Will Posting Bail Hurt My Credit Score?

When a person is arrested on moderate to serious criminal charges, it can take some time for a judge to set their bail. But in most states, minor infractions and misdemeanors generally have set bail amounts that are automatically assigned depending on the charges. This allows a person to post bail within hours of being arrested. Once they are processed into the jail’s database, it is time for them to make that dreaded phone call that no one wants to make or get: the call to get bailed out of jail.

Whether a person is having a loved one co-sign for their bail bond, paying the entire bond amount, or posting their own bail, they always have questions. And one of the most common questions has to do with credit scores. Almost everyone wants to know if posting bail will negatively affect their credit score. Continue reading to learn the facts.

Bail Bonds and Credit Scores

Co-signing for a bail bond, or posting bail in general, will not negatively affect a person’s credit score. It simply cannot. However, the means by which you pay for posting bail can. For instance, if you max out a credit card to pay the entire bond amount for a release from jail, and then your payments are delinquent, it will impact your credit score. Also, if you put up collateral (such as your house) and then violate the bond agreement, you could risk losing your asset and be forced to file for bankruptcy.

Most often, a person’s credit score is affected by bail bonds when they are unable to pay the bail bond agency and then sent to collections. If you are worried about your credit score, but need to bail a loved one out of jail, talk to a trusted bail bond company in the same county. They will educate you on the truth about bail bonds and credit scores, and perhaps work with your budget to obtain a safe and secure release from jail.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for prompt and professional bail bond services in Hamilton County, Indiana. We are friendly, compassionate, and experienced Indianapolis bail bondsmen that can get you out of Hamilton County Jail at a moments’ notice. That’s because we offer emergency bail bonds 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Call 317-919-2489 when you need Hamilton County bail bonds, fast.

How to Post Your Own Bail

Sadly, not everyone has the option of calling a friend or loved one for help posting bail after being arrested. Not because the jail revokes their phone privileges, and not necessarily because they don’t have any friends or family, but because certain circumstances simply don’t allow it. Whether for pride, employment protection, or something else, sometimes a person must post their bail all on their own. Fortunately, there are convenient ways to do so. If you currently have an arrest warrant and need to surrender soon, continue reading and
learn how to post your own bail.

Get Booked and Processed

Be prepared to wait while jail staff books all the inmates. This could take anywhere from an hour to several hours, depending on the amount of traffic. The booking process includes mugshot, finger printing, gathering of personal information, and more. Once you have been processed through the system, you will be led back to the holding cell and given the opportunity to make phone calls. Jails will allow as many phone calls as you need to arrange a release from jail. However, bad behavior will take away this privilege until they believe you are ready.

Then Make a Choice

To post your own bail, you have two options. You can choose to pay the entire bond amount in cash at the jail, or you can choose to pay a small percentage of your total bond amount by hiring a bail bond company. If you pay cash for your full bond, your payment will be refunded back to you when you show up for all court hearings. If you use a bail bond company, the percentage you pay is a non-refundable fee. Even if you have the thousands of dollars to pay your full bond amount in cash doesn’t mean it is a wise choice. You don’t want to empty your bank account for a release from jail. Choose a bail bond service for a more practical and simple way to get out of jail.

Call a Bail Bond Company

A bail bond company will only charge you a small percentage of your total bond amount, and although non-refundable, it is a highly-worthwhile investment. Make a phone call to a local bail bond company located near the county jail you are locked up in. Then tell them your information and they will take it from there! They will provide supportive, professional bail bond services, and can even pick you up from jail and drop you off at their office to complete the rest of the paperwork.

Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds

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. We offer fast and friendly 24 hour bail bonds for anyone arrested in Noblesville, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our experienced bail bondsmen are happy to help you surrender to an arrest warrant, bail yourself out of jail, and provide professional guidance. Call 317-919-2489 to request a free estimate or bail bond information, any time.

Common Misconceptions About the Bail Bond Industry

There are several topics within the bail bonds industry that have been misconstrued, twisted around, forgotten about, and much more. Let’s set the story straight with a few examples of some bail bond facts and their corresponding “myths” that people incorrectly associate with bail services. Continue reading to learn a few interesting misconceptions about bail bonds and the accurate truths and explanations behind them all.

