Successful Outcomes: Strategies for Securing Bail Bonds in Domestic
Violence Cases

In North Carolina, domestic violence is a sensitive and complex legal matter that might have life-altering implications. Even for those with no prior criminal history, domestic violence can have a serious impact. In almost all cases, law enforcement is called, and one of the parties is arrested and taken to jail. Especially when the case involves an assault on a female, the consequences and penalties can be stringent. If you want to prepare for your case without any hindrance and spend more time with your family before your trial, domestic violence bail bonds in Raleigh are indispensable.

Wondering how to secure bail in a domestic violence case as the allegations are more extreme than you had thought? Here are some tips!

A Brief Overview of Penalties for Domestic Violence and Assault on Female

Assault on a female in North Carolina is a criminal offense, and the penalties can vary based on the severity of the assault and other circumstances. Simple assault on a female is a Class A1 misdemeanor, which can result in:

  • A maximum of 150 days in jail (depending on prior convictions).
  • Fines and court costs.
  • Possible probation or community service.

On the other hand, the penalties for domestic violence can include:

  • Misdemeanor charges: Domestic violence misdemeanors can result in penalties similar to those for assault on a female, with possible jail time, fines, and probation.
  • Felony charges: If the domestic violence incident involves serious bodily injury or other aggravating factors, it can be charged as a felony, leading to more severe penalties, including potential imprisonment.
  • Protective orders: In cases of domestic violence, the court may issue protective orders to protect the victim.

How to Secure Bail?

  • Build a Strong Defense

To secure bail in a domestic violence case, it’s imperative to build a strong defense. Comply with court orders, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and identify any inconsistencies in the accuser’s story. A solid defense can help create reasonable doubt in the judge’s mind and increase the likelihood of bail being granted.

  • Develop a Safety Plan

In some cases, it may be necessary to create a safety plan for the victim as a condition for bail. This can include restraining orders, supervised visitation, or counseling for the accused. By demonstrating a commitment to the safety of the alleged victim, you can improve your chances of securing bail.

  • Show Ties to the Community

Judges often consider the accused’s ties to the community when deciding on bail. Strong ties, such as family, employment, and community involvement, can demonstrate that the accused is less likely to flee or pose a danger to others.

Conclusion

If you are granted bail in case of domestic violence or female assault, you are lucky. However, if you cannot post bail due to financial restrictions, North Carolina assault on a female bail bondcan come to your rescue. Searching for professionals to help you get out of jail before your trial when you are charged with a felony? Reach out to the licensed bail bond agents at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds today!

Charged with Domestic Violence in North Carolina? Here’s how a
Bail Bondsman can help!

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects individuals and families across the United States. In North Carolina, domestic violence is defined as physical harm, attempted physical harm, or the threat of physical harm by one household member to another. This definition includes spouses, former spouses, current or former household members, and individuals who are currently or have been in a relationship.

If you have been charged with domestic violence in North Carolina, you face serious consequences that can have a lasting impact on your life. You could face criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment. A domestic violence conviction can also affect your ability to find employment and housing, and it may impact your relationships with friends and family. Don’t want to be stuck in jail and prepare for your court hearing? Reach out to a professional company for bail bonds in Cabarrus County, NC now!

Classes for domestic violence charges

Depending on the extent of the violence, the charges increase as the violence gets more serious. These include the following:

  • Class A1 Misdemeanor: This class is for domestic violence that involves violence against a certain group of people, such as children under 12 years old or male violence against a female. An example of this type of violence would be causing injury or using a deadly weapon. The maximum jail time for this class is 150 days and the suggested bail bond is $500 to $1,500.
  • Class E Felony: This class of domestic violence involves more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a weapon, or second-degree kidnapping. A person convicted of this type of domestic violence can face up to 88 months in jail and a suggested bail bond of $40,000 to $60,000.
  • Class C Felony: This class of domestic violence involves even more serious offenses, such as second-degree forcible rape, first-degree kidnapping, or a second-degree sexual offense. The maximum jail time for this class is 231 months, and the suggested bail bond is $75,000 to $150,000.
  • Class B1 Felony: This includes charges such as first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense, and second-degree murder. A person convicted of this type of domestic violence can face life in prison without parole and a suggested bail bond of $250,000 to $1,000,000.
  • Class A Felony: This is the most serious form of domestic violence, and involves first-degree murder. A person convicted of this type of domestic violence can face the death penalty or life in prison without parole, and there is no bail available.

