Category: Bail Bonds

Did you know that more than half a million people go to jail each year in the United States? If a loved one is in jail, you likely want to do everything possible to get them out quickly.

For this, bail bonds are typically the only solution. Unfortunately, bail bonds can get quite expensive. So, how do you find affordable bails bond services quickly? Simple: by reading this article.

In it, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bail bonds. That way, you can get your loved one out of jail before their trial begins. Let’s get started!

Why Do You Need a Bail Bond?

When someone is sent to jail, they’ll be held until their court date arrives. A bail bond gives that person the opportunity to leave jail until that trial date arrives. However, they can be quite pricey.

There’s a reason for this. It’s to ensure that the individual comes back on their appointed court date. If the individual fails to show up to their appointed date, they’ll forfeit all of the bail money they put up.

What’s more, they’ll be wanted by law enforcement officials. However, if the individual does show up to their court date, then they’ll get the bail bond money back.

Bail bonds are important because they allow incarcerated individuals to spend time with their friends and family. Perhaps more importantly, it allows them to meet with a legal team to properly prepare for their defense.

What Do You Need to Get a Bail Bond?

Before you can get a bail bond, you will first need some information about the inmate. Specifically, you will need their:

• Full legal name
• The jail where they’re currently located
• Their booking number
• Their crimes

If you aren’t sure what their jail or booking number is, you can look it up on your state’s website. For example, if you need North Carolina bail, then use this inmate locator found here.

It’s important to remember that not everyone will be eligible for bail either. Some judges may deny bail or put the bail amount at an astronomical level that no average person could afford.

This is done if the person is charged with a particularly violent crime or if they’re deemed a potential flight risk.

Find Bail Bond Services

As we mentioned before, bail bands can be expensive. While misdemeanors are relatively affordable (around $500 or more), felonies are particularly pricey.

It’s not uncommon for the bail on these crimes to be $20,000 or more. If the bail amount for a loved one is low, you’ll likely be able to afford it yourself. However, this isn’t the case if it’s a higher amount.

Most people don’t have this type of money. That’s where a bail agent or bail bondsman comes into the picture. These professionals take full responsibility for the individual and pay the bail.

Since this person will be on the line if the person doesn’t show up to their court date, they typically require full reimbursement either from the defendant or the bail co-signor.

In addition to this, they will charge between 10% to 15% of the bail amount for their services. In some cases, they may also require collateral as physical assets.

What to Look For In a Bail Bond Service

Sadly, there are a lot of predatory bail bond services out there. These individuals use dishonest practices to take advantage of people in people in precarious situations.

This can make finding an affordable bail bond quickly a challenge.

In this section, we’ll go over everything you should look for before hiring a bail bond agent. That way, you’re sure that you’re getting the best possible deal out there.

Affordability

All bail bond services are going to be fairly expensive. But you should still look for a bail bondsman that offers the lowest possible percentage fee down payment.

This is going to be the money that you’re paying out-of-pocket in order to cover the entire bail amount. In addition to affordable bail bonds, you should also be looking for clarity regarding the bail services pricing.

They should explain any fees or collateral that’s needed in-depth. They should also walk you through all of the payment plans they offer.

Availability

An individual can be arrested at any time of day. If you’re eager to minimize the amount of time they spend in jail, you’ll want to handle the situation as soon as possible.

In these cases, you should look for a bail agent that’s available day and night. That way, your loved one doesn’t need to wait until typical business hours to be released from jail.

Professionalism

You don’t want your loved one to be treated like just another booking number. Your bail agent should treat your case with respect and dignity. One way you can do this is by looking for bail services with good reviews.

This will give you a better idea of what the average client experience was like. In addition, make sure the agent is properly licensed in whatever state they’re working out of.

Experience

The process in undeniably complicated. Because of this, you want an experienced person that understands the ins and outs of the system.

The more years your bail agent has under their belt, the more likely they’ll be able to help your loved one.

