Bail Bonds: What You Should Know

08 January 2020

Paying bail bonds are not as simple as it seems. Knowing and having the right understanding of how these work, how it is determined, what the payment methods are, and other important issues are very important for anybody who is facing an arrest or who has an arrested loved one. There are several questions asked online to shed light and find out what bail bonds are all about which you may also have, click here to find out the answers.

What is Bail?

Bail

It is a term to describe the release of a person arrested for a criminal offense before the end of the criminal case. It can involve – but not every time – the defendant paying money to a court; this is not a punishment. It ensures the court that the defendant returns to the court now and then while the case is ongoing. It ensures the court that the defendant does not fail to go to court without having to keep him in custody all the time.

Bails are significant in both ends – the arrested and the authorities. It ensures that people, no matter if they have a case at court, are free and, also, it avoids having to jam-pack jails with offenders, while have not been convicted yet. With it, offenders can be released almost in any stage of the criminal justice process, either immediately after arrest or while the case is ongoing and the court has not issued a sentence yet. This means that if someone gets arrested, three possible scenarios can come to place: he is arrested and released without charge; he is arrested, charged, and released on bail; or he is arrested, charged and is held in custody until the verdict of the case comes out.

Schedule of Bails

This is a list of the amount of money applied to individual crimes and can be paid in terms of bails.

State laws determine the amount appropriated for a crime, and they decide whether the arrested individual be released without posting any bond at all or if the individual is allowed to post any or not; or if allowed to post bail, should it be posted (and individual is released with it) after booking or should they wait for a hearing. If the state laws allow for immediate release after the appropriate amount is paid, the defendant can post this immediately and release will follow. But if the state law requires a hearing, the defendant will not be able to pay immediately after booking and be released, instead, he will have to wait for the hearing to ensure before anything else.

Hearings

During a hearing, the court would determine the amount applicably. However, courts do not always allow this; they can also deny it according to applicable state laws. If allowed, the amount will be determined using the following factors as a basis:

Flight Risk Level:

Sometimes defendants would escape the system especially when they are facing possible major sentences such as death or life imprisonment. These defendants are most likely to flee and escape the penalties.

Degree of Connections to the Community:

An individual who has a strong connection to the community where he belongs would be less likely to flee. For example, a defendant who has a business in his locality or whose entire family is in that locality, he will have a lesser likelihood of fleeing compared to individuals who have nothing to lose in that locality.

Obligations in the Family:

Sometimes the court will consider and require lesser bail to defendants who are responsible for the well-being of his family or who have other dependents.

Assets and Incomes:

When a defendant has a lot of money and/or assets, he may likely not be considered for a low amount. If the defendant is employed, the court may consider that the defendant may likely lose the employment.

Court and Criminal Histories of Defendants:

Especially individuals who have had histories involving failures to appear in court will most likely have to face higher bonds compared to those who are first-timers in court. Also, the court would look into the number of times a person may have been granted bail and have violated conditions related to the given considerations or who have failed to appear in court. The court will most likely impose higher bond amounts to these individuals as compared to someone without such history.

The gravity of the Crime:

More serious crimes require higher bonds and lesser serious crimes require lower bond amounts.

Public Safety:

If the release of an accused individual would pose a risk to the safety of others and/or the community, the courts would most likely refuse to allow bail. Examples for these are cases of treason, rebellion, terrorism, or conspiracy – a defendant charged with these crimes would most likely not be allowed to post bail.

The Types of Bail Bonds

Most of the time bail bonds are associated with money. The notion is that when one is arrested and he has the money, he can get out of jail immediately. However, it is more complicated than that. There are several questions asked online to shed light and know what bail bonds are all about which you may also have.

Different states may have different types of bails, some may apply to another and in others, it may not. The different types may include cash bonds, signature bonds, property bonds, surety bonds, and others.