How can a Bail Bondsman Help with Domestic Violence Charges?

If you have been charged with domestic violence in North Carolina, a bail bondsman can help you secure your release from jail while you await trial. They can provide you with a surety bond, which will allow you to be released from jail while you await trial. This can be especially helpful if you are facing a long wait in jail, as it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience.

Additionally, a bail bondsman can also help you navigate through the legalities of bail bonding. Need help getting out of jail with a reliable company for bail bonds in Charlotte, NC? Get in touch with the experts at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds now!

Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges? The Process, Explained

Did you know that if you are arrested for domestic violence, you will likely spend a night or two in jail? Even if you don’t get convicted, you will spend time in jail after your arrest while waiting to see a judge.

Domestic violence charges are very serious and could result in fines, jail or prison time, and orders to stay away from the alleged victim. If you are facing domestic violence charges, read on to learn more about what they entail, how domestic violence is defined, and the potential punishments you face.

What Is Considered Domestic Violence?

There are many different terms used for domestic violence, including spouse abuse, intimate partner violence, and dating violence. According to the North Carolina General Assembly, the term domestic violence encompasses a broad range of behaviors between many different parties.

Domestic violence in North Carolina is the commission of one or more of the following acts against a child or adult with whom the accused has a personal relationship:

  • Attempting to cause bodily injury
  • Intentionally causing bodily injury
  • Placing the aggrieved party (the victim) or a member of the aggrieved party’s family or household in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or continued harassment that rises to such a level as to inflict substantial emotional distress

A personal relationship is also broadly defined and includes:

  • Current or former spouses
  • Persons of the opposite sex who live together or have lived together in the past
  • Parents and children
  • Grandparents and grandchildren
  • Those who have a child in common
  • Those who are current or former household members
  • Persons of the opposite sex who are in a dating relationship or have been in a dating relationship in the past

Dating relationships are defined as one in which the parties are romantically involved with each other on a continuous basis during the relationship.

What Happens if I Am Arrested for Domestic Violence?

Typically, law enforcement officers need an arrest warrant to arrest a person, however, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, officers can make warrantless arrests in certain situations. If an officer witnesses a crime, they can make a warrantless arrest.

They can also make warrantless arrests for certain crimes that they don’t witness, including felonies (as long as there is probable cause) and some domestic violence offenses, which are most often misdemeanors. Officers can make a warrantless arrest if they have probable cause to believe that the following offenses occurred:

  • Domestic criminal trespass
  • Simple assault
  • Assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting serious injury
  • Assault by pointing a gun if a personal relationship exists
  • Domestic violence protective order (DVPO) violation

There is also a requirement for a mandatory arrest of an offender when the officer believes that they have violated a DVPO that excludes them from the residence or household of a domestic violence victim.

The 48-Hour Rule

North Carolina also has something known as the 48-hour rule. This means that a judge, not a magistrate, must set the accused person’s bond and release conditions. For most offenses, a magistrate can set these conditions and release will be quick.

However, this rule means that if a judge isn’t available right away, such as if the defendant gets arrested on the weekend, they may have to wait up to 48 hours until a judge is available. Once 48 hours pass, a magistrate may set the release conditions, but not before that.

The 48 hour period begins from the time of the arrest. Once a defendant is released after a domestic violence arrest, typical release conditions include:

  • No contact with the alleged victim, including at work, home, school, etc.
  • No assault, harassment, or threats to the alleged victim
  • Damaging or removing items from the victim’s property is prohibited
  • Child visitation may be limited
  • No alcohol consumption

Your first appearance before the judge will also set your future court dates, which you must show up for, or a bench warrant will be issued for failure to appear. The judge also may set a bond amount, depending on your prior record and the severity of the case.

If you can’t pay this, you will need to contact a friend or family member or a licensed bail agent. Once you are released, you can speak to an attorney about your charges and the best strategy for your case.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence?

Most domestic violence charges are misdemeanors, but there are some instances where domestic violence will be charged as a felony.

Simple assault includes two different acts: an overt act or attempt and assault by show of violence. An overt act or attempt includes doing something or trying to do something that causes the person to be fearful of harm. This could include kicking, hitting, biting, or striking the victim.

