Facts About DUI Bail Bonds

Posted on July 21, 2017 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

DUI Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

It can happen to anyone. Just one drink can put a driver over the legal limit for blood alcohol content. If you are pulled over after you’ve had a few drinks, the best course of action is to remain calm, act normal, and fully cooperate with the officer. If you are arrested under a DUI charge, or “driving under the influence” charge, then you can expect a few things to happen before you can be bailed out of jail.

Whether you are reading this to prepare yourself for the possibility of ever being pulled over while driving under the influence, or to get information for a friend or loved one who has been arrested for a DUI, there are some important facts to know in order to make the process easier.

Prior to Posting Bail for a DUI

There are some things that must happen first, before you can post bail for a drunk driving charge. The first step is a field sobriety test, blood test, and ride to the county jail. The next step is to get booked and processed into the jail’s database. This includes collecting and confiscating personal belongings, gathering personal information, fingerprinting, photo, and more.

Once a person has been booked and processed, they are given the opportunity to make some phone calls if they are on good behavior. But before the person can post bail, bail must be set. A judge sets bail for a person who has been arrested, and the time it takes to get your bail set differs depending on a variety of factors, such as jail traffic, judge’s schedule, and more.

For those who are arrested for the first time under a DUI charge, their bail is usually set under $10,000 unless they were involved in an accident that seriously harmed other people or property. A bail bond company will facilitate a person’s release from jail for a set percentage of the total bail amount. This fee is non-refundable, but much more convenient than paying the courts the full amount in cash or property upfront.

The most important fact to know about DUI arrests is the amount of time you can expect to wait. Unlike other types of charges, intoxication charges will put a person in jail longer. That is because jails cannot book and process an inmate unless they are fully-coherent and sober. In most jails, 8 hours is the common time period used to ensure sobriety. Once this time has passed, a person can then be processed and their bail can be set. So if your friend or loved one was arrested at night for a DUI, get some rest and call a Noblesville bail bondsman in the morning. There is nothing else you can do for them until then.

Noblesville Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for fast and friendly bail bond services in Hamilton County, Indiana. We offer 24 hour bail bonds, county and state bonding, free jail and inmate information, and we serve several other cities in Indiana; including Boone County, Madison County, Marion County, and more.

How is Bail Set After an Arrest?

Posted on June 15, 2017 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

Noblesville Bail Bondsman 317-919-2489

When a person is arrested, they must be given a court appearance within the first 24 hours. This initial court appearance is sometimes called an arraignment, but is mostly referred to as a bail hearing. At this hearing, the offender will learn the charges against them and be given an opportunity to enter into a plea agreement. This is called a bail hearing because it is also when the judge sets a person’s bail. They have the power to grant bail privileges and set a bail amount, or deny bail and keep the offender detain until their trial hearing.

Continue reading to learn how bail is set by a judge after an arrest.

Judges Set Bail

In most states, there is a bail schedule that predetermines bail amounts for particular levels of offenses. Judges generally stick to using this standard practice for bail. However, judges have the power to alter the bail schedule for a particular crime if they believe it is necessary. They can lower or raise the bail amount, or they can abolish the right to bail altogether.

The most common factors that influence a judge’s decision in altering the bail schedule include the severity of the offense, the offenders past criminal history, pending charges against the defendant, age, likeliness to flee, employment, and more.

A judge can also release an offender on their “own recognizance”, also referred to as “O.R.”, which means the judge does not believe the offender is a flight risk, and allows them to be released from jail on the stipulation that they appear for all their scheduled court hearings.

Once Bail is Set

Once a judge sets a person’s bail, that person can be processed into the jail system and then bonded out. They can choose to pay the entire bail amount in cash, and then receive their monies back when they complete all of their court-related obligations; or, they can pay a bail bond company a fraction of the bond amount, but this is a non-refundable fee. Most people choose to use a bail bondsman because it is more convenient that giving up all your cash for a release from jail. Many people cannot afford to pay the jail thousands of dollars, so paying a bail bondsman a few hundred is more cost-effective.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 to speak with a friendly Hamilton County bail bondsman about surrendering to an arrest warrant or getting a loved one out of jail in Indiana. We offer 24 hour bail bonds, county and state bonding, free jail and inmate information, and we serve several other cities in Indiana, including Boone County, Madison County, Marion County, and more! Call 317-919-2489 to request a free estimate, today.