Bail Bondsmen and Bounty Hunters

Many people assume bail bondsmen are bounty hunters. Movies, television shows, and more have all given men and women false perspectives on what a bail bondsman actually does for a living. Bail bondsmen are not bounty hunters; in fact, bounty hunters are not legal in all states. Bounty hunters are contractors for bail bondsmen. In some cities, a bail agent will hire a bounty hunter to track down and bring in a high profile fugitive. In other states, this practice is illegal. Basically, bounty hunters are fugitive recovery agents; while bail bondsmen are generally responsible for underwriting bail bonds and ensuring that defendants show up for their scheduled court dates. Research your state’s ordinances on bounty hunting to see where your local legislature stands.

Women in the Industry

It is commonly assumed that all bail agents are men. This is simply not true. There are numerous female bail agents in the industry that perform just the same as men, if not better. Often times, people naturally associate bail agents with men because of the first myth mentioned in this article. The truth is bail agents are not seeing action, on the run after fugitives, and engaging in hostile investigations; as seen on television. Bail agents are desk workers that help cover bond amounts for a small non-refundable fee; as well as, ensure a defendant’s presence in court. This is a job easily, and often times, done by either a man or woman.

More Misunderstandings

Bail bonds are not the same thing as bail. This is another common misunderstanding. Bail represents the amount of money set by the courts to get out of jail; whereas, bail bonds are the documents and methods used to pay that bond amount and get a person out of jail to await their future court date.

Also, there are rumors that say one bail bondsman is cheaper than the other. This is far from the truth. Bail bond rates are mandated and controlled by local governments. A bail bondsman can only charge the allotted percentage set by law. If it is cheaper to bail one friend out of jail compared to another, it is not because the services were less expensive; it was because the bond amounts set by their courts were different. The bond amount is calculated by past offenses current charges, and more; so it is different for everyone.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

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 service in Noblesville, Indiana and its surrounding areas. We provide a wide range of bail services, as well as, county and state bonding, free jail info, and 24 hour services. For quality Hamilton County bail bond services and information you can trust, call Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 today.

Discounted Bail Bonds are Not a Real Thing

Bail bondsmen that have been in the industry for some time have probably received numerous phone calls about discounted bail bonds. This is because there are several immoral, fly-by-the-night, bail bond companies that will occasionally advertise false bail bond prices. Don’t become of a victim by falling prey to false advertising like this. Continue reading to learn what these false advertisements generally offer, and which bail bond prices to trust.

5 Percent Bail Bonds are Fake

The most common false advertisement for bail bonds is a 5% rate. This means an unethical “bail bondsman” will offer bail bonds at five percent a defendant’s total bond amount. Not only is this unethical, it is illegal and untrue. The government regulates how much a bail bond agency can charge for their services. Companies are legally obligated to obey these price limitations and allowances. The percentage differs from state to state, but all states have regulated bail bond prices. In all states, bail bond companies are allowed to charge between 10% and 15% of a defendants total bond amount. Here is an example:

If Joey is arrested for a DUI and the court sets a $5,000 bond for his release from jail to await trial, a bail bondsman can legally charge anywhere between $500 and $750.

A bail bond agency will charge between the two above-mentioned percentages depending on liability and personal preference. If a person has been arrested multiple times and has failed to appear for court in the past, a bail bondsman might decide to charge higher on the percentage spectrum, or simply deny service altogether.

Never trust a bail bond company that is claiming to charge anything less than the state-mandatory percentages for bail bonds. Discount bail bonds, “cheap” bail bonds, and price-cuts for bail bonds are not real. Not only do they not exist, they are illegal and unethical. If you come across a company advertising these lies, simply move on to the next reliable bail bond agency.

Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Hamilton County Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

For 24 hour bail bonds in Hamilton County, call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 any time. We are licensed bail bondsmen with decades of experience in the industry. We offer safe and secure releases from the Hamilton County Jail, as well as, a long list of additional bail bond services and conveniences, including jail pickup and drop off. Our friendly bail bond agents are happy to answer your questions about bail, bonds, jail, and more. Just call 317-919-2489 and speak with a licensed Hamilton County bail bondsman in Noblesville, IN today.

Advantages of Bail Bond Services

When a person is arrested and taken to jail, it does not mean they are a bad person. In fact, it is a great reminder that bad things can happen to good people. In the case that a friend or loved one is arrested, the first thing that comes to mind for the both of you is how to get them out of jail as fast as possible. You are not alone. Everyone who is arrested, or has a loved one that’s been arrested, wants to get a release from jail as soon as possible. Fortunately, we have local bail bond companies that can make this happen for us at any time, day or night. Continue reading to learn about all the advantages of bail bonds and how they can get your loved one out of jail, fast.

