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Data from 2021 shows that immigrants made up 13.6% of the total US population. This comes to nearly 45.3 million immigrants living in the United States.

If you are an immigrant in the US, you may need an immigration bond. There are different kinds of bonds, and you will need to understand what is required.

The US has very strict rules when it comes to legal immigration. Because of this, you will need to understand what getting an immigration bond entails.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about getting an immigration bond.

What Are Immigration Bonds?

The first thing you need to understand is what an immigration bond is. This is a type of bail bond from the government used to get someone out of immigration detention.

Only licensed agents can process an immigration bond for you. This ensures that you will return to the court once you’re released.

Keep in mind that this does not erase any charges you are facing. It simply allows you to leave jail while your case is still processing.

You will still need to report to immigration officials and show up at specific court dates. It’s also important to remember that there are different kinds of immigration bonds.

Voluntary Departure Bond

One of these kinds of bonds is a voluntary departure bond. This allows you to leave the country by handling your own expenses and going on your own terms.

You will be able to arrange your departure and leave at your earliest convenience. Once you have left the country, the fee you paid for the bond will be reimbursed to you.

Although you must leave the country for this to happen; otherwise, you will forfeit the bond.

Delivery Bond

For illegal immigrants detained by ICE, delivery bonds are used. A judge will determine what illegal immigrants qualify for this bond.

This bond gives the judge more control over your case. They will be able to make sure you show up for your hearings without having to stay in jail.

Facts You Should Understand About These Bonds

Now that you know what an immigration bond is, there are other details to consider. Bonds can be quite confusing for most people, making them hard to understand.

It is vital that you understand this process so that you can manage your rights. Here are some examples of things you should understand about immigration bonds.

Keep in mind that an agent will be able to help you with the details. If you hire a Bonds agent, they will walk you through the process and give you advice.

1. Not Everyone Qualifies

Something to keep in mind is that not all detainees will qualify for these bonds. Those with a criminal background are usually not able to receive bail bonds.

You will also need to present your case to show why you should get a bond. An agent will be able to help you do this by compiling evidence about your character and lifestyle.

Some examples of this include showing employment or property ownership and close family ties.

2. A Hearing Is Required

You may not have realized that a hearing’s required for immigration bonds. A hearing is a proceeding in court where a judge will decide if you will be able to leave custody.

This determines whether you will have to sit in jail throughout your case or if you can go home. During the hearing, the judge will decide if the government has enough evidence against you.

If it does not have enough evidence, you will be able to go as long as you return for your case proceedings.

3. The Costs Vary

It is also essential to understand that bail bond costs will vary. Different factors about your case will predict how much you will have to pay.

For example, having a criminal history is going to raise the amount you will have to pay. If you are currently employed, this could potentially increase or lower the amount.

Some immigrants with family members who depend on them may be able to get a lower bail bond. These amounts could be as little as $500 or as much as $50,000.

4. You Can Get Your Money Back

One significant aspect of immigration bonds is that you are able to get your money back. Certain kinds of bonds allow you to get a refund if you follow the criteria.

You will have to comply with the judge’s orders and do what you promise to do. After that, you may be able to receive your money back once the case is resolved.

Keep in mind that failure to follow any of the instructions could result in the money being forfeited.

5. Appeals Can be Made

You may be trying to get a bail bond, but the amount is far too high. This is not uncommon since these bonds can become extremely expensive.

One option you have is filing a motion for bond redetermination. This is given to the judge so that they can reconsider the bond amount.

This motion is the perfect opportunity for you to describe why the bond should be lower. You could provide proof that may sway the judge’s decision.

If your proof is convincing, the judge can re-determine the bond amount to something more affordable.

Immigration Bond 101

If you are an immigrant in the US, you need an immigration bond. This is available if you are in custody or jail and want to be released while your case is processing.

Do you need to hire an immigration bond agent to help with your case? Contact us today at Amistad Bail Bonds to get a free consultation.

Here’s something not many people know: they can be arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) while taking legal drugs. The use of legal drugs, including over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs, can result in a DUI arrest (and eventual conviction), just like any alcohol-related DUI.

To ensure safety on the road, state legislatures are doing everything in their power to prevent impaired driving. That said, even if you are taking medications legally, you can still be arrested for DUI if your driving is impaired in any way. When arrested for DUI on legal drugs, you will need the help of a competent and experienced DUI defense lawyer.

The Lowdown on Prescription Medication DUI

Many people associate DUI with being impaired by alcohol alone. However, you can still be convicted of a DUI if you are under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications. Some states have a per se drug DUI rule. For instance, you cannot drive if you have a specific concentration of controlled substance in your system.