Can I Get Bonded Out of Jail if I Have Bad Credit?

Posted on May 19, 2017 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

Noblesville Bail Bondsman 317-919-2489

Many people worry that they cannot get bonded out of jail if they have bad credit. Likewise, many others wonder if bailing a friend out of a jail will affect their credit score in any way. If you are one of these people, there are two facts you should know right now: 1) you can post bond with bad credit, and 2) you are in the right place if you need to obtain a release from jail, whether for a friend or for your own arrest warrant. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about bonds and credit scores.

Bad Credit Scores

When you are asking about your credit score, it is important to know that there are several different credit scoring models, and they use different scoring scales. If you are checking your credit, be sure to use a qualified and reputable company that can provide an accurate FICO score. In general terms, a FICO score below 600 is considered bad credit. Furthermore, scores between 600 and 649 are poor, scores between 650 and 699 are fair, scores between 700 and 749 are good, and anything score above 750 is considered excellent.

Bail and Credit

If your FICO score is below 650, it is considered a bad credit score, or non-standard, in the surety industry. However, with a bad credit score, you can still apply and be approved for a bail bond, but you will likely have to pay more. However, if you have a credit score above 650, but have certain implications on your credit report, such as significant tax liens or civil judgements against you, you may be considered a high-risk client. In this case, a bail bondsman may refuse to provide their services, or they will have to charge more.

Bad Credit and the Cost of Bail

Generally, if a person has bad credit, they can expect to pay more for bail bonds. The price for bail bonds is regulated by the state insurance department, which remains between 10 and 15 percent. If a person has bad credit, a bail bond company may choose to charge on the higher end, around 15%, rather than the standard ten percent.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for fast and friendly bail bond services in Hamilton County, Indiana. We offer 24 hour bail bonds, county and state bonding, free jail and inmate information, and we serve several other cities in Indiana; including Boone County, Madison County, Marion County, and more.

Uptown Bail Bonds Offers Assistance With Arrest Warrants in Hamilton County

Posted on April 26, 2017 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

Don’t Let an Arrest Warrant Intimidate You.

Our licensed bail agents will ensure you get a speedy release from jail after you surrender.

Noblesville Bail Bondsman 317-919-2489

Uptown Bail Bonds is a bail bond company built on a foundation of family values, like respect, integrity, and quality. That is why we remain devoted to helping those in need of bail in Hamilton County, Indiana. Our doors stay open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week so that we may provide safe and secure bail bond services even at the most unlikely of times.

Regardless of your criminal charges, our friendly bail bondsmen never judge because we believe you are innocent until proven guilty! Even if you are guilty, we understand that your criminal charges are not a reflection of who you are, so we stay open-minded and provide service to anyone in need. When you walk through our doors, you know we are on your side.

Arrest Warrants Aren’t So Bad With Us On Your Side

Managing an arrest warrant may be one of the scarier legal requirements you may face, but it doesn’t have to be. With our licensed and insured bail bondsmen in your corner, you can feel confident that the surrender process won’t be uncomfortable or intimidating. We can prearrange your bail bond before taking you to the jail ourselves. This way, you can be released from jail as soon as they are done booking you into the database. Afterwards, we will pick you up and take you back to our office to complete the paperwork!

The booking process is also referred to as “processing”, and can take as little as one hour to complete. We help you confront your arrest warrant and answer to it, all on behalf of you. All you have to do is go to jail for a few hours or less, and then you are done! Simply show up for all your court hearings and adhere to all conditions of the bail bond agreement, and you are in good shape! You can finally put your outstanding arrest warrant behind you.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for affordable and fast arrest warrant bail bonds in Noblesville, Indiana. We are on-duty 24 hours a day, so there is never a bad time to call. Whether you have questions or need assistance, we are the professionals to trust for sage and secure bail bond services in Hamilton County. Call 317-919-2489 to finally address an outstanding arrest warrant that has been holding you back from being truly happy.

Do I Get My Money Back for a Bail Bond?

Posted on February 17, 2017 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

Noblesville Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

This is one of the most common questions about bail asked in the bail bond industry. Bail bonds are not only expensive, they can be confusing too. Not all bail money is reimbursed; it depends on the method of bond posting you choose. Be sure to talk to a licensed bail bondsman for specific bail bond information in your county. They can clearly explain your options for posting bail in a language you can understand. In the meantime, continue reading to review 3 of the most common methods of posting bond, and learn which
methods will get you your money back.

