What Happens When You’re Charged With A DWI?

In the state of North Carolina, you can receive a DWI when you drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08% or higher even if it does not impair your driving ability. If you are driving a vehicle in North Carolina, then you have given consent to submit a chemical test in order to determine the amount of alcohol that in your blood.

However, if you are a driver under the age of 21, then the maximum blood level content (BAC) is 0% since North Carolina is a ‘zero tolerance’ state. Continue reading “What Happens When You’re Charged With A DWI?”

Flexible Bail Bonds Payments – 5% Down

Having your loved one behind bar is stressful enough, let alone finding enough money to post bail so that your loved one can return home. With bills to pay and mouths to feed, you most likely don’t have the extra money lying around in order to post bail.

Here at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds in Wake County, we understand that this is a difficult decision for you to have to choose between your financial obligations and allowing your loved one to return home with you. That is why we give you a second option. For as little as a 5% down payment on the bail, you will have the bail posted without having to make a tough financial decision.

Usually, the low down payment on any bail bond will depend on the amount that is set for bail. The bail amount often varies a bit from person to person depending on the crime you are suspected of, your previous history with the court system or previous arrests. Once you know the bail amount at hand, you can understand how affordable a bail bond down payment can be and how quickly it can return your loved one home without harming your financial security. Continue reading “Flexible Bail Bonds Payments – 5% Down”

Best Ways to Get Out of Jail Fast

Truthfully, getting yourself, or a loved one, out of jail is a complicated process that is likely to take several hours. From arrest to release, a number of steps need to be completed before release can be secured but with just a few tips, you can speed the process in your favor.

Our first recommendation is using a professional bail agent. Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds in Wake County NC can eliminate the unnecessary steps that delay the process, ensuring your timely release. Our number one priority is to reduce the amount of time you spend behind bars while waiting for your case to commence.

The second would be to set up access to collateral. A professional bail bond company, whether in Raleigh or elsewhere, will require some kind of property to serve as insurance of repayment. Basically, a bail bond is a type of loan. That loan needs to be secured and collateral is the agent’s best way of protecting the bond company’s money. Be ready to offer your car, boat, property or other valuables as collateral to secure your bond. If you lack anything of value that would serve as collateral, think of a list of loved one’s who would be willing to sign a contract on your behalf.

Our third recommendation to you would be to act quickly. If you should be the one getting that dreaded phone call, make sure to get as many details as needed, including where they are being held, what the charges are, their full legal name and what the bail amount is set at. Call the professionals at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds as soon as possible and we’ll take over from there. As the leading bail bondsman company in Wake County, we have the resources and the knowledge to help when needed most.

Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds local office New Address: 225 Tryon Rd, Suite 212, Raleigh NC 27603

Deciding Whether or Not to Post Bail

It’s the rare client that happily looks to post bail or enter a contract with a bail bondsman. So, if you are in the uncomfortable position of having been asked by a loved one to secure their release from jail, understand that you are not alone. We’ve had more than one hesitant sister or flummoxed parent that was not completely sure they even wanted to take on this new responsibility reluctantly showing up in our offices. Though we would never want to push you into a situation that you didn’t feel completely comfortable with, as licensed bail agents we are bound to fully explain the process and implications of the contractual bail agreement with you and hopefully that will help with making this very important decision.

The relationship between you, your family and your bail bondsman in Wake County can, at times, become a fairly intimate one. Depending on stipulations set by the court, the defendant could be held answering to their bond agent too. Plus, you have a lot on the line so working closely with a bond agent, striving to ensure that all requirements are complied to by the defendant, is in your best interest. With court cases being backed up for years in some areas, working with a bond agent should be considered to be a somewhat long-term commitment.

A few considerations that must be taken first:

  • How well do you know the defendant?
  • Are you confident that defendant will show for court?
  • Do you know of any past arrests and have they satisfied their case with the court system?
  • If bail forfeits, are you able to pay the entire bond?
  • If you are not able to pay bond forfeiture, are you willing to lose collateral or negatively impact your credit?

Take your time and consider all the implications before entering a bail contract. As bail agents, we hope to help you attain the quick and simple release of your loved one from jail but in only the most beneficial of ways. For more information, call Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds in Wake County NC a private free consultation 24 hours a day.

Visit our local office at 225 Tryon Rd, Suite 212, Raleigh NC 27603

10 Must-Ask Questions When Hiring a Bail Agent

As a leading bail bonds company in North Carolina, we are often the first call many people make upon hearing that a loved one is arrested.

Where we are happy to be a trusted source of assistance to every caller, we often find that many are unprepared for dealing with the process of getting someone released from jail. In an attempt to help potential clients during what is sure to be a very emotional and distressing time, we’ve compiled a list of questions that should help when looking to contract with an NC bail bondsman. This is a process that deserves time and research so interview several bail agents before making this very-important decision.

