5 Things to Know About Drug Trafficking Bonds

If you are arrested for drug trafficking in North Carolina, you need to be aware of the special challenges which arise with this criminal charge.

The state’s courts apply a broad definition of this crime. So, the cost of drug trafficking bonds in NC can be especially high.

Here are 5 things you need to know if you or someone you know needs to post bail on a drug trafficking charge in the state of North Carolina.

1. High Cost of Drug Trafficking Bonds in NC

Bonds for people accused of drug trafficking can run up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

States like North Carolina place an especially high price on bails for this kind of crime. This is because the alleged perpetrator is considered a high flight risk.

To obtain a bail bond, the family of the accused must come up with 10% of the full amount.

This can impose a harsh burden on the family, which is sometimes unable to come up with that much money at all.

2. Broad Interpretation of the Crime of Trafficking

In North Carolina, there is no need for the prosecuting attorney to prove an intent to distribute drugs in order to prove the crime of trafficking.

In NC, trafficking is established by the amount of drugs found on the arrested person.  Legal scholars have pointed out that these laws are especially harsh for victims of the ongoing opiate epidemic.

An individual might possess less than 40 pills of Percocet or Oxycontin. However, they will still be subject to the charge of drug trafficking.

The cost of a drug trafficking bond in NC is much higher than the bond required for a lesser charge like drug possession.

3. Flexibility in Determining Amount

It is possible to request lower amounts for drug trafficking bonds in NC.

A criminal defense attorney may request a bail reduction from the bond judge.

He or she would argue that the accused is not a flight risk, because they have ties to the community.

They could also argue for a lower amount based on the accused’s education or profession. Lack of a prior record is also a factor the bond judge will consider in reducing the amount of the bond.

If the bond judge does not agree to lower the amount, then the attorney may also make the argument to the trial judge.

4. Circumstances of the Arrest are Critical

Because the drug laws in North Carolina are so strict, it is important to immediately retain legal counsel if you are arrested for allegations of a crime involving drugs.

The details of your arrest are important to help your attorney create a compelling case for your defense.

How the police found the evidence is a critical detail. It may significantly impact the nature of your charge and the outcome of your case.

5. Do Your Research

It is important to secure a bail bond as soon as possible if you have been arrested for drug trafficking.

It will allow you to get out of jail while you work with an attorney on your defense. However, you need to do your research about drug trafficking bonds in NC.

Not all bail bond agents doing business in the state are licensed. Still others are inept or dishonest.

In choosing someone to help you at this frightening moment, you need a bail bondman you can trust.

Contact several bail bond agencies and do your research so that you can select the appropriate agent to help you through this difficult time.

4 Questions to Ask a Bail Agent in North Carolina

If loved one is arrested it can be a scary thing. A thousand questions race through your mind.

Will they lose their job? Who will take care of their children? Will they lose their home?

One important question you might overlook in the rush of the drama is how to find the best bail agent. A bail agent, or bondsman, is absolutely necessary for getting your friend or family member out of jail.

But not all bondsman are created equal. Some might be crooked. Others may be completely incompetent.

In order to find the best bail agent in North Carolina, you’re going to have to know what to look for.

In this article, we’ll look at four questions to ask before hiring a bondsman.

1. How much do you charge?

Most often, a bail agent will charge a 10% for charges at the state level and 15% for federal. If a bondsman is offering a lower rate, turn around and run.

As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” It applies to bail agents as well.

It is not uncommon for a bail bondsman to advertise a 5% rate. But these bondsmen can afford to charge a lower rate because they cut corners. And when it comes to posting bail, you can’t afford to cut corners.

2. How fast does it take you to release someone from jail?

When the paperwork to post bail is submitted to the jail, a number of things have to happen before the person can be released. And a bail agent has no control over any of them.

All a bondsman can do is arrange payment and file payment with the jail.

While most bail agents have a general timeframe for when a client will be released, any bail agent that promises a quick time frame is either inexperienced or hustling you.

If you get a timeframe that seems too good to be true, it usually is.

3. Are you a licensed bail agent in North Carolina?

Bail agents are licensed on a per-state basis. While an out-of-state bondsman will be able to work on your behalf, you may need to pay extra fees.