Need Affordable Bails Bonds In North Carolina? Contact Amistad

We hope this article helped you learn how to find affordable bails bond services as fast as possible. Here at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we know that an emergency can strike anytime during the day or week.

That’s why we offer bail bond service twenty-four hours daily, seven days a week. What’s more, our experienced bail bond agents will take immediate action to ensure that the individual is released as soon as possible.

So, if you’re ready to help your incarcerated loved one, then contact Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds today.

Did you know that commercial bail bonds only exist in the United States and the Philippines? In every other country, bail is a set of conditions criminal defendants abide by in return for release until trial. 

A bail bond states that the criminal defendant will either appear in court or pay a fee decreed by the presiding judge. A bail bond agent or bail bondsman cosigns the agreement. 

The agreement states that the bail bond service will pay the fee if the defendant doesn’t appear for their trial. You’ll typically pay the bail bond company 15% upfront for their services, but there may be additional fees depending on the state. 

Now that you know all this, you may wonder, “Is there anything else I’d need to ask my bail bond agent?” Well, learning the basics of how paying bail bonds works doesn’t mean you know everything. 

There are a few other things you should know about bail bonds. Here are eight questions to ask your bail bondsman when you first meet. 

1. How Soon Can You Guarantee Release?

The most pressing question is how soon someone can be released after posting bail. The amount of time differs depending on various circumstances, including your state. 

The time you post bail can also affect how long the release takes. Sometimes it can take until the next business day for the payment to process. The judge may also take some time to approve the release. 

You can expect a release within three to ten hours with a competent bail bond agent. Rarely does release after posting bail take longer than a day. 

2. How Much Is a Bail Bond? 

The state you’re in determines how much your bail is. The bail fee will determine how much you pay the agent. Earlier, we’d said that you could expect your payment to the company to be approximately 10% of your bail. 

A reputable company won’t charge more than 15%. However, some states mandate that a bail bond service can only charge 10% of what your bail is. Some bail bond companies may charge additional fees for their services.

For example, if your bail bond agent charges you 15% of a $10,000 bail fee, you’d pay them $1,500 for their work. If the agent charges you 10% for $10,000 bail, you’d owe them $1,000.

The bail bond company may request collateral as a financial guarantee. The bail bond company won’t offer discounts or reduced bail bond premiums.

3. What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

Some companies require you to pay your bail bond a certain way. It’s always a good idea to carefully consider what payment method a bail bond company will accept. 

A service that only accepts cash may be difficult to accommodate on short notice. Ask your bail bond agent if they accept credit or debit cards. Some services let clients pay bail bonds via payment plans. 

4. Do You Need Collateral For Bail Bonds?

Most bail bonds won’t require collateral. Collateral is taken in place of or along with bail money to ensure the defendant’s release. Essentially, the collateral is something in the defendant or cosigner’s name. 

Collateral can be any property like cars, jewelry, or other valuable assets. Collateral is often real property (land and everything attached to it), which may be confiscated if the defendant doesn’t show up for trial. 

5. Is Your Company Listed? 

You should be able to find any reliable bail bond company listed on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You should ask your bail bond agent if their company is listed on the website.

You can also search on the BBB website before hiring them for the job. Checking the Better Business Bureau helps ensure the bail bond service is legitimate and conducts business professionally. 

If your chosen bond service isn’t listed on the site, you may want to look at other options. 

6. Is Your Bail Bond Service Licensed?

A company can look legitimate and still be unlicensed. You may not think licensing is essential, but a business license ensures that the bond service has the necessary expertise to do its job correctly. 

If you’re unsure if your chosen bail bond company has a license, check your state’s Department of Insurance. Ask if the service you want to hire is licensed, and only sign the contract once you’re sure the business is legit.

7. Does Your Business Offer Warrant Services?

A warrant service will investigate whether there are active warrants out against you. If your bail bond agent knows you have active warrants, in some states they can prepare bail while helping you avoid arrest.

You’ll need to turn yourself in to the police if you have active warrants seeking arrest, and your agent can arrange bail. 

Will You Help Me Understand the Bail Bond Process? 

