail bonds as low as 8% for those who qualify. Our offices operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, and in over 30 Indiana counties. There is never a time that we don’t have a licensed bail agent standing by to take your call. Get started with a free quote and jail information, today.