❶ Surety Bail

Hiring a bail bondsman to write a surety bond is the most common and preferred method for posting bail because it is the cheaper option, but also because it is safe, secure, and convenient. When you choose to hire a bail bondsman, you can expect to sign a bail bond agreement, which is a contractual agreement that bonds you to certain liability if the inmate does not meet the terms and conditions of the contract. And then you can expect to pay a non-refundable fee that is a percentage of the total bond amount. This percentage is state regulated, and generally ranges between 10 and 15 percent. A bail agent cannot charge more or less than the regulated limit. In some cases, the limit is reduced to 8%. So if the total bond amount is $2500, you can expect to pay anywhere from 8 to 15 percent of that amount for a bail bond. And you will not get your money back. In fact, if the person using the bail bond does not obey all terms and conditions, you have to pay the remaining bond amount on top of the money you already paid.

❷ Cash Bail

If you want your money back, you can choose to post bond with cash. But you will have to pay the entire amount upfront. This is the lesser used method because many people do not have the cash available to pay their bond premium. Bonds are generally in the thousands, and some as high as $50,000 or more depending on the criminal charges and criminal history. However, if a person chooses cash bail, they can simply pay the entire bond premium to obtain a release from jail, and they do not need a bail agent to do so. They can do it on their own. The money is returned so long as they attend all scheduled court hearings. If they miss a scheduled court hearing, all money is forfeited and will not be returned.

❸ Property Bonds

The rarest form of posting bond is the use of property bonds. In this case, a person would “put up” property or assets in return for a release from jail. Upon appearing for all scheduled court hearings, they will receive their property back. This can be done directly through the courts, or through a bail bond company. Property includes real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and more. If a court hearing is missed, the courts will seize the property and not return it.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 to get out of the Hamilton County Jail in Noblesville, Indiana. We are licensed and insured bail bond agents who provide fast and friendly, 24 hour bail bond services in Hamilton County. Call 317-919-2489 to request a free estimate for Hamilton County bail bonds, today.

FAQS About Bail Bond Prices

Posted on January 27, 2017 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

Noblesville Bail Bondsman 317-919-2489

There are so many questions that run through a person’s head when they get the news that a friend or loved one has just been arrested. And rightfully so; learning of a loved one’s arrest is alarming enough, but undertaking the responsibility of posting their bond is another level of stress. Fortunately, you can get anyone out of jail with the help of a local bail bondsman, so long as their charge is not murder. A bail bondsman will ask you for some pertinent information regarding your loved one’s situation.

So before calling a bail bond agency, have this information ready to go if you can:

➜ First and Last Name
➜ City/County of Arrest
➜ County Jail (optional)
➜ Booking Number(optional)
➜ Bond Amount

If you know the first and last name of the person who was arrested, as well as the county they were arrested in, the bail bondsman can secure the county jail and booking number for you. However, having this information ready for the bail agent makes the process a little more efficient.

Bail Bond Prices

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Aside from having questions about obtaining a bail bond and release from jail, almost everyone has questions about bail bond prices. And you can never be too informed when it comes to money. Continue below for some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this topic, and perhaps get some answers for yourself before contacting the bail bond company.

Can a Bail Bondsman Offer a Discount on the Bail Bond Premium?

No matter what you’ve heard about bail bond discounts, they simply do not exist. If prices among bail bondsmen differ, it is because individual agencies are choosing a different state-regulated minimum and maximum for bail bonds. See below.

Is One Bail Bondsman Cheaper Than Another?

There are cheaper bail bonds in some counties as compared to others. It all depends on what the Department of Insurance allows, and whatever a bondsman chooses to sell their services for. The general state minimum and maximum is 10 to 15%, but some are as low as 8%. Talk to your trusted bail bondsman for the current state minimum for bail bonds.

What Collateral Do Bail Bond Companies Accept?

Acceptable collateral for bail bonds vary among bail bondsmen. It is usually a personal preference as to what they will and will not accept, and also personal discretion as to who they choose to accept it from. Examples of collateral commonly accepted in the bail bonds industry include real estate, cars, credit cards, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, jewelry, and personal credit.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for Hamilton County bail bonds you can trust. We offer 24 hour bail bond services in Noblesville and its surrounding neighborhoods. Contact us anytime to request free estimates and jail information, or to perform an inmate search. Our Noblesville bail bondsmen are eager to get you out of jail in Hamilton County, Indiana.