Considering you’re paying bail due to involvement in a criminal case, you’d want to ensure you understand everything happening. A bail bond agent should know that you likely don’t understand the process very well. 

Ask your agent if they could break down what happens if you don’t pay your bail bond—question what the bail bond service is charging you for and why. The process should be fully transparent and easy to comprehend. 

Knowing what will happen will help you manage expectations and keep a clear head. The more you know, the smoother the process will go. 

Want a Bail Bond Agent You Can Trust? 

Paying bail bonds can be a daunting experience, but the right bail bond agent can help you through the process easily. The ideal bail bond service will make the affair as simple and transparent as possible. 

If you need assistance with your bail and don’t know who to trust, contact us at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds. We’re available 24 hours a day and are here to answer all your bail bond-related questions.  

Bail bonds. They can be the difference between spending time in jail versus spending time in your own home while a trial is pending. 

In the United States, about two million people need a bail bond every year. Unfortunately, not everybody that needs one has the cash to meet their bail demand. 

So, what can you do in that situation? You can use the collateral property. 

However, this comes with a catch. You have to meet the terms and conditions of the bail otherwise your property can get seized. 

How can your collateral property get seized by the court? What happens if it gets seized by the court? This is what you can do. 

What Is a Bail Bond? 

A bail bond is something that allows you to get the money that you need to at least temporarily get out of jail. It allows you to sit in your own home while a trial is pending rather than wait in jail. 

Bail bonds are typically a certain amount of cash that the court demands before they will release you from jail. 

The amount depends on the severity of your crime. For example, if you are a first-time offender and the offense is minor, your bail may not even cost $1,000. However, if the court deems you a big flight risk and the crime that you are accused of is serious enough, your bail bond could be hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Typical conditions of a bail bond are that you have to appear in court for your trial and if you fail to do so, then the cash you paid in court will get seized. 

In other words, you have the chance to get that money back if you appear for trial. If you do not appear for trial, the court will keep your money. 

Collateral Property 

Now, not everybody will have enough cash to cover the demands of a bail bond. Fortunately, there are other options if you cannot come up with the cash. 

One of those options is to put up collateral. Collateral is when you put up an item that is worth the amount that the bond is asking for plus any outstanding liabilities. 

So, let’s say for example that you or a loved one are in jail right now. The courts demand $100,000 as the bail for this person to be granted a bail bond. 

However, you do not have nearly enough money in your bank account to cover this bail amount. However, your house could be worth $150,000. That is when you would qualify to use that as collateral property against the bail.

In this situation, you are risking your house to meet the conditions of the bail bond. This means that if you do not show up for a trial, the bail bondsman or the court can seize your house. 

What You Need 

When you are putting up the collateral property, you typically need to present the deed of your house or asset to a court. They will then review it and if it is accepted, the deed will be taken by them while you or a loved one are released from jail.

The court will keep the deed if the terms of the bail bond are not met. 

You do not have to be the one that has the deed in their name if you are the one that needs the bail bond. You have the option of having a loved one or friend put up the property themselves. A bail bond can have a cosigner that puts up the collateral property on your behalf. 

Keep in mind that if you are putting up the property on someone else’s behalf, their actions are going to affect whether or not you have a home to go back to when the trial settles. Make sure you know what you are getting into if you want to become a cosigner. 

Remember, the median home price in the United States is over $400,000 in 2022 and has increased by 30% just in the last two years. That alone is plenty of motivation to not skip bail, because replacing a home will be very difficult. 

What Happens if Collateral Property Is Seized? 

So you reach the point where you are risking losing collateral property. This mainly occurs when a defendant fails to appear at trial. This can be very bad news for loved ones or friends that cosigned bail for someone that did this. 

It means that they are going to be held responsible for paying the dues that the person who needed the bail bond left.

The collateral property is seized in this situation to recoup the money that was owed on the bail bond. A bail bondsman or the courts will take ownership of this property and unfortunately, you will no longer have a home. 

