10 Things You Should Know About Immigration Bonds in 2022

More and more, migrants are being detained and held for long periods of time. As we speak, around 18,000 people remain in ICE detention to await their deportation or bond hearings.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones from long stretches in detention, and they’re easier than you think. Here are some of the most important facts about immigration bonds that you need to know in 2022.

1. What Are Immigration Bonds?

Essentially, an immigration bond is a sum of money put up on a detained non-citizen’s behalf. This money will be returned to the payer if the detainee shows up for all their court dates and other appointments with relevant US immigration authorities.

Immigration bonds are a way to get somebody out of immigration detention until they have appeared in court. Assuming they appear at every meeting, the money for the bond will be reimbursed to the payer regardless of the court outcome. 

Once paid, you will receive an official document from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm that you’ve paid the bond, which you will need to receive an immigration bond refund later on.

2. Who Is Eligible for Bond?

Unfortunately, not everybody detained is eligible for bonds. Some non-citizens are subject to mandatory detention and can’t get out on bond. Most often, people with criminal records will not meet the immigration bond requirements.

However, the majority of non-citizens entering the country (regardless of how) are eligible for bonds.

If ICE decides you or your loved one are not eligible for a bond, you can still request a bond hearing at your first court date. Tell the judge you would like to request a bond hearing as soon as possible, prior to a deportation hearing.

You can also write the judge a bond hearing request letter and send it to Immigration Court, 1 Federal Drive, Suite 1850, Fort Snelling, MN 55111 as soon as possible.

3 . You Can Pay for a Loved One

You can pay immigration bonds for a relative and receive your money back in full if they appear to all of their necessary court dates and meetings. However, the amount has to be paid by a person who is residing in the United States lawfully with a green card or citizenship.

This can be a friend, family member, concerned citizen, or anybody else. If that’s you, ensure you have your social security card, proof of identification, and legal status

Also, try to provide the name, date of birth, and alien registration number of the detainee to the ICE office as soon as possible, and the bond can only be paid with a cashier’s check (money order) and not cash or personal check.

To receive reimbursement later on, you will need to store the original document that you signed at the local ICE office at the time you paid the bond. 

4. Detentions Are on the Rise

At the end of last year, ICE detentions were up 56 percent since President Biden took office, which was a slight decline from the summer, where we saw a 70 percent increase.

Either way, detentions are quite high at the moment and are likely to remain high for the foreseeable future. 

Also, President Biden recently reinstated the controversial Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), which are more commonly known as the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico Policy.”

These policies sent many migrants over the border into Mexico without trial, regardless of their employment or family status.

While Biden has formally denounced this exact policy, his administration is enforcing similar protocols supposedly due to the pandemic.

Also, while Biden has recently moved to officially end the MPP, the Supreme Court agreed to take a case on whether or not it must remain in effect.

5. There Are Minimum Bonds

Currently, the minimum immigration bond is $1,500. Beyond that, bail can be set at any price as determined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

While circumstances may vary widely, the amount set will likely be impacted by a number of factors, including:

  • Criminal background
  • Previous immigration violations
  • Employment history
  • Family ties in the US
  • Length of time in the US

Other factors may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but these are generally what determines the amount set.

Unfortunately, many families cannot afford to pay these bonds out of pocket, even with a minimum of $1,500. However, most will cost in the range of $14,500, with a maximum set at $250,000.

If you are unable to pay, there are immigration bond services available for qualifying families to help release their loved ones from detention.

6. Bonds Only Require 15% Upfront

If you are required to pay $2,000 for a bond, you will need to pay $2000 to the ICE office initially. However, if the person you bail does not appear for their court obligations when the time comes, you will forfeit the total bond you paid.

Once the case is over, it could take a month to receive your deposit back. After 4 months have passed, if you have not yet received your immigration bond refund, contact ICE or ask your immigration attorney to investigate the situation.

For more information, see the current rates so you know what to expect.

7. Interest Rates Apply

Applicable until March 31, 2022, the current interest rate for immigration bonds is 0.6 percent, which does fluctuate over time as decided by the Treasury Secretary.

Last year, the rates were between 0.15 and 0.9 percent, so they may change in the upcoming quarter. However, there are laws stipulating that the interest rate may never exceed 3 percent.

This means that you will receive your deposit, along with appropriate interest for the amount of time you had to wait for proceedings to take place.

8. Preparing Ahead of Time Is Key

If you have an undocumented friend or relative living in the United States, it is best to develop a bail bonds plan. Around 23 percent of all immigrants in the US have been apprehended by ICE, meaning that your loved one has around a one in four chance of detention.

For that reason, we suggest developing a strategy ahead of time to plan for the worst, as this will limit their time spent in detention. This is especially true if they have to wait for a bond hearing or if they are far away from home at the time of the apprehension.

9. Cases Are Backlogged

The USCIS case backlog has grown exponentially in recent years, reaching more than eight million pending cases at the end of 2021, and seemingly continuing to grow into 2022.

Since the start of the pandemic, embassies have remained closed or inactive around the world, causing greater delays within the US State Department. This has caused serious delays for over nine million green card applicants.

The majority of those waiting are on the family-based green card backlog, while around 1.6 million are waiting on the employment-based backlog.

Of course, that is on top of the already understaffed immigration courts, causing an average of a 58-month wait time for cases. That’s nearly five years.

Unfortunately, without bonds, this often leads to lengthy stays in detention or premature deportation. Fortunately, there are ways to find help.

10. Help Is Available

Lastly, there are options available to detainees and their families looking to pay for these bonds and get their loved ones out of detention. Not everybody has the money to spend upfront.