Common Types of Bail Bonds

Posted on November 14, 2016 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

Noblesville Bail Bondsman 317-919-2489

Most people out there are familiar with bail bonds, and some have even experienced a situation in which they have outsourced their services. On the other hand, there are several people out there who are unaware that there are different types of bail bonds used to obtain a release from jail.

Below you will learn about the most well-known and commonly-used bail bonds in the industry.

A Surety Bond

This type of bond is also referred to as a bail bond. It is the most general and most commonly used bail bond in the industry. A bail bond agency will coordinate the bail bond for a person and charge a non-refundable fee, usually 10-15% of the total bond amount, depending on the state. This promises a quicker release from jail, rather than waiting for a court date, which can take anywhere from weeks to months. If the person pays for the bail bond service, they are required to sign into a contract and a promise that they will show up for their scheduled court date. If they do not appear for court, the bail bond company has a warrant issued for their arrest and they are listed as a fugitive of the law.

A Property Bond

There are instances when a person has been arrested for a major offense and the bond amount is very high. Not everyone in these circumstances has the cash they need to pay for their bail; so instead, they pursue a property bond. This is the case in which a person puts up the rights to high-priced personal assets, such as houses, land, businesses, cars, and anything else with equivalent value of the bond.

Once they appear and complete their court hearings, their property can be returned. If the person is released from jail on a property bond and they fail to appear for court, they forfeit the asset they fronted for the property bond. They will also have an arrest warrant issued for their arrest and they will more than likely not receive another chance to be bailed from jail.

Being Released on Your Own Recognizance

This is a type of bond that is used for minor offenses like traffic violations. In the instance that a person is being released on their own recognizance, the federal law allows them to leave jail and be released, but only with the mutual understanding that the person is required to appear for their scheduled court date, as well as avoid any more criminal behavior.

Being Release on Citation

The very minor crimes, like j-walking, will be addressed with a citation release. This is when a police officer will write a person a ticket on the spot, and they usually have to call a number or go to the courthouse and pay a small fine. This is a strategy used to avoid over-crowding in county and local jails.

Noblesville Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 to get out of jail in Noblesville, Indiana. Our team of highly-trained and licensed bail bondsmen have over 30 years of experience in the industry and offer a wide range of bail bond services, including probation violation bonds, immigration bonds, federal bonds, property bonds, and more. Call 317-919-2489 for Noblesville bail bonds and more, today.

Can a Bail Bondsman Arrest Someone?

Posted on October 24, 2016 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

One of the most common questions about bail bondsmen has to do with their authority according to law. As a result of common misconceptions portrayed on the big screen, many people wonder if a bail bondsman can place someone under arrest. No matter what you’ve seen on television and in the movies, a bail bondsman is not THAT. They are not hardened vigilantes tracking down fugitives with a posse of vigilante-wannabes.

Instead, they are local business owners with a passion for helping people secure a safe and speedy release from jail. And often times, they even provide additional legal services, such as notaries. Continue reading to learn about bail bondsmen and whether or not they can arrest a person for committing a crime.

Bail Bondsmen Duties

The primary purpose of a bail bondsman is to cover a defendant’s full bond amount and secure them a safe and legal release from jail. Bonds are generally high, often averaging in the low to mid-thousands. A DUI arrest could impose a $5,000 bond. When a person cannot afford to pay that full amount to get released from jail, they call an indemnitor (bail bondsman) to cover the bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable fee and a signed contractual agreement. One of the most important terms of a bail bond agreement is that the defendant must show up for all scheduled court hearings.

Authorization to Arrest

In this case, a bail bondsman does not have the legal authority to hunt the fugitive down and arrest them. Instead, they simply revoke the fugitive’s bond and have a warrant issued for their arrest. This way, the rightful authorities are notified to detain the fugitive and bring them to court to face their penalties. In most states, skipping bond is considered a separate crime, so it comes with a separate set of penalties. This means that the crime would be added on to the original set of penalties and criminally charges incurred in the first place.

When it comes to using a bail bond, the most important thing to remember is to follow the rules. As long as you follow all the rules, namely showing up for court and refraining from committing more crimes, then you should be in good shape. Be sure to choose a trusted bail bond company that has experience in the local court and jail system.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for fast and friendly Hamilton County bail bonds you can trust. We are a family-owned and operated bail bond company that offers friendly and fast bail bond services for all arrests and arrest warrants. You can count on us for friendly service and speedy release is from the Hamilton County jail. Call 317-919-2489 to request an estimate for Noblesville bail bonds, today.