Bail Bonds Can Get Your Loved One Out of Jail Fast

Bail bonds can help a person get back on track after an arrest by providing them a fast and secure release from jail. Once a person is out of jail, they have more opportunities to handle their legal situation than they would if they were still in jail. For example, a person who is arrested must wait in jail for up to a week or more to be seen by a judge and sentenced. In order to avoid waiting in jail for the scheduled court date, a person can be bailed out and allowed to prepare for court in the comfort of their home. As long as they show up for all their scheduled court dates, there is no problem or breach of contract between the bailee and bail bond agency. It also allows a person to retain legal counsel, go back to work, and be in the support of their friends and family. There are so many advantages when it comes to getting out of jail on a bail bond. Here is a list of more reasons why bail bonds are so helpful:

• Fast and Secure Release from Jail
• Go Back to Work and Make Money
• Wait for Court Dates at Home
• Be with Friends, Family, Wives, Husbands, and Children
• Avoid Paying Entire Bond Amount (usually in the tens of thousands)
• Assistance in Turning Yourself In
• Friendly and Judgment-Free Service
• And More

Bail bondsmen require customers to sign contracts promising to show up for their scheduled court dates. If someone fails to appear for court, an arrest warrant will be issued for their arrest. Bail bond agencies are a fantastic source for people who need bailed out of jail. This is because they pay the entire bond amount, and only charge the customer a non-refundable percentage of the total bond amount. For example, if a person’s bond was five thousand dollars, they would have two choices: pay the courts the entire amount to be released until the sentencing hearing, then receive the money back in full when they show for court; or, pay a bail bondsman a small percentage of the 5,000 dollars, and get out of jail to await court from home. Court dates, depending on the county and traffic it sees, can be scheduled anywhere from one week to several weeks following the date of arrest. This is why no one wants to stay in jail until court.

Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds

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 are a licensed and insured Indianapolis bail bond agency with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. We offer a wide range of bail bond services, including 24 hour emergency bail bonds. On top of bail bond services, we also provide jail pick up and drop off services, and much more. Our offices are conveniently located right next door to the court houses, so you can get through the process much faster. Call 317-919-2489 for Hamilton
County bail bond services
you can trust.

Uptown Bail Bonds Can Get Your Friend Out of Hamilton County Jail!

No one knows the courthouse and jail system better than our team of licensed Hamilton County bail bondsmen!

Here at Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds, we are proud to be part of the Hamilton County community as long-standing business owners and bail service providers. As a licensed, bonded, and insured business, we take great pride in providing a service that is both friendly and professional. Our highly trained and qualified bail bondsmen are not only friendly and professional, but also efficient in their trade.

When you need our help to get a friend or loved one out of the Hamilton County Jail, Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds is there for you in a flash- 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We work around the clock to ensure your bond is posted as fast as possible. No matter what time of day or night, Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds takes your call and does everything in their power to obtain your release from jail.

Call Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for information about our bail bond services. We offer both state and county bonds, as well as, immigration bonds, probation violation bonds, arrest warrant bonds, and more. Not only is our office located right next to the courthouse, we also provide additional services, such as inmate lookups, prearranged bail bonds, jail pick up and drop off services, free jail information, and more! And we serve all of Hamilton County, including Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, and even Westfield too!

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Noblesville Bail Bonds Indiana

Noblesville Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

If you are facing an outstanding arrest warrant, give Hamilton County bail bondsmen a call right away to prearrange your release from jail. We can ensure a safe, secure, and speedy release, often times in less than one hour! And if your friend or loved one has been arrested anywhere in Indianapolis or Hamilton County, trust us to find out the details and arrange their bail as well! Call 317-919-2489 and talk to a licensed bail bondsman in Hamilton County, IN today.

How Much Does an Inmate Search Cost?

When you believe that a friend or loved one has been arrested, the first step is discovering where the arrest took place and which correctional facility they may be detained at. You could choose to open up the Yellow Pages and proceed to call every county jail in your city, but this might take a while.

The quickest way to determine where a friend or loved one is being held in custody is by performing an inmate search. There are several resources available for this service, either online, in person, or over the phone. Continue reading to learn more about inmate lookup resources and how much this service costs in Indiana.