Believe it or not, there are even national bond fund programs like Freedom for Immigrants. The service seeks to help families of detainees raise money to pay for their bonds.

However, these organizations work on a small scale and have only been able to release around 460 detainees so far.

For a much faster solution, you can compare bail bondsman rates so that you only have to pay a small fee at the end. If your loved one appears to their specific obligations, you’ll only owe a small fee for the services, which requires no large deposit.

Either way, getting them out sooner, rather than later, is important. Due to the backlogs, people can stay in ICE detention for years at a time without bond.

Find Help Today

Now that you know all about immigration bonds, how they work, and what you can do, get your loved one out of detention as soon as possible. Nobody deserves to spend years in detention just to await a hearing. The sooner you find help, the sooner you can get back to your life.

Stay up to date with our latest legal news for immigrants and feel free to contact us with any questions or for help covering your bond!

A Quick Guide to Immigration Bonds

Did you know that 14% of people in the United States are foreign-born? 1 in 7 US residents is an immigrant. 1 in 8 US residents is born in the US with at least one immigrant parent. 

Dealing with immigration issues can be exhausting and stressful. With immigration laws and political agendas constantly changing, you or your family could end up getting detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

If ICE detained you or your family, you will need to get an immigration bond. Don’t know what an immigration bond is? Keep on reading for your complete guide to understanding immigration bonds.

What Is an Immigration Bond?

If you or your family is arrested for being an illegal citizen, they will be detained. They can also be sentenced to be deported out of the US, depending on what the charges are. The detainee then has to go in front of the immigration court to plead their case.

You likely won’t get a decision immediately as there may be a wait time before you get a hearing date. Instead of staying in detention, you will have the chance to post an immigration bond and get released.

An immigration bond or ICE Form I-352 is an amount of money paid to ICE, which then allows you to be released from detention. The immigration bond is an agreement that you make with ICE confirming that even if you are released, you will attend all immigration court hearings. The amount of the immigration bond is set by an immigration judge, based on several factors.

Once you come back and attend all court hearings, your bond money will be returned. The bond basically acts as insurance to ensure that you follow the immigration laws and attend all court hearings.

What Are the Different Types of Immigration Bonds?

What is helpful to understand are the different types of immigration bonds that you could come across. There are two main types of immigration bonds: delivery bonds and voluntary departure bonds. There are other types of immigration bonds, but these are the two most common.

You could also have an Order of Supervision Bond where you may have to check in with certain authorities on a periodic basis. You may also hear about a Public Safety Bond which ensures that you will reimburse the government if you accept any public assistance.

Delivery Bond

This is the most common type of immigration bond. It’s designed to ensure that you appear in immigration court for your hearings. If you fail to appear, then you lose the money you paid for the immigration bond.

Voluntary Departure Bond

If the courts grant you voluntary departure, then the court will issue this type of immigration bond to make sure that you return to your home country. You will have to follow the conditions for departure as set out in the court order.

The court will provide you with a date by which you have to leave the US. If you fail to leave the US by that date, you will lose the amount of money you paid for the immigration bond.

When Is an Immigration Bond Not Available?

Remember that not everyone is eligible for an immigration bond. You may not be eligible for an immigration bond if the judge decides that you are:

  • A danger to society
  • A flight risk
  • Uncooperative

The judge will look at your history and family ties to determine if you are eligible for an immigration bond. 

Certain crimes can also lead to your not being eligible for an immigration bond including aggravated felonies and “crimes involving moral turpitude.” The latter can include minor crimes like drug possession and disorderly conduct.

Can You Appeal a No Bond or High Bond Amount?

Where there is no bond allowed or the immigration bond amount is too high, you will have the chance to ask a judge for a bond hearing. The first thing you need to do is speak with the judge about scheduling a bond hearing. A bond hearing will be separate from your deportation hearings.

You can also schedule a bond hearing by writing a bond request letter. At the hearing, you will need a sponsor letter. The sponsor must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident, and they confirm how they know you.

You will need evidence showing that you have strong ties to the community. Some documents you can consider include:

  • Proof of family members that are US citizens
  • Letters from people in the community such as employers, neighbors, etc.
  • Tax records
  • Property ownership documents

At the end of the day, you will also need to show that you won’t commit any crimes and will attend all hearings if the courts grant your release. All the evidence needs to support your character and ties to the community.

What Is the Cost of Immigration Bonds?

Immigration bonds can place a large burden on families as they are dealing with the immigration process. The amount for both types of immigration bonds may vary, and they are typically determined by factors such as: 

  • Criminal history
  • Prior immigration issues
  • Ties to the community
  • How much of a flight risk you are
  • Prior history of attending court hearings

There is no upper limit on how high your immigration bond can be. You can get multiple immigration bail bond rates and options. With a full cash collateral immigration bond, you will have to pay a $100 application fee and a 2% premium cost. 

If you can’t provide full cash collateral, you have the option of a 15% premium cost of the total value of the immigration property at Amistad. Without full cash collateral, you can also provide liens on real property as collateral. 

How to Pay an Immigration Bond?

As you can tell, the cost of an immigration bond can be too high for most families. The higher the bond amount, the more difficult it is for families to pay for it. But, paying the immigration bond is necessary.

Once you pay your immigration bond, you will get released. This will allow you to spend time with family, find good counsel, and strategize on the best way forward. It will give you the time to find the evidence needed to bolster your case in front of immigration court.

Cash Bond

If you have the funds, you can simply pay the immigration bond in cash. Once you have attended all the hearings, your money will be refunded back to you.