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From Collision To Compensation: Common Car Accident Types Where A Lawyer Is Essential

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern transportation, with data revealing startling statistics that highlight the prevalence of these incidents on our roads. In the United States, for instance, there are millions of car accidents each year, leading to a high number of injuries and fatalities. These numbers emphasize the importance of safety measures and preparedness should one find themselves involved in an auto accident. Amid the chaos following an accident, victims often face not only physical and emotional trauma but also complex legal and financial challenges. This is where the expertise of a car accident lawyer becomes indispensable. Securing fair compensation after an accident is not merely about filing insurance claims; it's about grasping the complexities of liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, pursuing legal action to ensure justice is served. A seasoned lawyer can steer through the maze of legal procedures to protect your rights effectively. As we proceed, we'll explore the five common types of car accidents where the counsel and advocacy of a knowledgeable lawyer are not just an advantage but a necessity for those seeking rightful recompense. Through their intervention, victims can hope to recover losses and focus on healing without the added burden of legal battles. #1 Rear-End Collisions: The Complexity Behind A Common Incident Despite their frequency on the road, rear-end collisions are anything but straightforward. They typically occur when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the back of another. This can happen for a variety of reasons ranging from sudden stops, and distracted driving to tailgating, or even slippery road conditions. The resulting injuries can range from minor whiplash to long-term spinal damage, depending on the severity of the impact. Establishing fault in these accidents often involves understanding the subtleties of traffic laws and driver duty of care, with most presumptions placing the blame on the trailing driver for not maintaining a proper distance or not paying attention. However, every case has unique factors that can complicate this assumption, such as if the lead driver performed an unpredictable maneuver or if there were malfunctions with one of the vehicles' brake lights. When seeking compensation, legal acumen becomes vital to managing the process of determining fault, especially when insurance companies are involved and injuries are serious enough to warrant a substantial claim. #2 T-Bone Accidents at Intersections: Sorting Through Liability T-bone accidents, often occurring at intersections, are severe collisions where the front of one vehicle crashes directly into the side of another, resembling the shape of a “T”. These crashes can lead to significant injuries and vehicle damage, making them among the most dangerous types of road incidents. Determining who is at fault in a T-bone accident can be complex, as it typically involves a scenario where one driver has failed to yield the right of way, possibly due to running a red light or stop sign or being distracted. Proving liability requires a close investigation and a clear understanding of traffic laws. In such cases, a lawyer becomes a key ally, possessing the expertise to sort out these challenges. They play a vital role in collecting evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and vehicle damage reports. What’s more, they bring experience in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure victims receive fair compensation for their losses. #3 Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: Untangling The Web Of Responsibility When several vehicles are involved in an accident, the result is not just physical wreckage but also a puzzle of accountability. Multi-vehicle pile-ups embody chaos on the roads, with each collision triggering another until a snarl of metal and motion brings travelers to a devastating halt. These massive accidents can make it incredibly challenging to discern the actions leading up to the commotion and to pinpoint the responsibilities of each driver involved. With numerous parties, each with their own perspective and different auto insurance policies, the situation often becomes remarkably complex. Given the multitude of potentially liable parties and the interrelated sequence of events that led to the accident, it is nearly impossible for an individual to manage the aftermath alone. This is why securing a legal expert is not just advisable but necessary. A skilled attorney can dissect the detailed aspects of the multi-car pile-up, coordinating effectively with several insurance companies to ensure that the burden of responsibility is assigned accurately and that justice is served in the knotted aftermath of such harrowing events. Read Also: Car Accidents in California- What Does the Law Say? #4 Hit-And-Run Incidents: Tracking Down The Culprit Hit-and-run accidents add a profound layer of complexity and distress to already traumatic situations. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, they leave behind not only physical damage and potential injuries but also a web of unanswered questions. To disentangle this web, a detailed investigative process springs into action. Authorities begin by gathering all available clues from the scene - think skid marks, vehicle parts, and eyewitness accounts. Law enforcement may also call upon surveillance footage or traffic camera data to piece together the fleeting moments before and after the incident. Amidst the investigation, those affected by hit-and-runs can find solace in legal support. An experienced lawyer becomes invaluable in such cases, providing guidance and advocacy. These professionals are adept at understanding the subtleties of the law and can be key in securing due compensation. They work tirelessly to uncover the identity of the hit-and-run driver and utilize uninsured motorist policies to ensure that victims receive coverage for their losses. The path to justice can be winding and uncertain, but with a combination of thorough investigation and skilled legal representation, the chances of holding the culprit accountable increase greatly. #5 Drunk Driving Crashes: Advocating For Justice And Compensation The traumatic impact of collisions caused by inebriated drivers cannot be understated. These accidents come with severe repercussions, not just physically and emotionally, but also in terms of the legal consequences that accompany them. Drunk driving, universally condemned and vigorously prosecuted, often results in punitive damages—a kind of legal retribution that goes beyond compensatory measures, aiming to punish the offender and deter future misconduct. Nevertheless, deconstructing the legal challenges surrounding such sensitive cases calls for a strategic approach that an experienced attorney can provide. Skilled lawyers play an important role in ensuring that justice is served by effectively advocating on behalf of victims and their families. They tirelessly work to secure fair compensation, addressing the profound losses incurred while maneuvering through the legal framework. In these trying times, an attorney doesn't just serve as legal representation, but also as a steadfast pillar of support in the pursuit of justice and rightful compensation for those affected by the negligent acts of others. In the aftermath of a car accident, the importance of having legal expertise cannot be overemphasized. Dealing with the complications that arise can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to managing insurance claims, potential litigation, and securing fair compensation for injuries and damages. Individuals need to consider the extensive benefits that consulting a car accident lawyer can bring to their case. These professionals offer more than just legal advice; they provide a shield against the tactics of insurance companies and the legal mazes that can baffle anyone without a law degree. A car accident lawyer works to ensure that your best interests are represented, aiming for optimal outcomes that might not be achievable without their specialized knowledge and experience. Additional: Steps To Follow After A Car Accident Steps to Filing a Car Accident Claim in Waukegan Philadelphia Residents: How A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You?

