Category: Bail Bonds

An immigration bond is a guarantee to the US government that the subject in question will attend all hearings and will respect the judge’s orders until the entire immigration process is finished. Usually, you’ll be scheduled an immigration bond hearing process within a week or two or even longer depending on the court’s schedule. 

Instead of being held in immigration custody after ICE detainment, there is a regulated process for release. Learn what to expect in an immigration bond hearing and how a bondsman in NC can assist you throughout the process.

Handling the Immigration Bond Process

A bondsman in NC, like in any state, offers financial support and service to clients who should be released from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody while the immigration trial is ongoing. There are four types of bonds available: delivery bond, public safety bond, voluntary departure bond, and order or safety bond. An ICE agent is the one who sets the bond amount, or sometimes, the detainee can request a bond hearing held before an Immigration Judge (IJ).

Eligible Criteria for Being Released

Before the bailout amount is set, ICE agents or the IJ determine if the detainee is eligible for bond. In case you have no criminal record, such as human or drug traffic or money laundering, expect to be released at one point.

Other factors considered before the potential release are:

• Employment history
• Family ties
• The possible impact of detention versus participation in community service

Bond Payment

If you’re eligible for a bond, the IJ will define the release amount at the bond hearing. Ensure that you have all the documents needed, including a letter from the sponsor and a description of how you and the sponsor know each other. Once the payout amount is determined, your sponsor should pay the money to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and as soon as the payment is completed, you will be released.

Be aware that the amount may vary, and in some cases, it can be quite high. Fortunately, you can ask for a cost reduction once you know the total amount. 

What Happens Once the Immigration Bond Is Posted?

Once the bond is paid and posted, you get to return home. However, this also marks the beginning of the immigration hearing process, so you won’t be released for good until a final decision on your case is made. And with the bond posted, you become obliged to the respective bond rules. 

Namely, you must attend all hearings and check-ins with ICE as required. You can expect the first hearing to take place 10 to 28 days after your release from detention. 

To be notified promptly, ensure that the court has the correct mailing address. You can also choose to have your case assigned to the court nearest your home address, so you can send a request to make this happen. 

If you miss a hearing – even a single one – know that you can be easily detained, deported, or ineligible for reentering the US for at least five years. In case the immigration process is canceled, the sponsor can initiate a process for refunding the bond.

US Immigration Bail Bondsman in NC, SC, and Nationwide

Familiarizing yourself with your rights and the entire immigration court process hearing is crucial. Asking for professional assistance and guidance is vital to prevent you from being unnecessarily detained and experiencing delays in your case.

Our Amistad Bail Bond agents offer complete assistance at every step of your bond hearing and ensure that you are entirely on track with the process and the ICE’s demands. Read all details about our top bondsman in NC service and give us a call to schedule a consultation. 

In America, an arrest happens once every 3 seconds. No matter what you’re arrested for, the process is disruptive and can put your life on hold. But if a judge sets a bail amount, you have the opportunity to get back to a normal routine while waiting for a court appearance.

However, coming up with the full amount of bail isn’t always easy.

Working with a bail bonds service can help you get yourself or a loved one out of jail quickly. Here are a few great benefits of working with an experienced bail bonds company.  

1. You’ll Preserve Your Savings

When a judge sets bail, you have the option of paying that bail in cash, upfront. But if you’re like most people, coming up with the full amount isn’t possible.

By working with a bail bonds service, you’ll be able to post bail without having to use your personal savings or wipe out the money your family needs to pay for food, clothes, utilities, or rent.

The bail bond acts as a loan, letting you get the money quickly without forcing you to empty your bank account. Keep in mind that you’ll have to repay the bond eventually and the terms of repayment will depend on your unique situation.

2. You’ll Get Out of Jail Faster

After your arrest, you’ll have to wait for your trial. This can take anywhere from a few days to several months. If you can post bail, you can wait at home. However, if you can’t pay the full bail amount, you or your loved one will have to wait for that court appearance in jail.

You have better things to do than wait for a trial behind bars.

The best bail bonds services have extensive connections within the legal system and know who to talk to, how to pay, and what needs to happen to get your loved one or yourself out of jail quickly.

3. You’ll Be Able to Get Back to Work

Every day you spend in jail is a potential day of work you miss. The more work you miss, the more likely it is that your boss will have to hire a new employee to pick up the slack.

That puts you at risk of losing your job just because you’re waiting for your court date.