This can be a very real consequence of skipping a bail bond and that is why it is only recommended to put this up if it is your own property. Or, if you have your own assurances to make sure someone will not skip bail. 

Get a Bail Bondsman 

This is an overview of what happens when you put up collateral property and it gets seized. The main note to take away from here is that the defendant must appear in court for their trial. If they do not do this, then the collateral is forfeited. 

If you are considering cosigning alone, make sure that you understand these risks. 

Do you need to find a bail bondsman for your case? Get a free consultation with us today. 

In the United States, immigrants account for 13.7% of the population. While many people are legal immigrants, illegal immigrants can be arrested by the Department of Homeland Security and taken to federal jail. 

In these cases, it may be necessary for the detainee to apply for an immigration bond. Do you want to learn more about the immigration bail bond process, the types of immigration bonds, and more? 

Keep reading this guide for everything you need to know about bail bond services for immigration. 

What Is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond is a way for defendants to post bail when they are unable to afford it on their own. It is paid by a bail bondsman or a bail bonds company on the behalf of the defendant and allows them to leave jail before their trial. 

Even after they post bail, a defendant is still required to attend all of their court hearings and comply with the terms of their release. If they fail to do this, then they will not be able to get this money back. 

What Is an Immigration Bond? 

An immigration bond is a type of bail bond. It releases someone that is in custody for an immigration violation. For example, if you have been detained and arrested by I.C.E., or the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, you can use an immigration bond to gain release from detention until your court hearings.

This will enable you to reunite with your family and get the legal help that you need for your court procedures. 

Getting an immigration bond does not erase your charges or provide you with citizenship. Instead, it simply allows you to leave jail while your case is processing. If you are eligible for a bail bond and your bond is accepted, you still need to continue the hearing on your given court date. 

If you do not show up to these hearings, you will lose your bond and may face worse charges. 

Types of Immigration Bonds

There are a few different types of immigration bonds that are available to those in custody for immigration violations. 

First, there are delivery bonds. This is similar to a traditional bail bond and allows the defendant to leave custody until their hearing. They can spend time with their family and get the help of an immigration attorney as long as they show up to each of their immigration hearings. 

Another type of immigration bond is a voluntary departure bond. Rather than gaining release from custody until a hearing, this type of bond gives an illegal immigrant the opportunity to leave the country by a certain date. 

How Much Do Immigration Bonds Cost? 

The cost of bail bonds for immigration will depend on many different factors but is set by an immigration bond judge or a member of ICE. 

Often, things like criminal history, immigration status, and personal history will affect the price. For example, if the detainee is a known flight risk and may not return for their immigration hearings, they will typically have a higher immigration bond cost. 

The cost of an immigration bond can range anywhere from $1,000 to over $10,000 based on each of these factors. 

Luckily, you are able to get this money back if you meet all the requirements. As long as you show up for all of your hearings and follow the other terms of release, you will be able to get most of this money back. 

Still, it is important to note that it can take the government several months or even years to return the money. 

Immigration Bond Process

Learning more about the immigration bond process can help you understand what steps you need to take in order to receive your bond. 

One of the first things you should do is find a bail bondsman. They will help you learn more about your options when it comes to paying your bond. 

For example, you can choose between a surety bond or a cash bond. A surety bond is paid by a bond agent so you can release from detention. However, they will charge you a percentage of the bond amount. 

A cash bond allows your family or friends to pay the total amount of your bond to ICE.

The next step of the immigration bond process is your bond hearing. You can simply tell your judge at your first immigration hearing that you would like a bond hearing. You can also write a judge a bond hearing request letter to get your hearing scheduled as quickly as possible. 

When you go to your bond hearing, you should bring a sponsor letter. Your sponsor is someone who will take legal responsibility, including financial accountability, for you. You should also bring other supporting documents to your hearing that will prove that you have ties to your community. 

For example, you can bring letters of support from family members and friends, tax records, and any other evidence that you may be eligible for relief from deportation. 

Who Is Eligible for a Bond? 