Also, out of state bail agents will probably not be as familiar with applicable state laws. If your bail agent is licensed in the state of North Carolina, they will be familiar with the nuances of North Carolina bail laws.

4. What happens if the defendant misses their court date?

When you bail a person out of jail, you are giving the authorities surety that they will be available for their court date. If they are not present in court, the police will issue a Failure To Appear warrant and issue a notice across all police bulletins.

Also, the bail money will not be returned to the person who issued it, so a bail agent has a vested interest in that person appearing in court.

Unlike other states, North Carolina does not have bounty hunters. However, different bail bondsman will take different measures to locate an absent client.

Knowing what to expect before you hire a bail agent can help you prepare for the months leading up to a court date.

Need a bail agent?

In the chaos of a loved one’s arrest, having a bail agent that you trust can be a firm anchor. If you need a bail agent in North Carolina, call Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds.

With twenty-four service and a commitment to professionalism, you can rest easy knowing that your loved one’s freedom is in good hands.

Contact us today.

Bail Bonds in North Carolina: 5 Things You Need to Know

If you’ve been arrested n North Carolina, you aren’t alone. There are plenty of people in the state that have had to deal with a night in jail, but sometimes the arrest itself is relatively simple to deal with. Handling the bail in North Carolina can be tough, though.

From 1992 and 2006 the average bail amount has risen $30,000. On top of finding a way to pay, you also have to find a way make court appearances.

If you’re new to dealing with bail bonds in North Carolina, we can help. If you or a loved one ever gets arrested in North Carolina there are 5 key things you need to know.

Bail Amounts in North Carolina Aren’t Automatically Set

Some people assume that their bail amount is predetermined as soon as the officer reads Miranda Rights, but that isn’t true. In some cases, it can take up to 48 hours for a bail amount to be determined. If you or a loved one has been arrested, be patient and be prepared to wait a bit.

It’s also important to mention that bail is affected by three key factors. The severity and type of crime are important, but so are the defendant’s arrest record, and if they’re able to appear in court for the trial.

You May Not Have To Pay Bail

Have you or a loved one just been arrested for the first time? Is the offense relatively minor? If so we have good news, you may not even need to post bail.

In certain cases, some jurisdictions may not find it necessary to assign bail to a defendant. You may be able to get out of jail by signing a form stating that you promise to show up on your day of court.

There Are Different Kinds of Bail Bonds in North Carolina

Sometimes handling bail bonds in North Carolina isn’t as simple as writing a check. There are different kinds of bonds you could have to pay if you want to get out of jail.

There are cash bonds which are the ones most people think of when they hear the word bond. You pay a set amount and as long as you show up to your court date you’ll get some of that money back (excluding court fees).

Property bonds are usually reserved for very high bail amounts and other special cases. The property must be located in North Carolina and the equity must be equal or greater to the bail amount.

Surety bonds are for people that can’t afford the bond amount in total and need help to pay. In certain cases, more than one person can co-sign, and this can be a simple way to post bond when you need time to pay off the cost.

Bond Cosigners Are Like Loan Cosigners

If you can’t afford bail and have someone co-sign for you, you’re making a financial agreement. Some people make the mistake of assuming that bond cosigners simply means that you’ll help make sure that the defendant gets out of jail, but it goes beyond that.

If the person you cosign for doesn’t pay or refuses to attend their own trial, you’ll be held liable. If the bond is high the cosigner could even potentially lose collateral like property to pay for the bond. This is why it’s important to only sign bonds for people you can trust, you don’t want to be caught holding the bill at the end.

Bail Isn’t a Get Out of Jail Free Card

So you’ve posted bail and now you’re a free man. Now that you’ve paid bail you may feel like you’re invincible, but you need to be on your best behavior.

If you commit another crime while you’re out on bail you could find yourself in even worse trouble than before. It’s important to stay out of trouble when you’re on bail to avoid making your situation worse.

Do you have any questions about bail bonds in North Carolina? Contact us so we can help!

How to Choose a Durham Bail Bonds Company

Hearing that a loved one has been arrested is a stressful experience, and trying to scrape together money for bail only adds to that stress.