Assault by show of violence requires three elements: the defendant shows that they have the ability to inflict the injury, their actions must be ones that would make a reasonable person fearful of harm, and the victim must take actions that they would not normally take as a result of the fear (for example, leaving a location because the offender is there or taking a different way home so the offender can’t follow them).

Simple assault is a class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina and carries the potential for up to 30 days in jail for the first offense and up to 60 days in jail for a second or subsequent offense.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon

Assault with a deadly weapon is more serious can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.  Any assault, assault and battery, or an affray with a deadly weapon is a misdemeanor offense that could result in 30 days in jail for the first offense and 60 days in jail for second or subsequent offenses.

Assault with a deadly weapon is a felony when the victim is assaulted and the offender had the intent to kill or seriously injury them. If there was a serious injury or the intent to kill, it is a Class E felony, which could result in 15 to 31 months in prison.

If both elements are present, then it is a Class C felony, resulting in between 44 and 98 months in prison.

Assault by Strangulation

Assault by strangulation is a domestic violence felony charge. It is a class H felony, which could bring between 4 and 25 months in prison. To be convicted of assault by strangulation, prosecutors must prove that the offender committed an assault on the victim and caused an injury by strangulation.

Are You Facing Domestic Violence Charges?

If you are facing domestic violence charges, whether they are misdemeanor or felony charges, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney. Don’t try to navigate the process on your own. An attorney will be able to help you understand your rights, defend you in court, make sure that you receive fair treatment in court, and may even be able to advise you on how to drop your domestic violence charges.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are arrested for domestic violence and can’t afford your bail, contact us at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds. We are open 24 hours a day to serve you.

What Are the Different Types of Domestic Violence?

Intimate partner violence alone affects more than 12 million people every year. Many people believe that domestic violence is limited to only physical abuse, but that isn’t the case.

There are several types of domestic violence that you should be familiar with. You can learn more about it using this guide.

Let’s get started.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is what most people think of when they hear the words domestic violence. This is one of the easier forms of abuse to recognize because it is more difficult to disguise.

When an abuser is clearly intending to gain control over the victim by making them powerless through injury or threats, that’s considered physical abuse. There are many examples of this, including:

  • Punching
  • Kicking
  • Slapping
  • Choking
  • Biting
  • Scratching
  • Using household objects as weapons
  • Forced physical restrain against the victims will
  • Being trapped in a room and having the exit blocked
  • Withholding physical needs like sleeping or food

The injuries don’t need to be severe for it to domestic violence. Even if the abuser slaps the victim a handful of times and doesn’t end up in the hospital, it is still considered physical abuse.

The abuser also doesn’t need to touch the victim physically. If they are hitting or kicking doors or walls, inanimate objects, and destroying property, this is a form of abuse as well.

Different forms of domestic violence are all frightening in their own way, but this one is particularly dangerous because it can result in death. Getting out of an abusive relationship is particularly difficult, but if you can do so, then the next step is a restraining order.

Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse involves instilling fear in an intimate partner through threatening behavior. This can cross over with physical abuse when an abuser is destroying property, but it can also involve other examples of harm. This type of behavior must be significant and steadfast for it to be considered psychological abuse.

If it is a one-time event, it’s likely not enough to take legal action.

Preventing the victim from talking to people or leaving the house, threatening the victim with violence, or even emotional blackmail all fall under the umbrella of psychological abuse. The goal of the abuser is to isolate and intimidate the victim by instilling fear in them.

There’s also spiritual abuse, which involves using religious beliefs to manipulate an intimate partner. This may involve using scripture to warrant abuse or raising children in the faith that the partner did not agree to.

Financial Abuse

If physical abuse is the most obvious to see, financial abuse might be the least. Financial abuse is a way to gain control and power over the other person in a relationship.

99% of almost all domestic violence cases involve financial abuse. It’s also the first red flag for dating violence, so it’s important to know how to recognize it. It’s particularly easy for financial abuse to occur because many families have placed their money in joint accounts.

The goal is often to make the victim completely dependent on their partner for money; this forces them to be at the abuser’s mercy. The abuser is likely to withhold money used for clothing and food, and it might extend to their children.

Sexual Abuse

Another well-known type of domestic violence is sexual abuse. This includes sexual assault, rape, harassment, demeaning behavior, and unwelcome touching as well. People tend to think of sexual abuse as predominantly nonconsensual sex, but it goes further than that.