When you work with a bail bonds service and let them help you post bail, you’ll be able to go back to work as soon as you’re released. That helps keep more money in your pocket. And it reduces your risk of losing your job right when you need it most.

4. It’s Affordable

When you work with a bail bonds service, the company pays the bail in full, but that doesn’t mean you have to repay them for the full amount of the bail. Instead, you’ll likely only be responsible for a percentage of the bail amount.

That percentage and the amount you’ll pay will depend on your personal situation and the agreement reached with the bail bonds service.

For most people, the interest rates charged are relatively low. Often, they’re lower than what you’d pay if you took out a personal loan or covered bail with your credit card. That means you’ll save money in the long run.

5. You Can Repay the Bail Bond Over Time

When you borrow money from loved ones, they set the terms for any repayment. If they need the money back in a week, you’ll need to find a way to get it to them as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you risk making it harder for them to cover their own expenses.

With a bail bonds service, you’ll be able to repay the company over time.

Your agent will work with you to determine a fair payment plan. Keep in mind that the amount you’ll have to pay depends on the amount of bail set by the judge. The larger the bail amount is, the more you’ll have to cover with each payment.

Once you start making payments to the company, do what you can to make them on time and in full. If you can’t or you’re going through a rough patch, let your bail bonds agent know immediately.

If you fail to make payments, the bail bonds company may take possession of anything you or your loved ones posted as collateral. This could be anything from jewelry and artwork to your car.

6. You’ll Have Someone to Hold You Accountable

Posting bail is a simple way to guarantee that you or your loved one will show up for their court date on time. If you miss the court date, the court gets to keep the bail money.

It’s in a bail bonds company’s best interest for every client to appear on time for their court date. It’s how they get their money back from the court. That’s why their agents will do what they can to make sure you get to court on time on your scheduled date.

If you’re someone that struggles to remember appointments or have trouble sticking to a schedule, the bail bonds company can help. Your agent will help hold you or your loved one accountable, so you won’t miss your court date.

Working With a Bail Bonds Service Makes Sense

If you need to post bail so you can get back to life as normal, paying out of pocket isn’t your only option. Instead, you can and should work with a bail bonds service to help you cover the full amount without draining your personal savings.

At Amistad Bail Bonds, our experienced team is here to help you or your loved one get released quickly. Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help.

Having an immigrant loved one detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a harrowing experience. Immigration bond services can work with you to secure their quick release and provide you with the information and support you need to make their case in court. This article will discuss when you need bail bonds for immigration, why you need them, and how a bail bond agent can help.

When Do You Need Bail Bonds for Immigration?

ICE can detain an immigrant if they have reason to believe that the person is in the United States illegally. This includes if the person has overstayed their visa, entered the country without proper documentation, or committed a crime.

ICE detainment usually occurs when federal agents take an immigrant into custody. This can happen if the immigrant is stopped for a traffic violation or is arrested by local police. There are also other ways immigrants can be flagged by authorities.

Once an immigrant is in ICE custody, they will typically be held at a detention center until their case is resolved. That can take weeks or even months to resolve. During this time, the immigrant will be unable to leave the detention center.

In some cases, ICE may release an immigrant on bond. These cases are typically considered low-risk, and the immigrant is not considered a flight risk. Bailable ICE cases typically involve immigrants who have committed non-violent offenses and have strong ties to their community.

Suppose an immigrant does not have a criminal record or does not pose a threat to public safety. In that case, they may be able to post bond and be released from ICE custody pending the outcome of their case.

The amount of bail is set by a judge. It is based on the severity of the crime they are accused of, their criminal history, and whether they are considered a flight risk.

When you post bail with the court, you promise that your loved one will show up for their scheduled hearing. If they do not appear, you forfeit the entire bail amount.

Why Do You Need Bail Bonds for Immigration?

In many cases, the bail amount might be too high to pay for independently. The judge determines the amount based on residency, family background, employment history, and any criminal record. If you cannot post bail, your loved one will remain in custody until their trial. This can be very stressful for both you and your loved one, so it is vital to do whatever you can to get them out of jail as soon as possible.

Get help from an immigration bail bond agent. This allows you to pay only a percentage of the total bail amount plus collateral. Amistad, for example, has two immigration bail bond options that you can secure.

The first option is the full cash collateral immigration bond. For this type of bond, you can get the total cash collateral in addition to a $100 application fee and a 2% premium cost.