Finding a bond company should not be an additional worry for you, which is why we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you find the right Durham bail bonds company to help you.

The Bail Bond Process

Before we begin, let’s review the process for acquiring a bail bond.

Bail is a sum of money that is set by a judge and is used to ensure the accused returns to the court for trial. To be temporarily released from jail, the accused must pay the amount in full to the court.

If the accused cannot pay the amount in full, he can hire a bail bond company to post his bail in exchange for a non-refundable fee. The bail bond company essentially provides an insurance policy on the bond amount and guarantees to the court that the accused will reappear for his court date.

The Department of Insurance sets bail bond fees. Typically, bond bail rates are 10% of the bail amount.

Tips for Finding a Durham Bail Bonds Company

Ask for a Referral

Asking a defense attorney for a referral is perhaps the best way to find a Durham bail bonds company. Defense lawyers regularly interact with bondsmen and know who has a good reputation and who does not.

Search Online

When searching for a bail bond online, search for bondsmen who practice in your county.

Take a look at each bail bond company’s website and cross-reference them with bail bond directories like bailbond.com. If a bail bond company has a professional looking website with lots of information and testimonials, they are worth giving a call.

Phone Test

Once you’ve identified a few bail bondsmen online, give each a call to see how helpful the people you speak to are. A good representative should be able to explain the bail bond process in easy language and willingly answer any questions you have.

Check Their Credentials

When you check a bondsman’s credentials, you want to ensure he has good online reviews, a good score on Better Bail Bureau, and has a valid and up-to-date bail license.

When you ask to see his bail license, ask if he has ever been suspended or been sued. A good bail bondsman should be upfront about their history.

Ask About All Fees

Before signing anything, ensure all fees are laid out clearly in the contract. You should see the 10% fee plus any other service fees the bondsman requires. Do keep a lookout for any recurring fees

Do keep a lookout for any recurring fees. This is a sign the bondsman is only looking to turn a profit, and you should not hire him.

Understand the Contract Before Signing

Your contract with a Durham bail bonds company should lay out the fees you are expected to pay, any payment plan you have worked out with the bondsman, and any property collateral. Make sure any timeline for the forfeiture of any property is outlined and that the bondsman guarantees to provide invoices.

We hope you have found these tips helpful. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (919) 790-6887 or contact us here.

What to Do If You’re Charged With a DWI in NC

DWI in NCIt’s never a wise idea to drink and drive.

Not only does it put your life in danger, but it also risks the lives of other people, too.

What’s more, driving under the influence can lead to serious legal consequences.

In North Carolina, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is referred to as a DWI.

For this reason, we are looking at what you can do if you’re charged with a DWI in NC.

How Do You Get a DWI in NC?

You will be charged with a DWI in North Carolina if you drive a vehicle under the influence of:

  • An impairing substance
  • An alcohol concentration of 0.08
  • Any amount of a Schedule 1 controlled substance in blood or urine

Talk to the Officer

If an officer pulls you over, ask why he or she has chosen to stop you.

The officer should give you a reason for pulling you over.

If the officer doesn’t have a reason, politely refuse to answer any other questions until he or she has a reason.

By stopping you with no just cause, the officer is in violation of your Constitutional Rights.

An officer cannot stop you on his/her intuition or because you appear suspicious.

Shape the Interrogation

If the officer has a reason for pulling you over, you can try to shape the interrogation.

For instance, you could say something like “I dropped my keys, which is why I swerved. I apologize” or “Sorry, I thought I was driving 35”.

A speeding interrogation doesn’t have to lead into a DWI investigation.

Be Compliant but Not Too Compliant

An officer may request to see your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.

You are legally obliged to provide the information, but nothing more.

You should not agree for an officer to search either you or your vehicle.

Refusing a Breathalyzer Test

If an officer pulls you over on suspicion of a DWI, they will most likely ask you to take a breathalyzer test.

The device will measure the alcohol in your blood if there is any. If you have drunken too much alcohol, the results will serve as evidence in your DWI case.

Many people believe they should refuse a breathalyzer test to prevent their conviction.