How to Do an Inmate Search in Hamilton County Indiana

Posted on September 27, 2016 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

Was your friend or loved one recently arrested near Noblesville, Carmel, or Fishers, Indiana? Are you unsure whether or not they were arrested at all? If so, you need to perform an inmate search to confirm your loved one’s arrest and determine their exact location and detainment status.

Continue reading to learn more about inmate searches and how to do one for Hamilton County arrests.

Hamilton County Inmate Search

There are several options for conducting an inmate search in Hamilton County, Indiana. Since so many websites offer inmate search services, you can simply type “Inmate Search” into your internet’s search browser and find thousands of results. Just be careful when choosing an inmate search portal. There are many unsecured portals that may steal your personal information, access your files, or damage your computer.

First choose a reliable and secure company, and then type “Hamilton County Indiana” into the portal’s search bar. Be prepared to pay a small fee for online inmate search services. And since they are done online, you will need to use either a credit card or third-party paying account like Paypal®.

Although there are many websites that offer federal and national inmate searches, the best method for locating a person in jail is to call a local bail bondsman. A licensed, bonded, and insured Hamilton County Bail Bond Company is the most secure and reliable source for finding out arrest, jail, and inmate information for the city. Although there might still be a small fee involved, you will work with a live bail bondsman who can answer all your questions accurately and upfront. Also, if your loved one is in the Hamilton County Jail, you can simply hire your bail bondsman to get them out. This method is efficient, convenient, and cost-effective.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 when you need a bail bondsman in Hamilton County, Indiana. We offer 24 hour bail bond services for anyone arrested in the Noblesville, Carmel, or Fishers areas. Our licensed and insured bail bondsmen provide inmate searches, jail information, jail pickup and drop-off services, and much more. Trust our friendly staff to get you or a loved one out of Hamilton County Jail. Call 317-919-2489 to request an estimate for Hamilton County bail bonds, today.

The Consequences of Jumping Bail

Posted on August 18, 2016 by bailbondshamiltoncounty

Obtaining a release from jail by means of a bail bond is an effort that is worth the outcome. But when a bail bond company bails a person out of jail, there are several strings attached. And these strings are very strict and mandatory under law. One of the most important responsibilities of a defendant is to show up, on time, for all scheduled court hearings. After being bailed out of jail, if a defendant fails to appear (FTA) for a court date, they are committing a crime called “bail jumping”, which comes with a separate set of penalties all on its own.

If a defendant chooses to disobey this condition, as well as any other the terms and conditions of their bail, they will face a list of legal ramifications and penalties, including fines, fees, court hearings, and even possible jail time. If you or someone you love is prepared to skip their upcoming court hearing, then be aware that this will instantly revoke their bail (or yours) and set them (or you) on a very difficult and detrimental path. Continue reading to learn the consequences for jumping bail, and perhaps save yourself or your loved one from a future of legal troubles.

Bail Jumping is a Crime

When a person fails to appear for a scheduled court date after being bailed out of jail, they are jumping bail, which is a crime. They will instantly forfeit their bond and a bench warrant will be issued for their re-arrest. If a person fails to appear for court as a result of circumstances beyond their control, and they can provide tangible evidence to support this, it is possible for the courts to set aside their bail bond forfeiture.

But this is rare. That’s because in order to convict a person of bail jumping, prosecution need only provide proof that the defendant knowingly and intentionally failed to appear for court. And they do this easily with the very documents a defendant signed as they were released on bail, including the bail agreement that specifically states the date of their court hearing, as well as, the multiple notices sent to the home address they provided at the time they signed the bail agreement.

Consequences

If charged with bail jumping, a defendant can expect:

Additional Criminal Charges
Money/Property Forfeiture
Revoked Bail
Bench Warrant
Turning Themselves in to Police
Fines
Court Costs and Attorney Fees

Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 to get out of jail in Hamilton County, Indiana. We are licensed, bonded, and insured bail bondsmen that provide a wide range of fast and friendly Noblesville bail bonds for anyone in the Hamilton County Jail. From probation violations and misdemeanors, to arrest warrants, felonies, and more, we can get you out of jail for most offenses! Call 317-919-2489 for 24 hour bail bonds in Noblesville, IN today.