Suppose you don’t have the resources to pay for a full cash collateral immigration bond. In that case, your immigration bond agent might recommend paying the 15% premium cost of your immigration bond total, with liens on real property as a collateral requirement.

These bonds don’t charge annual renewal or maintenance fees while the case is active.

How Can Immigration Bond Services Help You?

In addition to posting bail, immigration bond services can help you with the paperwork and documentation needed to file a petition for release from custody. They can also provide you with information about the legal process and what to expect at your loved one’s hearing.

If you are facing the possibility of your loved one being detained by ICE, contact an immigration bond service as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the process and work to get your loved one released from custody as quickly as possible with immigration bail bonds.

It’s essential to do your research and choose an established bail bond agent. By working with an experienced and reputable company, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the best possible care and representation.

Our licensed immigration bail bond agents at Amistad Bail Bonds are available around the clock to secure the quick release of your loved one. Learn more about how our immigration bail bond agents can help you. Request a free consultation today.

Did you know that the bail bond industry is worth a staggering two billion dollars each year? This is due to the fact that since 1970 the number of people incarcerated has grown by 700 percent! In fact, 99 percent of the people that were incarcerated between 1999 and 2004 were people who have not been found guilty of a crime but were jailed because they couldn’t afford bail.

Do you find yourself in a tangle and are wondering how to choose a bail bond company that you can trust and won’t rip you off? Read on below for seven foolproof tips for choosing a bail bond company!

1) Why Do Bail Bonds Exist?

Bail bonds exist because as you know a person’s trial doesn’t start immediately after they are arrested. Investigators take time with their investigation as well as the defendant takes time to build their case.

This time could be months or even years. During this time it isn’t fair to keep the defendant locked in jail and they are free to carry one with their normal albeit with restrictions. Bail bonds are a loan for people who cant afford to post bail on their own.

2) Bail Amount

Most of the time it isn’t a good idea to release someone and secure a bail bondsman before the preliminary hearing or what they call arraignment hearing. This is because it is possible that the lawyer can persuade the judge to lower the bail amount and therefore you don’t need to borrow as much from the bail bond company.

When an amount is set by the judge, many times there will be a list of companies that you can get a bail bond from. Pretty much like the ones recommended by attorneys, these companies are always working with defendants and might not have your best interest at heart. Rather do your own research and have a list of companies set outside for a rainy day.

3) Cheaper Bonds

Many times you will hear that companies have cheap bond fees structures and you might be tempted. Like most things in life cheaper isn’t always the best option and there are reasons that it is cheaper.

It might be the company isn’t as experienced as other companies and won’t provide you with good service and advice. The reputation that they withhold might not be the best and it could also mean that they are deceptive and breaking laws. The best advice is to go with your gut and stay away from the cheapest options.

4) Attorney Referred Bail Bond Company

When a bail bond company works with a defense attorney they have to provide quality work and be on the right side of the law otherwise that attorney wouldn’t refer them to their clients.

If you do find yourself locked up, search for the companies that your attorney suggests, the fees will likely be lower, saving you money, and more often than not they can be trusted fully.

5) Expected Fees You Will Pay

When you use a bail bond company the norm is that you will be charged 15 percent by those workers who posted your bail. This will mean that you will have to pay a small fee upfront. 

Remember that there is no need to pay a small fortune right away and the person will be able to get you out of jail even if a small amount has been paid.

6) Getting To Know The Duty Officers

Duty officers work day in and night with incarcerated people who need to post bail but can’t afford it. Getting friendly with a duty officer might unlock a door or two that wouldn’t have been open otherwise.

They work with most of the companies so they would be familiar with the reputable, can even suggest a lower bail amount on your behalf, and help you in an awkward situation. It would be important to relax and not kick up a fuss as this will only make things harder and an already dire situation worse.

7) Review The Company 

Before even selecting a bail bond company, you should review that company online. Any reputable bail bond company will have an online presence and if they don’t then you know to stay clear of them. 

Going to a website like a cowboy bail bond that posts reviews for readers is a website you can trust. Every company might have one or two bad reviews but take ten minutes and read a few of them, this will give you a good indication of the service and fees that the company charge. On this website is the best reviews as they come from people stuck in the same situation as you, and can be trusted.

8) Use Of Agencies

When choosing a bail bond company, you might be tempted to consider hiring an agency. These companies will keep your file confidential and handle all the aspects of your case for you.