Not everyone is eligible for immigration bail bonds. There are some things that will determine whether or not you are eligible. You will typically have a bail bond hearing where the judge will either grant or deny you eligibility for your bail bond. 

As was mentioned before, you may not be eligible for a bond if you are a flight risk. If you will not show up to your court proceedings or if you will try to make a run for it, the judge will likely deny your request for a bond. 

Another thing that will impact eligibility is your risk to the community. If you have a criminal record or another event in your history that shows that you are a danger to others, you will not be granted an immigration bond. 

If there is anything that is affecting your eligibility for immigration bail bonds, you may need to work with an immigration attorney. They can help you through the process and may be able to get you a bond, even if you have a standing deportation order. 

Who Can Pay an Immigration Bond? 

When you receive an immigration bond, it cannot be paid by anyone. Instead, you need to find someone that is a U.S. citizen or someone that is a Lawful Permanent Resident of the country. 

They will need to bring their social security card and a government ID with them when they pay the bond. 

You can also hire a bail bondsman or an immigration bond company to pay your bond for you. They will co-sign the contract and guarantee that they will pay the full amount of your bond if you miss any of your hearings. 

Whoever you choose to pay your immigration bond, you need to make sure that you trust them. They will get the money returned to them at the end of the case and will keep you accountable during the process. 

Why Should You Pay an Immigration Bond? 

There are many reasons why you should pay an immigration bond. One of the biggest benefits of paying this bond is that you will not have to stay in detention until your court ruling. Instead, you can spend time outside of detention with your family. 

This is especially important if you believe that you will get deported after your hearings. 

When you gain release from detention, you will also have the opportunity to meet with an immigration attorney. They will be able to help you with every step of the immigration process and may improve the outcome of your case. 

Finally, as long as you will comply with all the terms of your release, you will be able to get the money back after the court process is completed. This makes it less of a risk to pay your immigration bond. 

Need Help With Bail Bond Services? Find an Immigration Bondsman Today

When you or a loved one has been detained, getting an immigration bond can help free you from immigration detention. Learning more about this type of bail bond can help you through the process and can help you understand the legal terms of your bond. 

Do you need help with an immigration bond? Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds can help! We specialize in the immigration bail bond process and can help you file your bond. 

Contact us today to learn more about our bail bonds process or to find a local bail bond agent to help you with your case!

On a day-to-day basis, prisons across the U.S. detain up to 700,000 people. More than half of these people are pre-trial detainees, yet to be convicted of a crime and are still legible for bail. 

We’ve all heard the term before, whether it’s from a television series, a movie, or from personal experience — but what is bail? Most people might know that paying bail allows you to get out of jail (for a limited time), but how does it work, exactly? 

If you want to learn the ins and outs of the bail process, just keep on reading. 

What Is Bail and How Is It Set? 

Bail equates to a downpayment for your freedom — for a short or limited time period until you’re either convicted of a crime or not. It’s essentially a bond comprised of cash that ensures you will turn up for your court-ordered trial date. 

If you fail to present yourself in court on this set date, you forfeit your bail, which the court may keep, and you’ll most likely receive a warrant for your arrest. 

So, who sets bail and what determines the amount? 

Most of the time, a judge is responsible for setting your bail. Due to the urgency of wanting to get out of jail as quickly as possible, most prisons across America offer standardized bail schedules for specific or common crimes. 

If you can pay the specified amount for your crime, you can usually get out of jail on the same day — but this is not always guaranteed. If you cannot afford bail according to the schedule, you can petition the judge to lower it.

This means you’ll have to attend a bail hearing or the judge can consider your petition during your arraignment (when you first appear in court). Either way, you’ll still spend time in jail until you can post the full bail amount. 

In today’s day and age, it’s becoming commonplace for algorithms to set bail amounts. In short, certain jurisdictions enter specific information about a defendant into an algorithmic program which then sets a score and a recommended bail amount.

Are There Any Limits on Bail Amounts? 

No matter the crime a person commits, the Constitution’s Eighth Amendment states that bail cannot be excessive. In other words, the purpose of bail is not to raise money to support the government or punish a person for a suspected crime. 