However, even if the substance in your system is less than the legal limit, you can still get a DUI if the arresting officer believes you are impaired by alcohol or other substances. Prescription medication DUIs are often based on impairment rather than the concentration of the prescription drugs in your system.

Prescription medications can include pain, cough, anxiety, and other commonly prescribed medications. Said substances are often not detected by a breathalyzer but can be detected in the blood (which can be drawn if an officer has reason to believe that you are impaired).

Unfortunately, many North Carolina residents don’t realize that some prescribed medications can impair them. Many also have the misconception that if the medicine is prescribed to them by a doctor, it will suffice as a DUI defense. However, such is not always the case.

How Courts View DUI by Medical Impairment

If you are charged with DUI due to prescribed medication, the prosecutor has the burden of proving that there was an impairing substance in your system and such substance caused you to be “appreciably impaired.” When it comes to sentencing and punishment, they are not dealt with differently than alcohol-related DUIs.

If you are taking prescribed medication, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of taking the medication. You need to also check if it is safe for you to operate a vehicle while taking the prescribed medications. If not, look for other transportation arrangements.

Prescription Drugs That Can Cause Impairment

The criminal charge for this type of DUI is often referred to as DUID, DUI drugs, or drugged driving. It is also irrelevant that the medication was prescribed legally by a doctor and was taken as directed. If an officer believes that your abilities were impaired by a drug (prescribed or otherwise), you will be arrested for DUI.

The following are some of the prescription drugs that can cause impairment (and, consequently, DUI):

• Anti-addiction drugs (this includes Methadone and Suboxone)
• Anti-insomnia medications (this includes Ambien or Lunesta)
• Anti-ADHD drugs (this includes Adderall or Ritalin)
• Anti-anxiety medications (this includes Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan)
• Painkillers (this includes Celebrex, Fentanyl, OxyContin, Percocet, Codeine, Lortab, Celebrex, Lorcet, and Ultram)

Many over-the-counter and prescription medications will significantly affect your motor skills and coordination, even if you take the prescribed dosage. Some of the most common side effects of prescription medications that can affect your ability to drive include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Inability to focus
• Fainting
• Slowed movement

Different drugs can affect drivers in various ways. However, those that impair alertness, concentration, and judgment are considered just as dangerous as alcohol. The side effects mentioned above can result in slow reaction time and unsafe driving.

At-Risk Individuals for Prescription DUI

You will be placing your safety and that of others at risk if you drive while under the influence of prescribed medications that can impair your cognitive and motor skills. Other medications (even if less potent) that are taken in high doses than prescribed might also have the same effect.

Older drivers are often susceptible to incurring a DUI as a result of using prescription drugs. With aging, the body won’t be able to break down certain drugs as it did before. With cognitive decline, older people are also more prone to taking the wrong dosage, affecting their ability to drive.

Law Enforcement Evaluation

Law enforcement will look for behavior that will indicate driver impairment involving intoxication from drug use (prescribed or otherwise). The behaviors can include weaving, speeding, driving too slow, driving too closely to the next vehicle, and driving erratically.

After your vehicle is stopped, officers will look for behaviors and personal characteristics that indicate impairment due to drugs. This includes slurred speech and glassy eyes. The services of a drug recognition evaluator (DRE) may also be utilized. Drug recognition evaluators use a multi-step approach to test suspected DUI drivers.

Drug recognition evaluators may check the pulse and blood pressure. A separate field sobriety test may also be requested. It is also likely that you will also be asked about any possible drug use. A urine or blood test may also be requested.

Possible Penalties for Prescription Drug DUI

Prescription drug DUI can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. A first offense is punishable by 3 to 5 years of informal probation. You can also have your driver’s license suspended and pay up to $1,000 in fines. You can also spend up to six months in jail.

Aggravating circumstances like excessive speed, injuries, property damage, or previous criminal or DUI convictions can also result in more severe penalties. A drug DUI can stay on the criminal record for ten years. This can be harmful to your reputation and can make it difficult for you to seek employment or insurance.

Getting Out on Bond

Bail (also known as bail bond) is the amount you need to pay and the promises you need to make so you can be released from jail until your case has been resolved. Typically, within 48 hours of your arrest, you will be brought before a magistrate, and the amount of your bail (and other conditions) for your release is set.

If you violate the terms of your bail (i.e., violating a condition of your bail or failure to attend a court hearing), your bail can be revoked. A warrant for your arrest can also be issued. As soon as you are in custody, you need to stay in jail until you have paid a higher bond or faced harsher penalties.