Using an agency will help in saving time and effort on your part as they do this daily and not the system backward. They will assist in posting bail with the minimum amount of time and trouble. They are usually available immediately while smaller two-man operations might not be able to reach you or your loved ones in time.

Get Free As Soon As Possible

Not everyone will find themselves in a situation where they need to look for a bail bond company while inside a cell. It is important that you know a little something about the system and what is the best possible way to get free quickly. Using this advice will not only save you valuable time but will also ensure that you are not ripped off and don’t enter into an unlawful agreement blindly.

Are you currently stuck in a sticky situation and need a company that you can trust with your bail bond? Not sure who to go to? Get in touch with us today and we will save you time and money when it comes to setting you free!

Political experts claim that over 450,000 Americans are in jail not because they have been convicted but because they cannot afford to pay bail. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you can secure a bail bond instead of paying the full bail amount in cash.

A bail bond is money or property posted on a defendant’s behalf, usually by a bail agency, to guarantee their release. Read on to find out everything you need to know about posting bail and obtaining a bail bond.

How Is the Bail Amount Determined?

A person in police custody who is charged with a crime may be temporarily released from jail by posting bail or securing a bond. The bail amount is set by a judge and varies from state to state.

In North Carolina, the bail amount ranges anywhere between $10,000 to $3,000,000, depending on the offense committed.

Bail Amounts for Misdemeanor Cases

• Class A1 offense with a minimum punishment of 1-60 days: from $500 to $2,000
• Class A1 offense with a minimum punishment of 1-45 days: from $100 to $500
• Class 3 offense with a maximum punishment of 1-20: only requires a written promise; no penalty

Bail Amounts for Felony Cases

• Class A: The minimum punishment is life without parole, and the bail amount is set by the judge.
• Class B1: The minimum punishment is 144 months, and the suggested amount is $200,000 to $500,000.
• Class B2: The minimum punishment is 94 months, and the suggested amount is $200,000 to $500,000.
• Class C: The minimum punishment is 44 months, and the suggested amount is $50,000 to $150,000.
• Class D: The minimum punishment is 15 months, and the suggested amount is $50,000 to $150,000.
• Class E: The minimum punishment is 15 months, and the suggested amount is $25,000 to $50,000.
• Class F to I: The minimum punishment ranges from 3 to 59 months with a bail amount of $20,000 or below.

How Does a Bail Bond Work?

Once a judge sets bail, the defendant can reach out to a bail bond agent to obtain a bail bond. The bond agent charges the defendant about 10% to 20% of the total bail as well as service fees. The agent will then obtain the rest of the amount in the form of collateral, usually property. They will then post the defendant’s bail.

A bail bond guarantees that a defendant will appear at court. If they do not, theay will be required to pay the bond agent the full bail amount set by the judge.

Most bail agents provide different payment options, including cash, check, and credit card. Some even offer payment plans. If the defendant is not capable of payment, the agent may seek to repossess the property used as collateral.

How Are Bail Bond Costs Calculated?

To obtain a bail bond, defendants should expect to pay a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 20% of the full bail amount. The bond amount in North Carolina can reach up to 15%. So, if your bail set is $10,000, you have to pay $1,500 in bail bonds to your agent.

Note that a bail bondsman may charge you less, depending on your criminal record, your character, the quality of co-signer, and bail amount.

When Should You Get a Bail Bond?

Bail bonds should only serve as a backup plan. If you have enough money to settle bail, then you can directly pay the full amount to the court. Otherwise, consider these factors when deciding to work with a bail bond agency:

• If you plan on posting bail for someone else, consider how well you know the defendant. Keep in mind that if the defendant skips court, you won’t be able to get a refund on the bail you’ve posted. By working with a bail bondsman, you only have to pay 10% of the full bail amount. Plus, the agency takes measures to ensure the defendant shows up at court.
• Is the total bail amount low or high? If the amount is low enough, then you might not need to get a bail bond. Once the court process is over, you can refund the bail amount and save money in the process. If it’s too high, then turning to a bail bondsman is likely the best option.

Work with Reputable Bail Bond Agents

Don’t wait for your pre-trial to get released. At Amistad Bail Bonds, we help detained individuals reunite with their loved ones. Our licensed bail bond agents are ready to serve you 24/7. We accept down payments of as low as 5%.

Get quality bail bond services at low rates. Get in touch with us now to learn more about our services.

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.