Things to Know about Surveillance Methods

Surveillance is the method of closely observing a person, object, or place. This is the art and practice of watching a subject so that the person who does the investigating, often called as a detective or investigator, can document the whereabouts, interactions, and other things about it. Many people employ surveillance when there are cases of missing people, cheating spouses, vandalism, fraud, worker compensation cases, theft, and criminal investigations. Here are the Most Common Types of Surveillance There are a lot of ways that an investigator can carry out the surveillance of a subject. You will find tools such as electronics and technology that can make the job easier. There are also jobs such as physical observations and conducting interviews that can be used during the process. When it comes to electronic surveillance, this often utilizes devices such as wiretapping, CCTV cameras, television, radios, and others so that the investigator can document the activity. They can monitor their subjects’ email, social media accounts, or even hack their phones for information. There are also ways, such as physical observation. This involves following the subject anywhere he will go. This often includes stakeouts and disguises so that the individual being investigated will not become suspicious. There are cases when the person of interest is already caught, and the physical observation is done through the jail cell. Other investigators utilize interviews. They are often conducted to gain as much information as possible about the subject. The people that are interviewed are usually close to the person under investigation. They can be friends, neighbors, family, co-workers, and others. There are technical ways to watch a subject closely. This can involve photography where most cunning detectives take pictures of what happened during the day or night. Other technology can involve the use of audio recordings and videos. Some examples of these are dashcams used by drivers and surveillance cameras used by the police. Tactics Used for the Job Others employ tactics as part of the job. There is covert and overt. The overtones are surveillance cameras often used in convenience stores to prevent customers from stealing. The covert one is an undetected way of trailing a subject from a distance. There are times when the subject is mobile. This means that he can move freely, and the detectives often follow the person of interest anywhere. This can be done while on foot or riding a vehicle. There are times when the subject is stationary such as in cases of prison cells or when they parked their car the outside of a store and stay there for long periods. Mechanical investigations often involve the use of camcorders, voice recorders, cameras, videos, and other equipment. Human investigation can be done by checking files, and the source of information came from the team that makes the inquiry. Learn more through instructors with field knowledge about surveillance in sites such as Investive learning. You can get tangible skills and awareness if you are interested in this kind of field by talking to the right people. Why Do You Need Surveillance? There are lots of reasons why surveillance is conducted. These reasons can include preventing crime, obtain evidence, document the person’s current location, note the activities of the place where the person is, to get more pieces of information through interrogation, and to obtain other pertinent proof that can be used in court. Some conduct surveillance with their properties, spouse, or children so that they know their whereabouts and the status of the family. Most people have a sense of security when they know that their husbands or wives are not cheating behind their backs. Others want proof that their money, assets, and properties are safe. How Does a Surveillance Usually Work? The investigator will schedule a meeting with the client. They will ask about their expectations, what they want to happen, and the end result of the whole investigation. The detective may require a background check on the subject. He will note the physical description, phone number, full name, photographs, and other important information about the subject. The detective will then familiarize themselves with the area where they will be doing the surveillance. Familiarity with the location means that they can do the inspection at any time of the day. The person investigating can decide on the equipment that they will use, such as tinted windows, cameras, dash cams, videos, and more. They will plan a practical and reasonable explanation in case they are caught. Most of the investigators will follow the subject, and they keep several things in mind. These things can include never making eye contact or not walking by the house more than ones. Extensive notes are then taken, and the report should be very accurate.