With this method, there are no fees that you have to worry about. Just remember that you might have to wait a year or so to get the money refunded back to you.

Surety Bond

If you don’t have the funds available, don’t despair. You can work with an immigration bonds agent to pay the bond. Simply contact the bail bonds company and they can pay the immigration bond for a fee.

The fee charged by an immigration bail bonds agent can range from 10 to 15%. This fee is non-refundable. 

Immigration Bond Tips

Finding the right immigration bonds agent can be challenging. There are a lot of companies out there, and it can be confusing. So in this immigration bond guide, we have taken the time to set out some tips for you.

Find Someone You Trust

Yes, it’s a busy and stressful time. But you need to spend some time doing your research. Make sure you understand your obligations and responsibilities.

A good bail bonds agent has the right training to explain immigration bonds to you. They can guide you through the process, so you can feel confident and not completely confused. Contacting a reliable and competent licensed bond agent can make all the difference in your immigration bond experience.

Shop Around For Rates

The fee for immigration bonds ranges from 10 to 15%. Some charge lower than that, but some companies can charge up to 20%. If you are being charged a higher rate, try contacting a couple of other companies to confirm that this is the general industry practice.

No Collateral

Some bail bonds agents will ask for your car’s title as collateral to cover the cost of the immigration bond. This is not normal practice, so you should be wary of those companies. A legitimate bail bonds agent should have sufficient collateral to cover the immigration bond as part of their regular business.  

Make Sure You Go to Immigration Bonds Agent

There are many bail bonds companies that deal with the criminal bonds process. They post bonds for those people that have been arrested for criminal offenses. An immigration bail bond deals with immigration bonds in particular and understands the ICE process.

Get Your Free Consultation for Immigration Bonds

This was your immigration bond guide. After reading this article, you should have all your questions about immigration bonds answered, and the process for getting immigration bonds explained. 

If you are looking for an immigration bond, request a free confidential consultation with a licensed bail agent. With decades of experience, we have the right strategies to help you or your family member get released as soon as possible. We are available 24/7 to help you make bail.

What Is the Average Cost of an Immigration Bond?

Are you or a loved one in a situation that requires an immigration bail bond? Being detained or arrested by ICE is often a frightening and confusing process.

If you or someone you love has been detained due to immigration reasons, you will want to help release them quickly to prevent any further emotional or physical stress. Being knowledgeable about the immigration bond payment process and options can help with a smoother transition after leaving an ICE detention center.

Continue reading to learn more about the immigration bond process and the average cost of immigration bail bonds.

The Booking Process

The first step of the immigration bond process is booking. After arresting an undocumented immigrant, they go to a detention center. They may be eligible for a bond. At this point, ICE gathers information about the individual, checks their immigration history, and takes their fingerprints.

If an individual has no prior deportations or convictions, it’s classified as “non-criminal” This plays a role in ICE’s decision to place an immigration hold on the person.

If ICE places a hold, this means they are considering the case and will most likely place a bond amount once the detainee is eligible. If warranted, an immigration hold can still if there are previous convictions and deportations, each decision determined on a case by case basis.

After booking you, ICE officers become notified of the arrest and then have two days to investigate their immigration history and determine their bond eligibility.

The ICE officers and the judge determine the bond amount and eligibility at the bond hearing. The detainee’s eligibility will largely depend on two factors. The detainee must not be a flight risk or a danger to the community. Denial of a bond can happen at a hearing if the individual has been previously deported or committed a serious offense.

Immigration Bonds

An immigration bond is the amount of money set by a judge or ICE. After receiving the total payment, an officer will release you or your loved one from the detention center. An immigration bond is a financial guarantee that the detainee will be present at all scheduled court appearances.

If the detainee fails to show up to any court appearances, the immigration judge or ICE can issue a warrant of arrest. The set amounts for immigration bonds tend to be higher to encourage timely appearances in court. If an individual misses their court date, this will result in forfeiting the bond money and even deportation.

In some situations, an immigrant may be eligible for bail instead of an immigration bond. This results in the pretrial release from custody, not immigration detention release.

Types Of Immigration Bonds

There are three types of immigration bonds to choose from. Having a clear understanding of each will help you decide which bond is the right fit for you and your situation.

You can discuss other bond options with your immigration judge. Remember, the judge rules the final decision; you will need to attend all immigration court hearings.

Delivery Bonds

The delivery bond works similarly to regular bail bonds. This bond ensures that you are present at all future court hearings after release on bail. This type of bond also ensures a deportation order, if necessary.

Voluntary Departure Bond

A voluntary departure bond is when the individual agrees to leave the country voluntarily for a specified amount of time. Once paid in full, it is refundable to them once they have departed the country. Failure to leave will result in forfeiting the refund.

Order Of Supervision Bond

This type of bond is unique because it allows you to live and work in the United States during your ongoing case. However, you must follow all conditions and restrictions set by ICE officers.

Immigration Bond Eligibility

It is important to note that not everyone qualifies for an immigration bond. For example, any individual apprehended trying to cross the U.S. border will not receive an immigration bond.

Any undocumented immigrant that has not violated the law in any way, and is held in a detention center, is eligible for an immigration bond.

Involvement in terrorist activities or criminal convictions will result in no bond granted to the individual. Remember, you can always ask to speak with a lawyer before moving forward with any bond hearing.

Average Bond Cost

You may be wondering how much do immigration bonds cost? The initial bond amount will be set by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. The set delivery bond minimum is $1,500. How high the bond is set beyond that amount will depend on various factors in your or your relative’s case.

An immigration Bail bond can vary greatly in cost. There are 4 items that significantly affect the price of the bond. An individual’s criminal history or record will be highly considered.