North Carolina has the 21st lowest incarceration rate in the United States with 35,697 individuals currently in state prisons.

If you or your loved one are part of this statistic, the best way to get out of jail as soon as possible is to hire a bail bond service. Their job is to cover your bail amount and deal with the legal process on your behalf.

This service is necessary, but it’s offered by so many companies that choosing the right one can be difficult. You need to consider their cost, reputation, process, and more.

Read our bail bonds service guide to learn how to find the best local options for your needs.

Finding a Bail Bond Service

One of the best pieces of bail bonds service advice you’ll ever receive is to choose the right bondsman to help you through the process. They’ll ensure it’s done as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

Consider important factors such as whether they can cover the entire bail amount as well as their fees, bond options, areas and quality of service, reputation, credibility, licensure, process, and communication.

Bail Amount and Cost

The average bail bond is $10,000. Factors that affect the amount include you or your loved one’s record and the crime in question. Wait until this amount is set before reaching out to a bail bonds service and make sure that they can cover the entire amount.

After that, finding out how much a bail bonds service will charge you is one of the most important questions you can ask.

Find out what percentage of the bail amount they expect you to pay. This varies and can be covered either in cash or by using collateral. Ask about payment plans as well.

Low rates don’t always mean better service, so you should always ask for the exact rate. Most charge 10-15% of the bond amount.

If a bail bonds service expects a higher percentage, they’re overcharging you. If they go below it, they may not be reputable and are only offering lower fees in a desperate attempt to get your business.

Check if the charge is a one-time payment or an annual fee. Dishonest companies may try to conceal this, which is why you should always read your bail contract in full.

Bond Options

Types of bail bonds include cash, surety, property, and immigration. Make sure that the company you choose works with the type you need. 

Certain bail bond services specialize in specific types or amounts of bonds. They may only work with small or high numbers. Make sure that their limits aren’t too low or high for your bail amount.

Areas of Service

Bail bonds companies serve specific locations and may not be able to help in your area. Find one that serves your entire state to get you or your loved one’s bail posted as quickly as possible.

Licensure and Credibility

A reputable bail bonds service should be registered with the Better Business Bureau. They should also maintain a high score with the organization. Both serve as a symbol of their credibility.

Look for a bail bondsman who’s licensed to operate in your state and can provide proof of licensure. Check if their license has ever been restricted or suspended and why.

Out-of-state companies come with several drawbacks. They often charge extra fees and aren’t as familiar with the laws in your state.

Reputation

60% of customers trust reviews from family, friends, and other customers. They’re relied on when purchasing products but are an important tool for choosing a bail bonds service as well.

Look at the company’s online reviews, ratings, and online comments. Look for any complaints and check to see how they’ve handled cases similar to the one you or your loved one is facing. 

You can also ask your lawyer, local detention officer, or neighbors for bail bonds service tips and recommendations.

Process 

Getting released on bail is a complex process, which is one of the reasons that you need a bail bondsman to help you. They can handle most of the steps, but you still need to know how several parts of the process work.

Ask a bail bondsman to explain how they’ll pay bail and get you or your loved one released. Every case is different, but it’s a major red flag if they can’t give a general explanation of what to expect.

There is no definite timeline for how long it will take a bondsman to pay you or your loved one’s bail and get them out of jail. They can give you an estimate, but be wary if they try to give you an exact date.

Bail bondsmen have no control over when you or your loved one will be released from jail. If they try to say that they do, they may be trying to lure you into signing a contract as soon as possible.

Communication and Service

Contact the bail bonds service online or give them a call before you hire them. After that, pay attention to how they communicate with you and/or your loved one.

They should be able to communicate well and clearly explain all steps of the bail process. The more clarity they provide, the less stressful it will be for everyone involved.

They should also be able to ensure that you or your loved one shows up to every necessary court date to avoid serious fines and legal issues.

Bail terms can change at any time, which is why the best bail bond service offers 24/7 support. They should be willing and able to answer any questions or solve any problems you have whenever you need them.

Where to Find a Bail Bonds Service Near Me

Hiring a bail bond service is necessary when a judge sets a bail amount that you can’t afford. Before choosing one, ask them questions about their fees, reputation, process, service, and more.

Amistad Bail Bonds is a reputable, licensed bail bond service in North Carolina. Contact us today to see how we can help you or your loved one.

If the first thing on your mind when your loved one or friend calls you from jail, letting you that they need help, is, “How are we going to afford to get them out?”, then you need to check out this article.