Yet, you must think carefully about doing so. While it will limit the evidence stacked up against you, it can have serious consequences…

What Happens if You Refuse a Test?

North Carolina has an implied consent law. This means you have a legal obligation to undertake:

  • Field sobriety tests
  • Breathalyzers
  • Chemical tests

There will more than likely be repercussions for a failure to comply with the officer’s tests.

For example, you could receive a one-year suspension of your driver’s license.

If you do have your license suspended, you could get it back with limited privileges.

It’s also important to note you could also face a charge of refusal, alongside the DWI charge.

Request a Call to an Attorney

If you are charged with a DWI in NC, request a call to an attorney, if the officer does not inform you of your rights.

An attorney might be an unwanted expense, but you can trust a DWI conviction will cost you so much more.

Has your loved one been arrested for a DWI in NC? Secure their bail with the help of Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds.

Nothing to Worry About: The Different Types of Immigration Bonds

Many Americans are familiar with the concept of posting bail. Essentially, being a citizen of the United States requires one to be acquainted with the laws that can land them in jail. Foreigners or immigrants, on the one hand, may not be as well-versed with our legal system.

Ignorance of the law is never an excuse, but when the ICE comes knocking on your doorstep and barring you or your loved one’s entry, posting bail can help improve the situation.

For instance, there are bail bonds in Raleigh, NC available at any time of the day. Why would you spend hours in jail, at ungodly hours, when you can be productive by talking to your attorney while out on bail?

It is important for people from across the world, especially with the nation’s current sociopolitical climate, to know how they have a way out in order to get in.

Continue reading “Nothing to Worry About: The Different Types of Immigration Bonds”

What You Need To Know About Turning Yourself In

Just found out that there is a warrant out for your arrest? Missed a hearing because you never received the notification or had an emergency that got in the way? Whatever your reason may be, if you have a warrant out for your arrest there are a couple things you should probably know before you turn yourself in.

You Should Have A Criminal Defense Attorney At Your Side

When you find yourself in any kind of legal trouble, it is a good idea to have some legal representation. With a quality Raleigh lawyer at your side, you must be represented by a professional that will walk you through the process, give you solid advice, and make sure that you know your rights. Additionally, an attorney will ensure that your rights are protected and that you are fully prepared for your day in court. Continue reading “What You Need To Know About Turning Yourself In”

Bail Bond Alternatives You Should Know About

bail bond alternatives you should know aboutHaving your loved one behind bars is frightening enough, let alone trying to find the money you need to post bail so they can return home.

Before you can understand your bail bond options, there are a few things you need to understand about bail.

How Is The Bail Amount Determined?

Determining the bail amount requires a few different factors to be taken into consideration. Factors such as the nature of the alleged crime, the person’s criminal history, and their likelihood of appearing for their court date are all taken into consideration to set bail and the amounts can range vastly. Continue reading “Bail Bond Alternatives You Should Know About”

Who Can Post Bail Bonds When I’m Behind Bars

who can post bail bonds when im behind barsOne of the scariest situations you can find yourself in is being in trouble with the law and ending up behind bars. As stressful as it is, you need to take a deep breath and consider your options. It is likely that the first thing you are going to want to do is get out of jail as soon as you possibly can.

Unfortunately, bail is often very expensive and most will not have that kind of money lying around. Even if you did, it is likely that you need that money to go into bills, food or other necessities. Continue reading “Who Can Post Bail Bonds When I’m Behind Bars”

Failure To Appear (FTA) Arrest

If you are given a court date to appear before a judge, you are legally obligated to do so. Not appearing can lead to a Failure To Appear warrant and eventually your arrest. The situation can quickly turn messy, so you’ll want to deal with it as soon as possible.  When you miss court once it may not be the end of the world as long as you deal with the situation timely.  Many bondsman may do business with someone who is willing to turn themselves in and only missed court once.  This is different for those who have missed court more than once.  At this point, the bond becomes what we call a “C Bond” in which no bail bondsman will be willing to take the risk unless the bond is collateralized 80-100 percent, plus premium fees. Continue reading “Failure To Appear (FTA) Arrest”