ICE will consider the citizenship or residency status to determine how long they have been living in the United States; this can include any family relationships. Lastly, ICE will consider employment history and family background.

Typically, voluntary departure bonds start at $500. Delivery bonds start at $1,500; however, bonds do not have a cap limit. Meaning they can increase to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Each situation is different and will require a specific type of bond to best fit your needs.

Paying For A Bond

Once the final bind determination is made, the bond can be paid by any person who is located in the United States legally. This includes a friend, relative, or any other individual.

When going to pay, take proof of your legal status. This includes your Social Security card and a photo ID to take to the ICE office. You will also need the name, date of birth, and A-number of the detainee.

The person who pays the bond is called the obligator. You or someone you know can utilize the different payment options. You can pay the total bond amount to ICE or your nearest DHS office. ICE accepts cashier’s checks, money orders, bank-certified checks, and postal money orders. They do not accept cash or personal checks as forms of payment.

Receiving Money Back

Once the court has resolved your case, if you continue to cooperate, you will get back the bond with interest. When working with a bond agent, your premium is non-refundable. You will, however, get your collateral back when the case is resolved and can cancel the immigration bond.

In many cases, people can’t afford bonds. Hiring an immigration bond agent can help you financially. The bond company will pay a percentage, and you pay a percentage of the bond. This is called a bond fee or premium. The prices can vary from state and company.

Certain situations may call for someone to use collateral to secure their bond application. Collateral could be a car, property, bank stock, or any items of value.

In many cases, ICE will release you on the day your bond is paid. The faster you pay the bond, the quicker you or your loved one can be released from the detention facility.

Bond Hearings

When you are detained, ICE might give you paperwork that declares a bond amount or no bond at all. You have the right to ask the judge for an immigration bond hearing.

Many wonder to themselves, can you change the bond amount? At the bond hearing, you have the opportunity to ask for a bond if you were not granted one originally. You can also ask the judge to lower the amount of the bond given by ICE.

Ask for a bond hearing right away if you know you have requests for the judge. You can request a bond hearing by writing a formal letter to the judge. Be sure to include your name, A-number, and a request to have the hearing.

Leave yourself time to gather the evidence before the scheduled hearing date. If necessary, you can always ask the judge to reschedule until you have all the required materials.

Ultimately, the bond hearing is for the judge to decide where to release you on bail while the immigration case is being finalized.

Help With Immigration Bail Bonds

Staying in a facility similar to jail is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Being detained by ICE due to immigration is a serious issue, and we are here to help. Know what steps to take when faced with being in a detention center so you can proceed accordingly.

If you are in need of financial help with bail, immigration bonds are a trusted option. Wait at home rather than in a detention center while your case is being processed.

For help with an immigration bond, contact us at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds. You can schedule a free consultation with a licensed bail agent today!

What Is a Bail Bondsman?

You’ve seen them in the film The Bounty Hunter and Jackie Brown. You’ve also seen them on popular TV shows like The Mandalorian and Dog the Bounty Hunter.

Hollywood portrays the idea of being a bail bondsman as something exciting and glamorous. But what is a bail bondsman, exactly? Is it the same thing as a bounty hunter? What do they do on a daily basis, and how does their job work?

Most importantly, how can you find the best bail bondsman when you need to help a loved one?

We’ll answer these questions and much more, so keep reading for your ultimate bail bondsman guide.

What Is a Bail Bondsman?

To understand the role of the bail bondsman, you first need to understand what happens when someone gets arrested.

The American legal system is built on a principle known as the presumption of innocence. You’ve probably heard the expression “innocent until proven guilty,” which is based on this law.

Until a person is officially convicted of a crime in court, they’re still considered innocent in the eyes of the law. Technically, then, they’re still entitled to their freedom, and the state (theoretically) can’t hold them in jail until their trial.

However, unlike the Monopoly board game, there’s no “get out of jail” free card. Rather, the judge will post a bail amount that can “buy” the defendant their freedom until their court date. The bail amount can be anywhere from a few hundred to a few million dollars, based on the nature of the crime and the defendant’s previous history.

Most of us aren’t sitting around with that kind of cash at hand, which is where the bail bondsman enters the picture.

Bail Bondsman vs. Bail Recovery Agent

A bail bondsman (also called a bond agent or bond dealer) acts as a surety by providing the funds necessary to release the defendant. They may do this with cash or collateral provided by the person who’s bailing the defendant out of jail.

As long as the defendant shows up for all scheduled court appearances, the bail amount — minus any non-refundable deposits and court fees — will be returned.

If the defendant fails to show up in court or “skips” bail, the bail amount is forfeited or surrendered. The friend or family member who co-signed for the bail bond then becomes responsible for repaying the bond amount.

In the meantime, the bail bondsman has the right to locate the missing defendant and surrender them to the court. This is where those heart-stopping Hollywood action scenes with bounty hunters come into play.

However, we need to clear up a common misconception. Although often used interchangeably, a bail bondsman and a bounty hunter (also called a bail recovery agent) are not the same things. The bondsman is the one who provides the funds to the court, while the recovery agent is the one who physically goes out and tracks down a wayward defendant.

Fun fact: The USA and the Philippines are the only two countries in the world that use a commercial bail bond system.

How Does the Bail Process Work?

When you want to help a loved one get out of jail, the bail bond agency will give you two different options.

The first is to pay the full amount to secure a Full Cash Collateral Immigration Bond. At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, you can secure this bond with a $100 application fee and a 2% premium cost.