The key purpose of bail is to ensure a defendant appears in court on the specified date while ensuring they have their freedom until convicted of a crime. This is because the law states that a person is always innocent until proven guilty. 

However, the process doesn’t always work like this, in theory. In many cases, a judge may set a bail amount particularly high in order to keep a defendant in jail if they are dangerous or pose a high flight risk. 

What Are the Conditions of Bail? 

When it comes to a defendant’s release from jail, it all depends on a set of conditions they have to comply with. So, along with paying the bail amount, they need to ensure they stick to these conditions, otherwise, the judge can revoke bail. 

If you revoke your bail, you face a re-arrest and will return to jail. The conditions of bail depend on the suspected crime as well as a person’s criminal record/history. 

In some cases, a defendant must obey ”all laws and conditions”, while other conditions might only reflect the crime they’re suspected of committing. For example, if a defendant has a history of domestic violence they might have to obey the conditions of avoiding all contact with alleged victims.  

How To Pay For Bail: Your Options 

Depending on the alleged crime, bail amounts can vary greatly. In some cases, bail could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars which many people might not have the immediate funds for. 

This is why there are a few different ways you can pay for bail. Some of the most common include: 

• Cash 
• A cashier’s check for the full amount 
• Property or other forms of capital worth the full amount of the bail 
• A bail bond — similar to a loan that helps you pay the full bail amount 
• A waiver of payment which is a condition that you will appear in court at a required time/date

A note on bail bonds: most of the time you’ll have to front a downpayment of 5-10 percent of the bail amount. If you pay your bail in full when your case is over, it is then refunded, minus an administrative fee (depending on the bond provider). 

Avoiding Bail Based on O.R. 

Yes, there is such a thing as a ”get out of jail free card”. It’s called an O.R. where a defendant can petition to avoid bail and await their trial date based on their own recognizance. All this requires is that a defendant makes a promise and signs a waiver that they will appear in court on their set date. 

Most of the time, you can request an O.R. when you first appear in court in front of the judge. If you’re denied this request, you can go on to request a low bail amount. 

A judge might grant a defendant an O.R. based on the following: 

• They have strong ties to the local community and are an unlikely flight risk 
• They live in the community and have done so for many years 
• They have reliable employment
• They have a minor or non-existent criminal history 
• They have a family and children that they support 
• Despite previous criminal charges, they have a good track record of appearing in court 

The above conditions are not only applicable when applying for O.R., but also help to determine your set bail amount. 

Need Help Paying For Your Bail? 

If you or someone you know has recently run into trouble with the law and wondered ”what is bail?”, we hope this blog provides some clarity on how the process works.

The reality is that bail is not always achievable, while spending time in jail when you have a family to support seems impossible. If this is the case for you, Amistad is here to help with our bail bond service. 

Want to learn more? Get in touch for a free consultation.  

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 and Immigration Bonds 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 and Immigration 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 and Immigration 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.

In North Carolina, on average, bail bonds get imposed in 67 percent of misdemeanor cases and 79 percent of felony cases statewide. So, chances are, if you’ve been arrested for a crime, you’re going to need a bail bond.

If this is your first involvement with the criminal legal system, it’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed by all of the rules and regulations that pertain to being released on bail.

The court can impose a wide variety of bail restrictions. However, many people find travel restrictions while on bail to be particularly inconvenient and complicated.

When out on bail, it is extremely important to follow the rules and obey any imposed restrictions. The slightest slip-up in behavior can have drastic consequences for a person on bail.

Keep reading to ensure you understand how to comply with travel restrictions while on bail.

What Does It Mean to Be Out on Bail?

Getting released on bail is not the same as getting acquitted of a crime. When you get released on bail, you don’t have the same freedoms as you did before getting arrested.

You are technically no longer in custody, but there are certain conditions you have to follow. For example, you will need to attend all hearings and trial dates related to your case to avoid the consequences of not showing up.