After your bond has been set, you have the option to file a motion to have the bond modified. This would be heard by a judge and not the magistrate. The judge can either increase or decrease the amount of your bail. Your attorney can help you set your bail, so make sure you discuss this with your DUI defense lawyer.

Final Thoughts

If you are accused of prescription drugs DUI, seek the help of a seasoned DUI defense lawyer right away to protect your liberty and rights. A competent DUI defense lawyer can carry out a thorough analysis of your case so they can create the best defense strategy that can reduce your charges or dismiss the case against you.

For help with a local bail bondsman, contact us at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds. You can schedule a free consultation with a licensed bail agent today!

According to the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, bail is required to not be excessive. While this may increase your chances of getting out of jail, there are circumstances when judges can deny bail.

Many factors will go into this decision, including criminal history, flight risk, and crime severity. In this article, bail bond experts share seven of the most common reasons why a judge might deny your bail request.

1. Defendant has Extensive Criminal History

Having an extensive criminal history generally means they’ve committed numerous crimes in the past. Even if the defendant is not considered a high-risk, a judge may still deny bail if they feel that the individual is likely to commit more crimes if released.

2. The Defendant is a Danger to Others

If the defendant is considered a danger to others, the judge may choose to deny them bail. That could be due to previous acts of violence or threats against other people. Defendants whose crimes are legally considered violent, antisocial, and terroristic are often strong indications that bail may not be granted.

3. The Defendant is a Flight Risk

If the defendant is considered a flight risk, the judge may deny bail. The flight risk tag are often individuals who have no permanent residence or ties to the community, have a history of skipping out on court appearances, or possess a large amount of cash that could be used to flee the country.

4. The Crime is Severe

If the crime is severe, the judge can easily deny bail. That could be because the defendant is considered a high risk to re-offend or because they could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Crimes that generally don’t allow bail include:

• Murder (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree)
• Manslaughter
• Rape

5. The Defendant is Not a U.S Citizen

If the defendant is not a U.S citizen, the judge may deny bail. If the defendant is not a U.S. citizen, they are generally considered a flight risk because they may be deported if released.

Defense attorneys will need to build a case for why bail should be granted no matter the reason.

6. Defendant Missed Too Many Court Dates in the past

If the defendant missed too many court dates in the past, the judge might choose to deny bail. Having too many missed court dates is sometimes an indication that the defendant and his team are not taking the court seriously and may not be relied upon to show up.

It’s worth remembering that granting bail is a privilege, not a right. Not taking the court dates seriously may cause the judge to look unfavorably at the defendant.

7. There is Another Way to Ensure the Defendant Appears in Court

Even if the defendant doesn’t meet any of the above criteria, the judge may choose to deny bail if they feel there is another way to ensure the defendant appears in court.

For example, the defendant could be fitted with a GPS bracelet or required to check in with a probation officer regularly. Your defense attorney will build a case for why bail should be granted no matter the reason.

Work with a Reliable Team

Your defense attorney will have to work in building a case for why bail should be granted, but it’s important to remember that you may have more than one chance at this process if your first request is not approved.

For instance, the judge could decide to set conditions on your release or offer other alternatives to ensure that you’ll appear in court when required. Either way, you must be working with a reliable team.

Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds is a leading bail bond provider known for having highly effective strategies that help clients get out of jail quickly. Speak with our licensed bail agent today for a free consultation.

If you’ve been arrested for possession of marijuana or other drug paraphernalia in North Carolina, you might not have any idea where to start. What will happen? How will you be charged? Let’s take a look at what happens in this situation.

North Carolina Laws

The laws on possession vary greatly from state to state. North Carolina considers marijuana a Schedule VI substance. This means that it falls under the category of the lowest severity because the drug possesses little risk for dependence and addiction. Other drugs carry a higher rate and are therefore punished more severely. Continue reading “Arrested For Possession In North Carolina?”

Driving without a license is a serious crime that can cause some serious penalties for you. It is illegal, and when you are caught, you will have to face the consequences. Let’s take a look at what could happen if you are caught without your license.

Reasons For Having Your License Suspended

There are quite a few reasons that may have caused you to have your license revoked. The DMV and law expect that when you are issued a motor vehicle license, you will use it with respect and caution. If you don’t, they reserve the rights to revoke it at any time. Here is a list of some of the reasons why your license might be suspended or revoked. Continue reading “Driving With A Suspended License In North Carolina”