Why not just pay the Department of Homeland Security directly, you might wonder? The process is lengthier, often involving travel, and it can take 6-8 weeks (or even longer) to return your collateral. Working with a bail bond agent makes the process fast and easy and, in some cases, can secure your loved one’s release on the same day.

Of course, you may not have the full cash amount available for the first option. In that case, you can provide 15% of the premium cost of the total value of the immigration bond, along with the deed or title to real property.

Once you’ve made the payment and signed all required documents, the bail bondsman will work quickly to get your loved one out of jail.

How Can I Find the Best Bail Bondsman?

Now that you know what a bail bondsman does and how the process works, how can you choose the best agent?

Start by asking for personal recommendations. Check with your family lawyer or an immigration lawyer in your area. You could also check with the police station or detention officers to see if they can recommend a reputable bail bonds service.

Next, take your search online. Read reviews and testimonials from past customers to get a feel for the agency. Were they good communicators who were quick to respond and act? Would the customer recommend their services to others?

Finally, you should know that the bail bond process is heavily regulated by the Department of Insurance. Make sure that the bondsman is a fully licensed agent. They should also have a physical office location — beware of supposed “agents” who just hang out in front of the local jail.

Choosing a Bail Bondsman for Your Needs

If you were wondering, “What is a bail bondsman?”, we hope you have a clearer idea of this interesting (and important) profession.

Now, however, it’s time to get personal. Do you currently have a loved one sitting in jail? Do you want to learn more about the bail process or how to find the best bail bondsman in your area?

Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds helps families and friends reunite with our affordable, easy-to-understand immigration bonds. Contact one of our agents today or give us a call 24/7 at (800) 969-3484.

What Are the Most Common Bail Bonds Services in 2021?

Bail bonds. They are something that you do not want to think about needing, but bail bonds services can help save people accused of a crime from spending any unnecessary time in jail. 

However, setting this up is not always easy for people. This is because the average cost of bail can be $10,000 for felony offenses

If you find yourself needing assistance to make bail, what can you do? These are some of the most common bail bond services. 

Surety Bond 

This is the type of bond that typically involves most bail bonds, agents. It gives you the option of having a third party coming in and covering whatever the cost is of getting you out of jail on bail. 

The catch is that you have to pay the bail bondsman between 15% of the cost of the bail in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Other states may only require 10% of the cost of the bail upfront. 

How much that cost depends on the type of crime that you committed. So, someone who is accused of any degree of murder is certainly more likely to need a bail bondsman than someone who had a DUI. 

So, if you need financial assistance to put up bail and you do not want or can not put up property as collateral, then this is the route that you would need to take. 

Just be aware that with this bail, you are responsible for showing up to your court dates, and the bail bondsman will hold you accountable. Most states would allow the bondsman to send a bounty hunter to find someone that skips court. However, North Carolina prohibits that practice. 

Cash Bond 

This type of bond is very straightforward because it requires you to produce the cash necessary to make bail. However, unlike the surety bond, you are responsible for putting up the full amount of the bail. 

Let’s say that you are being held for second-degree murder with a bail of $250,000. In this situation, you can use a bail bondsman to come up with a little over $37,000. Or, you can come up with the entire amount yourself if you have the financial means. 

This is typically the more expensive option upfront because it requires a 100% vs. a 15% investment. If you make your court appearances and surrender to authorities if you have to, you would get the entire amount back in this scenario. 

But, for more serious crimes, it can be very difficult for a lot of people to come up with the financial means to go this route. 

Property Bonds 

If coming up with any type of cash is an issue, this is an option that some people prefer to take. How this works is you are basically putting up the deed of your house as collateral.

To do this in some states requires the house to be twice as financially valuable as the cost of the bail. Nevertheless, once the deed is seen by the proper authorities, you can be released from jail. 

Just like everything else above, as long as you make all of your court appearances and surrender to the authorities if needed, you would get the deed to your house back with no problems. 

Some may see this as an attractive option because it means that they do not need any cash upfront. However, the risk can be higher in a situation like this because if you or the person that was in jail skips bail, you will lose the house completely. 

Citation Release 

When it comes to this type of bail, it is considered the least serious of them all. This is because it is something that is given to people who only committed minor crimes and people who are deemed a minimal flight risk. 

In this situation, the officer would let you go without you having to come up with bail or even spend time in jail. 

The only condition in this scenario would be that you would have to show up to your court appearances. If you skip those, then a warrant could be out for your arrest depending on the crime, and in that situation, you would probably need a different type of bail to get out of jail. 

Immigration Bail Bonds 

One of the tougher bonds out there can be immigration ones because it can be considered a federal offense with these. How much bail you would need in this situation depends on what exactly you are accused of because it varies significantly. 

Here, the bail can be as little as $1,500 and go all the way up to $250,000. 

The services of a bail bondsman can help here because when it comes to certain immigration cases, the price to get bail can be expensive because it is a federal crime rather than a state crime and because of how much financial hardship it can put on families. 

Learn More About Bail Bonds Services 

These are just a few of the bail bonds services available for you if you find yourself in a situation where you need to make bail quickly. Whether it is paid in full, putting up a property, showing up to court for minor offenses, or using a bail bondsman, you can have these services taken care of if you do your part. 

Do you find yourself in need of assistance from a bail bondsman? If so, contact us today to get started on coming up with the right plan for your case. 

The Immigration Bonds Process Explained

Have you or a family member recently been detained by ICE? Are you unsure of what to do next? There are many laws that guide you and your family member’s immigration arrest, meaning that there are rules that allow undocumented immigrants to post bail.

If someone you love is currently in custody by ICE and you need help trying to get them out, then you came to the right place. This brief immigration bond guide will cover the different immigration bonds available and who you can reach out to for more help. 