Any action that violates the individual’s bodily integrity is considered sexual abuse. For example, if a partner coerces the other into not using contraception or getting an abortion, that is considered sexual abuse.

About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience sexual violence involving physical touch in their lifetime. Not only does sexual abuse often begin at a young age, but there are dire consequences for it. The victims face physical injuries, but there’s also psychological stress, like anxiety or suicidal thoughts.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves tearing down the victim’s confidence and self-worth. This involves the abuser using constant insults, criticisms, and humiliation to gain control over their victim. Emotional abuse is insidious because it is so common in unhealthy relationships that people don’t pay too much attention.

Most states don’t consider emotional abuse to be enough to bring a domestic violence action. The abuse has to be significant enough that the relationship can be considered coercive. Usually, emotional abuse needs additional evidence of other abuse to have a case.

Emotional abuse can involve any of the following:

  • Yelling
  • Insulting
  • Swearing
  • Rejecting opinions, thoughts, or ideas
  • Making the victim doubt their feelings and sanity
  • Manipulating the truth

All kinds of domestic violence can destroy a person’s sense of self. Emotional abuse may not leave a physical mark, but it can cause a lot of damage. In fact, the consequences of emotional abuse can be as severe as those from physical abuse.

As the constant name-calling, criticisms, and gaslighting continues, the victim can no longer see things clearly. This can cause the victim to start depending on their abuser because they start viewing themselves as less. It’s a vicious abusive cycle that is difficult to stop.

Different Types of Domestic Violence

Being a victim of abuse is a terrible situation to be in, and that’s why it’s important to educate yourself on the different types of domestic violence. Not only will this help you navigate a situation that you may be involved in, but you’ll be able to notice if anything is off with loved ones.

There might also be a chance that you or someone you know was charged with domestic violence; knowing what it entails allows you to look for more resources if a trial is involved.

Have you or a loved one recently been arrested and need assistance with bail? Be sure to contact us for a free consultation with a licensed bail agent.

Everything You Need to Know About Bail for Domestic Violence

A domestic violence arrest can destroy your life. Actual abuse is rampant in modern relationships, but so are false allegations. It’s important that you protect yourself if you’re ever accused.

Securing bail for domestic violence offenders can be difficult. The judge considers your criminal history and the magnitude of your crime.

Setting bail about isn’t about proving your innocence. You’ll have a chance to do that later at your trial. If you can’t afford to pay your full bail amount upfront, a bail bondsman can help.

Bondsmen usually require you to pay 15% of the total bail, although sometimes they’re willing to negotiate.

The process can be confusing, especially if you’re not used to it. We’ve created a guide of things that you should keep in mind if you or a loved one are ever arrested for domestic violence.

So You’ve Been Arrested. What Will You Be Charged With?

People arrested for domestic violence in North Carolina can be hit with multiple charges. Depending on your history and what happened during the incident, you might be looking at a simple misdemeanor or a far more serious felony charge.

Often a civil complaint is brought forward at the same time. The alleged victim can ask for a restraining order. If it’s granted, you’ll have to stay away from him or her for a set period of time, usually a year.

Should You Hire an Attorney or Post Bail?

Being arrested is a stressful experience. A lot of people don’t know what to do when they find themselves in jail.

Sometimes, people think they should immediately hire an attorney. It’s never a bad idea to seek legal representation but you should try to secure your bail first. Sometimes after a domestic violence arrest, the police don’t have enough evidence to present a probable case.

If that happens, your case might be dismissed. Even if your case is headed to trial, it will be easier for you to fight the charges if you’re not incarcerated.

That’s why the first thing you should do after your arrest is to post bail.

Posting Bail for Domestic Violence

The judge has a lot of leeway when he sets bail for domestic violence offenders.

You might be able to pay the entirety of your bail yourself or the judge may decide that you can be released on your own recognizance without paying anything at all.

If the judge sets your bail amount too high, you will need help paying it. Family and friends can help but their finances might be just as tight.

A bail bondsman can help. You only need to pay a small percentage of your bail and the bondsman will put up the rest. This allows you to go home sooner.

Find Out More

If you can’t afford to post bail yourself, contact a bail bonds company immediately so you don’t have to sit in jail.

Call 919-790-6887 to speak with one of our experienced bondsmen today. We understand that this is a difficult time. But, We can help you navigate the process.