Protect yourself by asking these key questions:

What percentage of the bail do I need to pay for a bond? Most reputable, honest bail bond companies will charge about 10% of the set bail. It is a red flag in the industry when a bond agent is quick to offer a potential client a five percent deal. They are simply looking for a way to get you to sign a contract, where the fee is very likely to be increased afterwards. Be very wary of any company that doesn’t stick to industry standards.

How fast can you get me (or my family member) out of jail? Bond agents have very little control in when a detainee is actually released. Though they can process their paperwork and procedures as quick as possible, it is still up to the jail on when they release defendants. An honest agent will explain the process to you but will refrain from giving you an exact time. Be wary of those that do; it’s likely they are just working to close the deal.

Are you licensed and what is your license number? In North Carolina, bail bond agents are required to be licensed. Find out the pertinent information of the company and agent you are considering and check their standings with the governing board and licensing agency. Check for complaints and reviews against them.

Can you explain the bail process to me? Any bail bondsman worth his salt, should be experienced enough to know the process and be able to clearly and concisely explain it to you. If your bond agent chooses for whatever reason to leave you in the dark, move on and find one that is willing to be more helpful.

Are you a Better Business Bureau member and, if so, what is your rating? As part of your research, check with the BBB and find out if the business you are considering have any unresolved complaints or issues. The BBB is an unbiased consumer protection agency that rates businesses based on a grading system with A+ being the highest. Check your bail agent’s score against what they claimed to have.

As experienced bail bondsman company serving Raleigh and its surrounding areas, Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds understands your current distress. Just don’t let your emotions guide you into making a decision that you could regret later. We can help.

How much do you charge for your service?

The premium that we charge is up to 15% of the total bond.

Bail bond companies charge differently, depending on the state and the agent’s terms. In many states, bail bond agencies can charge their clients a minimum of 10% of the total bail amount and a maximum of 15%. Some bail bond companies charge a flat fee.

When sifting through your options, make sure to ask the bail bond agency about their fees. Ask them the likely total amount you’re looking at, depending on the total bail amount. Write these numbers down, and do a bit of math to know whether a company charges below or beyond the 10-15% margin.

If a company charges more than 15%, they’re not charging legally or fairly. If they charge less than 10%, it might be a telltale sign that they’re an unprofessional or unreliable agent.

Will I receive a copy of the contract? Never pay a bail bondsman without your written copy of the contract. Your contract should contain information such as the bail amount, any interest rate, payment terms, and fees and payment schedules. It should also include how much you might owe the company in case the defendant fails to appear in court.

Is the bail premium a one-time or annual payment? Some bail companies will try to trick you by concealing the full charges. Your bail contract may include an upfront premium, but it might not list any annual premiums that you’re required to pay. Remember to check if the premium requires one-time payment or an annual fee.

Has your license ever been restricted or suspended? Dealing with shady bail bond agencies can be risky, as it can be harder to seek recourse when push comes to shove. Before signing any paperwork, find out if the bail bond agency’s license has ever been revoked or suspended. Some companies operate outside the law in an attempt to avoid fees and regulations. Checking the company’s license lets you see whether they’ve been suspended or restricted, as well as check their history of complaints,

What are my bail bond options? There are several types of bail bonds in North Carolina, including:

  • Cash Bail Bond
  • Surety Bond
  • Property Bond
  • Immigration Bail Bond

A reputable bail bond agency will be patient when presenting you with your options and explaining the terms. A bail bond company with plenty of experience working with distressed loved ones, such as you, should be able to give you a fair suggestion.

How Does Bail Work?

Without bail, many innocent people would have to wait in jail while waiting for their cases to go to court. Posting bail allows people to avoid those lengthy jail stays but attaining bail can be a confusing and often intimidating process. Knowing what to expect when using a bail bondsman is key to the quick release of you or your loved one.

First and foremost, bail is the amount set by the court that is required upfront that allows those arrested to be released from jail in a timely manner. Where the bail amount of each case varies widely, bail bond fees are much easier to understand. Most bail bond agents are limited by law what they can charge but the industry norm is 10 percent of the bail amount. Therefore, if the court set the required bail amount at $10,000 then a bail bondsmen would require $1,000 as his fee for placing bail on your behalf. If the defendant shows up in court, and complies with any other court order, then the bondsman gets the full amount returned to him/her while keeping your fee.

In cases where the defendant “jumps bail”, the bond agent forfeits that amount that he posted but is able to use his right to keep any collateral promised by the signer of the contract.

By providing families with surety bail bonds, our bail agents help relieve some of the anxiety and confusion that builds when a loved one is arrested and jailed. Contact our bail agents, serving a variety of areas around North Carolina, for more comprehensive information on bail bonds and how we can help you.