What Are Immigration Bonds?

Immigration bonds, also known as ICE Form 1-352, is a bond paid by Green Card holders or undocumented individuals to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. This bond serves as a guarantee that the detainee will show up to their required court appearances. Once the case ends, the government will return the money. There are two types of immigration bonds, delivery bonds, and voluntary departure bonds. 

Delivery Bonds

An immigrant detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, also known as ICE, may get a delivery bond if ICE or an immigration judge states that they are eligible. For a detainee to be released on a delivery bond, they must receive an arrest warrant and a notice of custody conditions. 

As with any type of bail bond, this immigration bond ensures that the detainee shows up to all of their required hearings. With this delivery bond, a defendant can spend time with their family while consulting with their lawyer about the next steps of their case. 

Voluntary Departure Bond

In a few cases, some detainees have the opportunity to voluntarily leave the county at their own expense within a specified period of time. If you pay this bond in full to ICE, you will receive your money back once you leave the county. If you fail to leave, you forfeit the money. 

Bond Eligibility

As stated earlier, an immigration judge or a representative from ICE determines if a person is eligible for an immigration bond. The detainee will need to prove that they are not a danger to the community and they are not a flight risk.

If someone has been deported in the past, they may not be eligible for an immigration bond. Another example where someone may be denied an immigration bond would be if they have certain criminal convictions. This would make them a danger to the community. 

There are cases where ICE may refuse to give a bond to certain detainees if they refuse to answer questions. If anything, it is best for the detainee to talk to their pro bono immigration lawyer about their eligibility before their first hearing. 

What Happens During Detainment?

The first thing that typically happens is you or your loved one is taken into custody. If you are there with your family member, it is imperative that you keep them as calm as they can be.

Urge them not to run away or get into an altercation with the police. You have the right to ask where they will take your loved one. There is a process that ICE must go through when detaining the accused, so you must remain calm during the process. 

How to Ask For a Bond Hearing

A detainee has the opportunity to ask the judge for a bond hearing if they received paperwork stating “no bond” or if they believe their bond amount is too high. There are a few ways for a detainee to ask the court for a bond hearing. 

Speak With the Judge

It would be best to let the judge know that you would like a bond hearing at your first hearing. These hearings are separate from your deportation hearings, even if the same judge handles your deportation hearings. Once you ask for a hearing, the judge will usually give you a hearing within the coming days.

Write a Request Letter

Detainees also have the opportunity to write a bond request letter. You will need to include your name, A-number, and a request to have your bond hearing in this letter.

If the hearing gets scheduled relatively quickly while you or your family is trying to gather evidence, you can let the judge know. They should be able to grant you more time by rescheduling your hearing. 

What to Bring to Your Hearing

Before your hearing date, you will need to obtain a sponsor letter. This letter is an important document that the judge will need to have at your hearing.

Your sponsor will need to write a letter stating how they know you and what their immigration status is. The sponsor will need to be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. Your sponsor should attach proof of their citizenship status. 

The sponsor letter will also need to include an address where the sponsor and the detainee will live. This address cannot be a P.O. Box. It must be a valid street address.

To prove that the sponsor lives there, they must attach a landline phone bill or an electrical bill. This bill must include the address and the name of the sponsor for it to be a valid document. 

Lastly, the letter will need to explain how the sponsor will support the detainee being released. The sponsor can also include any ties the detainee has to the community. 

Other Documents to Support Your Case

The detainees’ job is to secure as much evidence as possible for the bond hearing. This evidence must show the judge that you have strong ties to the community and that you won’t commit any crimes if the court grants your release.

Good examples of other documents that support your immigration case would be proof that you have close family members that are citizens of the United States. You can include any birth certificates of your children, parents, and spouse. 

If you have any letters from people you know, such as religious leaders, employers, neighbors, or your landlord, you should keep these on hand. This also shows the judge that you have close community ties. 

Tax records are also great indications that you have community ties. This shows that you are a law-abiding citizen that pays taxes just like any other citizen of the United States. 

Immigration Bond Cost

The bond amount is typically set by an immigration judge or a representative from ICE. The amount for the bond can either increase or decrease based on a few factors.

Factors that affect the cost of the bond:

  • Immigration status
  • Employment situation
  • Family ties in the United States
  • Criminal history

As a general rule of thumb, the higher the detainee’s flight risk is, the higher the bond amount. On average, the usual minimum amount for a delivery bond is around $1,500 and can increase to approximately $10,000. Again, the factors listed determine the final cost for the bond. 

Departure bonds generally cost less than delivery bonds. The minimum amount for a departure bond is around $500. As mentioned earlier, once both cases are complete, you should receive the money back. It typically takes the government about a year to return the money to the person who posted bail. 

How Does the Immigration Bond Process Work?

As with any bail bond, anyone can post bail for the detainee. This includes any family members and the detainee themselves if they have the financial means. The bond most likely needs to be paid for in cash, but there is the option to obtain an immigration bond from a bondsman if the detainee cannot afford it. 

Once the payment is processed with the appropriate parties, the detainee is released. As mentioned earlier, the person who posted the bail will receive their reimbursement within a year after the case completes or the party leaves the country. 

When Does ICE Assign a Bond Amount?

ICE typically assigns a bond amount to a detainee by 2:00 P.M. of the day they become in ICE custody. Once they know their bond amount, they are allowed to reach out to their family members to make them aware of the bond.

As mentioned earlier, the bond amount depends on several different factors. Before ICE can release a detainee, the detainee or their family must pay the bond in full. 