There are several different reasons people accused of criminal acts get released on bail before their trials. One is because the law of the country dictates that anyone accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty.

When you get arrested for a crime, you have the right to receive what is called “fair and reasonable bail.” You get released on bail so you can resume your regular life, like taking care of your family and going to work.

Releasing people on bail also reduces the strain of incarceration (the average cost to imprison one person is $14,000 to $70,000 per year), on the criminal legal system.

Common Bail Restrictions

Bail restrictions are decided case-by-case. These restrictions can vary, but they are all conditions the person out on bail must meet in order to avoid legal consequences.

Obey All Laws

A person out on bail is expected to obey all laws. Getting arrested a second time while out on bail can have negative impacts on your trial and sentencing. It is especially important not to get arrested for the same crime.

Abstain From Drug and Alcohol Use

Restrictions against using drugs or alcohol are common in specific cases. For example, a person arrested on a drug-related charge should not be interacting with drugs in any way while out on bail.

Surrender of Weapons

In some cases, a person released on bail is required to surrender any weapons in their possession. This might happen in cases involving domestic violence, dangerous weapons felonies, and other types of felonies.

The best option in this situation is to give all of your weapons to a trusted relative or friend as soon as you get released. Reclaim them only after the outcome of your case gets decided.

Seek/Maintain Employment

It is very typical for a person out on bail to have a requirement that they maintain gainful employment. If you do not, or no longer, have a job after your release, you will need to get one.

No Contact

Sometimes the court will impose restrictions regarding with whom a person can and cannot interact. For example, it is typical that a person out on bail while accused of a crime cannot interact with others involved in crimes.

Travel Restrictions

The court imposes travel restrictions for a variety of reasons specific to individual circumstances. There are several different types of travel restrictions, such as out-of-state and international travel restrictions.

Terms Related to Travel Restrictions While on Bail

Travel restrictions depend significantly on the person and the crime committed. They are very much decided on a case-by-case basis. One person might be allowed to leave the state, but not the country. While another person might not be able to leave their own home.

Flight Risk

A flight risk is a person who is likely to flee in order to avoid going to court or prison. Perhaps the person has tried to flee before and was arrested on a warrant. Or maybe they have family abroad they might escape to.

A person who the court considers a flight risk is unlikely to be allowed to travel internationally. Typically the court will require such a person to surrender their passport.

Travel Within the City/State

In some cases, a person released on bail can travel within their state, but not outside of it. Others are only allowed to travel within the city in which they reside.

House Arrest

People who pose a significant flight risk, or another type of risk, may have their travel limited to their own homes. Being under house arrest often involves wearing a tracking device (ankle bracelet).

Some people on house arrest can leave to go to specific places at specific times (i.e. to go to work, counseling, or substance use treatment).

No Travel Restrictions

If a judge does not explicitly restrict a person from traveling, it is safe to assume traveling on bail is fine. You can take a vacation if you want to.

However, you will need to attend all of your court appearances. So be aware of all court dates when planning a trip.

How Do Travel Restrictions Get Determined?

A judge takes several things into account when determining any type of bail restriction. When determining travel restrictions while on bail, the judge will consider the following things:

• Defendant’s reputation
• Past criminal history
• Whether the defendant is a flight risk
• The severity of the crime committed
• Defendant’s physical and mental state

A judge is more likely to treat a person with more leniency if they have a good reputation and no criminal history. However, if the person committed a violent crime and appears to be a flight risk, harsher restrictions may apply.

Consequences of Violating Bail Terms

If a person violates the terms of their bail, the court may revoke their bail and put out a warrant for their arrest.

In some cases, the judge may deny bail and the person will have to remain in custody until their trial. In others, the person may receive a higher bail amount and added restrictions.

More About Bail Bonds & Travel Restrictions

If you get arrested for a crime, it is of the utmost importance that you comply with any travel restrictions while on bail. Failing to follow the rules of your bail can have major consequences that make your legal situation worse.

In need of a North Carolina bail bond? Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds serves all 100 counties in the Tar Heel state. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

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!