It is a scary and stressful time when you receive that phone call, and we know the steps you can take to get them out as soon as possible. Below we will go over what bail is, how it is calculated, and how you can pay it.

What Is Bail?

Bail is usually some type of bond, property, or cash that someone gives to the court to be released from jail after an arrest. The purpose of posting or paying the bail amount is to ensure that the defendant will return for their scheduled court appearances.

If a defendant is a danger to society or a flight risk, their bail is typically higher, or they’re not allowed to post for bail. When the trial is over, bail is generally returned to the defendant less a processing fee.

How Is Bail Cost Determined?

Generally, the judge will decide the bail amount by weighing certain factors such as the type of crime, how dangerous the person is, and the risk of that person fleeing.

In some instances, the defendant may leave jail without paying any money so long as they keep their promise to return for their hearings and trial. This is usually only if the defendant has indications that they won’t flee, such as having a stable job or roots in their community.

Other factors that a judge considers when setting bail include the following:

• The defendant’s criminal record

• The likelihood of the conviction for the crime

• The defendant’s character and mental condition

• The defendant’s financial resources

Bail Amount for Murder Charges

Murder charges usually do not have any bail set for the person due to the severity of the crime. For a 2nd-degree murder charge, bail can start around $250,000, whereas, for 1st-degree murder charges, the bail can skyrocket to amounts above 1 million dollars.

Bail Amount for Manslaughter Charges

There are two types of manslaughter charges that someone can receive: involuntary and voluntary. Involuntary manslaughter is when someone kills another person unintentionally. For example, if a drunk driver were to have killed a pedestrian, that is involuntary manslaughter.

Voluntary manslaughter would be if someone were to kill someone in the heat of the moment, for example, if someone were to get into a fight and one party grabs an object and hits the other on the head, killing them.

Voluntary manslaughter is also considered unintentional since the defendant didn’t intentionally plan to kill the other; it just happened in the heat of the moment. The bail for voluntary manslaughter can be around $100,000, and involuntary can start at $50,000.

Bail Amount for Immigration Cases

Immigrants detained at the border or arrested in ICE raids can sometimes be released after paying a cash bond. These amounts for this type of bail can range from $1,500 to $250,000. We understand that there are a lot of families who cannot afford this amount, so we service immigration cases nationwide.

Bail Amount for Arson Cases

Arson cases where there is the intent to harm other people can carry a bail amount as high as $200,000. Arson crimes started because of a riot or a protest can have a bail amount of $150,000. If the defendant committed the crime in a park or a forest, the bail might be around $50,000.

Bail Amount for Drug Possession Cases

Bail for drug possessions can vary based on the type of drug, the state the offense was in, previous drug charges, and if there was an intent to sell. If this is your first time possessing illicit drugs, you may have a bail bond set at $2,500, but if this your second offense, it could be around $5,000.

Bail Amount for DUI or DWI

A first offense DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charges can be between $500-$2,500, and second offenses can be around $10,000. The more offenses someone commits, the higher the amount gets, and after four violations, the DUI or DWI turns into a felony with a bail amount of $50,000.

How Is Bail Paid?

There isn’t a restriction on who can pay for the defendant’s bail; if your family, friends, or coworkers want to pay for it, they can. The bail can either be paid directly to the court by pledging property or using a bail bondsman company.

Bail Bondsman

If you or your family cannot outright pay for the bail with your own money or property, a bondsman is another option. A bail bondsman or bail bonds company provides the court with something called a “surety bond,” which promises to pay to court if you fail to appear.

To obtain a bail bond, you or whoever is bailing you out will have to pay a non-refundable fee that amounts to up to 10 percent of the bail amount. Bail bondmen also will require collateral such as your car or your home if you fail to appear at court.

Pledging Property

Instead of cash bail, some courts will allow defendants to put up property such as your home as collateral. There must be equity in the property offered, and if you fail to appear, the court will seize the property.

Paying the Court Directly

If you can pay the courts for the bail outright, then the money will be returned to you at the end of the proceedings, less any admin fees. If you do not appear in court, that money is automatically forfeited.

Get Your Bail Settled Today

If you find yourself searching for “court help” or “bail South or North Carolina,” contact us as soon as possible so we can take care of you and your loved ones.

With decades of experience in the bail bond industry, we have effective strategies proven to get those we represent out of jail quickly. We offer free consultations, and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we are ready to help you at any time.