Stress-Free Immigration Bond Process

Knowing that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detains someone you know and love can be a stressful and frightening experience. Even more so, trying to find a solution to help them can be just as stressful.

The last thing you want to do is scramble around to figure out how to get them home while you await their trial. Contact us now if you need help with going through the immigration bond process. Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds offers a free consultation process to help you go through your options and get you the bond you need. 

How to Bail Someone out of Jail: A Step by Step Guide

Although someone is arrested every three seconds across the US, many people think that it isn’t something that can happen to them or someone they know. However, the reality is that an arrest can touch the lives of anyone regardless of age or socioeconomic status.

If your loved one or friend was arrested, you may be frantically wondering how to bail someone out of jail. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to get someone out of jail as they await their court hearing.

1. Understand What Bail Is

You likely have heard the term “bail” before on TV or in books. However, you may not know what exactly it means despite understanding the general concept.

When you bail someone out of jail, you pay a set amount of money to the court system. Once the bail is posted, the defendant that you bailed out will be able to wait for their courtroom trial at home. They would otherwise need to wait for their trial in jail, possibly for months.

If the defendant shows up to court for their hearing, the bail money will be returned to the poster. If they do not show up, the money will never be returned. It’s essentially a tool to encourage the defendant to show up to court for their own legal proceedings.

2. Gather Basic Information

You generally will post bail after hearing about the arrest. Usually, this will take place when the defendant calls you from jail. You may also be told about the arrest by another person that they called.

If you don’t know where the person that requires bail is, it’s important that you find out. Make sure that you ask the defendant (or a loved one who knows more details) where the arrest happened. Tell them to give you a specific city name and, if possible, police department.

From there, you can call the police department that made the arrest. Ask them to put you in contact with the jail where your loved one is being held. Once you are communicating with the jail, ask for the defendant’s booking status.

You only need to post bail if they are to remain in jail after booking. If they are released after booking, there’s no need for you to put any money down. Contact your loved one and ask about other ways you can support them.

3. Learn About Your Defendant’s Situation 

So, how much does bail cost?

The amount of money required to bail someone out will depend on the individual defendant and their circumstances. The main factor that courts consider when determining a bail amount is the nature of the crime. Some crimes will have higher bail than others, and many violent offenses do not even qualify for bail.

Courts will also look at the defendant’s criminal record and employment history. If someone has committed many crimes, bail will likely be higher. If someone has a good reputation and steady employment, it will likely be lower.

Learn about the specific circumstances of your loved one and ask how much their bail is. This will give you an idea of how much you can pay.

4. Get Bail Bonds

If you do not have the funds to post bail for a defendant, there are still options available to you. Bail bonds are one of the best ways that you can get the money required for bail. These surety bonds are given to you through a bail agent/bondsman so that you can have someone released from jail.

After a judge sets the bail amount, you can reach out to a bail bondsman to discuss your situation. You’ll pay a fee of usually around 15% of the bail out of pocket to the bondsman. The bondsman will then post the entire amount of the bail.

Once the defendant appears to all court appearances, the bail bond liability terminates. The bondsman keeps the percentage that you covered as payment for their services. 

5. Await Trial

After you post bail at the jail where your loved one is held, you will be allowed to take them home. They will be released from custody so that you can bring them back using your own vehicle or other transportation. The jail will not drive them home.

When awaiting trial, different defendants will need to follow different terms and conditions. Most will be under some form of house arrest. They will have a curfew and only be allowed to visit certain locations.

Make sure that your loved one follows the terms of their bail. This means wearing their ankle bracelet if necessary and not consuming alcohol or drugs.

You also will want to arrange for transportation on the morning of their trial. If the defendant does not make it to their hearing, you will need to pay the bail bond sum back to the bondsman. Bailing someone out requires trust.

Check in with them regularly to make sure that they are doing well. Remind them of the trial date when it approaches. Make sure that they are comfortable and happy while awaiting their hearing; after all, that’s the point of bail.

Beyond How to Bail Someone Out of Jail

While learning how to bail someone out of jail may sound like a challenge, the process is actually very simple. This is especially true if you talk to a licensed agent about the bail process before putting down any money.

We’re committed to ensuring that your loved one is able to await their court date with dignity and in peace. Contact us to request a free consultation with one of our experienced bail bondsmen today.

7 Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Bonds Answered

Recently, the Department of Homeland said it would no longer deport people just for being undocumented. Instead, new guidelines direct immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) officers to arrest and deport immigrants who threaten national and border security.

This means if you’re an immigrant and arrested, you should consider immigration bonds. An immigration bond can save you and your family a lot of hassle and help you get released faster. It benefits both legal and undocumented immigrants.

Keep reading to get the answers to seven of the most asked questions about immigration bail bonds.

What Is an Immigration Bond?

An immigration bond is the amount of money set by ICE or an immigration judge. The total bond amount must be paid in order for you to be release from the detention center. The money guarantees you will attend your future hearings and follow court orders after ICE releases you.

If you miss even one hearing, you will likely get a deportation order without the ability to give evidence or ask for permission to stay in the US. Additionally, you will lose the bond money. If the judge orders deportation, you need to follow the instructions.

The judge sets the bond amount based on a risk classification assessment. The assessment measures your risk to public safety and risk of flight. It uses information like criminal history and family ties.

Who Is Eligible for a Bond?

Not everyone qualifies for an immigration bond. For example, people who have already lost their immigration case may not be eligible. It also includes those who authorities apprehended at any port of entry. 

People involved in criminal convictions or terrorist activities do not get a bond. However, those who have a criminal conviction on their record but never received a charge by ICE can request a bond hearing.