Why You Should Never Try to Defend Yourself in Court

After an arrest, some defendants may consider trying to represent themselves in court to save money. However, this is not going to work out well and could mean they not only end up convicted but receive the maximum penalties as well. It's not a good idea for any defendant to try to handle the court case on their own, Here are the reasons why you should never try to defend yourself in court: It's Too Easy to Make Incriminating Statements Defendants tend to hope they can talk their way out of an arrest; or convince a judge to drop the charges. However, while doing this, many will inadvertently say something that proves to the arresting officers or the judge that they're guilty. A lawyer, on the other hand, knows what to say to avoid incriminating statements. Ready to learn more about how a lawyer can help? You can find more at hopelefeber.com now. There's Tons of Paperwork and Deadlines Court cases involve a ton of paperwork, all of which need to be filled out properly. And many different deadlines that must be followed. Even missing one part of a file or missing a deadline by a day can have devastating consequences, and it can be very difficult to keep up with everything. Lawyers have experience with this, however, and will make sure everything is filled out completely and no deadlines are missed. It's Hard to be Objective Defendants will find they have a hard time being objective about the case; which means they can't really look at it from the prosecutor's point of view or see it how a jury might see it. They're simply too close to the case; which means they can miss important information that could make a difference in how their case is handled. Rules of Evidence are Incredible Complex The rules of evidence must be followed, but aren't always. In some cases, this could mean the defendant can have evidence dismissed, which will help their case because there will be less evidence against them. However, the defendant won't necessarily understand the rules of evidence because they are incredibly complex. This could mean they miss out on a good way to fight the charges. Court Procedures Need to be Followed A failure to follow court procedures can have a devastating impact on a case. The defendant may understand the steps in the criminal process, but they won't know all of the procedures that have to be followed during each step. Missing something could mean they end up convicted of the crime and could impact their sentencing negatively. When it comes to criminal charges, trying to defend against them without help from a lawyer is never a good idea. There are too many potential mistakes that can be made that will leave the defendant with a worse outcome than they expected. Instead, it's always a good idea to work with an experienced lawyer. And to ensure the right help is obtained as early on in the legal process as possible. Read Also: Why Are Court Reporters Necessary? Dating versus Courtship: Which is right for you How to Choose the Best Murfreesboro Criminal Defense Attorney

Bail Bonds: What You Should Know

What is Bail?

Schedule of Bails