However, if you are an undocumented immigrant and haven’t done anything to be in mandatory detention, you are eligible for an immigration bond. 

At times, ICE refuses to give bonds to immigrants who they believe aren’t cooperating. If this happens, always speak with your lawyer before proceeding to ask for a bond hearing. 

How to Request and Prepare for a Bond Hearing?

When detained, ICE may give you paperwork with either a bond amount or no bond. You could ask the judge for an immigration bond hearing to ask for a bond if you didn’t receive one. You can also ask the judge to lower the bond amount ICE gave.

It would be best if you asked the judge as soon as possible for a bond hearing. You can do this using the “Notice of Custody Determination” document. If you don’t have the paperwork, you can write a formal letter to the judge asking for the hearing. 

The letter should include:

  • Your name
  • A-number
  • Request to have the hearing as soon as possible

Then you need to send the letter to Immigration Court in Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Judges usually set the bond hearing within the next few days or weeks. If you still need more time to gather evidence, you can tell the judge. You need to say you are waiting for more letters and you want to reschedule the hearing.

Bond hearings and deportation hearings are different. The bond hearing is for the judge to decide where you can get out on bail while the immigration case is processed. Immigration hearings are court procedures that determine the entire case.

But, the same judge handles both proceedings. 

What Is An A-number?

Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a seven-, eight- or nine-digit number the government assigns to a noncitizen when they create their A-file.

The Preparation 

You must prepare for your bond hearing. Failing to do so adequately could result in further detention. First, you need a sponsor letter. In the letter, the sponsor needs to detail how they know you. They also need to include their legal immigration status. 

Only US citizens or legal permanent residents can write a sponsor letter for a detainee. This makes bond repayment easier. Then, the letter should provide an address where you and your sponsor will live. The address cannot be a P.O. box. The sponsor must provide a piece of mail proving their address. 

Finally, the sponsor must note how they will support you when released and any other details that mention community ties. 

Aside from the sponsor letter, it would also help to gather supporting documents to prove you have strong community ties and won’t commit any crimes. Good examples include:

  • Eligibility for relief from deportation (I-130 approval, evidence of past persecution)
  • Proof that close relatives have legal status
  • Tax records
  • Letters from support from all your family members, friends, or people who know you
  • Letters showing community involvement
  • A personal letter stating why you want to stay in the US
  • Letters showing religious affiliation
  • Family photos
  • Rehabilitation program certificates
  • Social Security records
  • Education or certificates
  • Medical records of you and your close relatives
  • Marriage certificate
  • Proof of debt
  • Proof of insurance
  • Evidence of armed forces service
  • Doctor’s letter showing the negative impact of deportation

Anyone who provides you with a letter of support needs to include a copy of their identification. Always make copies of the original documents too. Having three copies of each document is sufficient.

Lastly, you need to translate and include the “Certificate of Translation” for any documents that aren’t in English.

What Are the Types of Immigration Bonds?

There are mainly three different immigration bonds available. Understanding each option will help you determine which bond choice is best for you and your circumstances. 

You can explore other bond options at your bond hearing with the immigration judge. However, until the judge makes a final decision, you must attend all immigration hearings.

Delivery Bond

The immigration delivery bond is similar to regular bail bonds for criminal acts. The bond works to ensure your appearance at all future court hearings after you get out on bail. It also ensures you follow a deportation order if you receive one.

Voluntary Departure Bond

If you agree to leave the US at your own expense, you may be eligible for a voluntary departure bond. You pay the bond to ICE, and they refund you after you depart for your home country.

Order of Supervision Bond

The Order of Supervision Bond allows you to live and work in the US during your ongoing case. But, you must still follow the conditions set out by your ICE representative. 

What Is the Cost of an Immigration Bond?

Bail bonds for immigration can vary significantly in cost. Things that can affect the price of a bond are:

  • Individual’s citizenship or residency status
  • Criminal history
  • Employment status
  • Family background

Voluntary departure bonds usually start around $500. Delivery bonds typically start around $1,500. But, bonds have no upper limits. So, they can become tens of thousands of dollars depending on your situation. 

How Do You Pay for an Immigration Bond?

If you or someone you know has the total amount in cash, you can pay the bond to ICE. The person who pays the bond is the obligator.

You pay the bond to the nearest DHS office to your residency. For example, Wake County residents pay the bond to the DHS office located in Charlotte, North Carolina. ICE only accepts bank-certified checks, cashier’s checks, bank money orders, and postal money orders. 

However, many people cannot afford bonds. Thus, they hire an immigration bond agent. If you hire a bond company, you only pay a percentage of the bond. This is a bond premium or bond fee. It varies by state and agency. 

Some people need to put up collateral to secure their bond application. Collateral is something of value that the surety agent holds onto. It could be a property, car, bank stock, or other items of value. 

In most cases, ICE will release you the same day you pay the bond, as long as you pay before 3:00 PM. So paying means less time in detention. 

Do You Get the Money Back?

If you paid for the bond out of pocket, you would get the bond back with interest if you cooperate once the court resolves your case. This is still true even if there is a negative outcome.

If you work with a bond agent, the bond premium is not refundable. However, you will receive your collateral back when the court says they resolved your case and cancel the immigration bond with immigration services. 

Get Help With Immigration Bonds

Getting detained by ICE is one of the worst things that can happen to any immigrant. But knowing what to do when facing detention and deportation is essential. For those who need financial assistance to make bail, immigration bonds are there for you. Plus, it’s worth waiting for your immigration proceedings at home rather than in custody.

For assistance, contact us at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds. You can schedule a free consultation with a licensed bail agent now.