Inmate Lookup Services

You can use online resources that provide inmate look ups for all counties in a state. There are several sites that offer this service, most of which require you to sign up for an account and pay a particular fee. These fees can either be one-time fees or multiple charges based on the number of searches you perform. Fees range anywhere from $5 to $25, depending on the portal you choose. But this is not the most cost-effective way to perform an inmate search to locate a friend or loved one in jail!

Most bail bond companies provide inmate lookup services for free, whether you use them for bail bonds or not. They retain the professional access required to view jail databases and look up a person’s arrest in minutes. So the next time you want to find out where your friend or loved one has been arrested, contact a local and trusted Bail Bond Company in Hamilton County, Indiana for fast, friendly, and FREE assistance.

Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds

Noblesville Bail Bonds Indiana

Noblesville Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 to get out of jail in Hamilton County, or to request an inmate search for your friend or loved one in Noblesville, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured bail bond agency that provides a wide range of professional services for bail bonds, arrest warrants, inmate searches, and more. We offer free jail and inmate bail bond information, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! Call 317-919-2489 for fast and friendly bail bonds in Hamilton County, IN today.

Can I Bail a Friend Out of Jail on Halloween?

Several places are closed on holidays in Indiana. But since so much mischief can happen on Halloween, it is pertinent to ask whether or not bail bond agencies or county jails will be operating that day. Of course law enforcement never takes a day off, and arrests will never stop; but do county jails and courts allow bail on holidays? Do bail bondsmen even work on Halloween? If your friend is arrested on Halloween, and you want to know if you can get them out of jail, continue reading and find out!

Halloween Bail Bonds

Bail bond agencies typically never close, holiday or not. Also, jails and magistrate’s offices never take a day off either. This means, no matter what time, day, or holiday it is, you CAN bail your friend or loved one out of jail, but not without some potential and likely obstacles. You see, jails in general take a substantial amount of time processing inmates into their detention facilities. And then they take just as long to process them out. You can expect to wait anywhere from a few hours to a few days before getting your loved one released from county jail. Now if you must add in the fact that it’s a weekend, you can expect this time to increase by 25% or more. But if it’s a holiday, you can go ahead and double the time.

So although bail bond companies, jails, and judge’s offices are open and operational, you may not be able to bail your friend or loved one out of jail on Halloween, or any holiday for that matter, since it may take more than 24 hours due to high traffic in the jails.

Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds

Noblesville Bail Bonds Indiana

Noblesville Bail Bonds 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-91-2489 if you need to bail someone out of jail on Halloween in Hamilton County, Indiana. We provide safe and secure bail bond services you can trust. We are always open, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year! Call Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for bail bonds in Hamilton County, IN today.

Are Bounty Hunters and Bail Bondsmen the Same Job?

Bail bondsmen and bounty hunters are often times confused for one another. Their duties are misunderstood, misinterpreted, and stereotyped due to television shows and movies today. If you want to know the truth about the differences between bail agents and bounty hunters, you have come to the right place! Continue reading to learn the roles and responsibilities for both bounty hunters and bail bondsmen in our local communities, towns, and cities.

Bounty Hunters

If you have heard the term, “bounty hunter” or “fugitive recovery agent” then you may already have an impression of what a bounty hunter does for a living. The downside to this is that many people misconstrue the actual responsibilities of a bounty hunter. Here are the facts; although they may differ slightly from state to state.

Bounty hunters are, in fact, referred to as fugitive recovery agents; as well as, skip tracers and bail recovery agents. This is their number one calling. They are sometimes hired in high-profile cases to investigate the whereabouts of a fugitive out on bail. The company that does the hiring is the bail bond agency. This is where the two parties work together. If a person is bonded out of jail by a bail agency, but skips their court date, a bail bondsman may hire a bounty hunter to help track down the truant. This is especially likely for high bond circumstances or cases that involve dangerous individuals. Bounty hunting is illegal in some cities and states.

Bail Bondsmen

A bail bondsman is an agent who is hired to pay the entire bond cost for a person in jail, for a non-refundable percentage of the actual bond amount. Their company acts a surety; and pledges money to pay for a person to be released from jail on the promise that they will appear for their scheduled court dates. This whole process can take as little as a few hours. Bail bonds are useful commodities and allow people to take time to make up for any mistakes or misunderstandings that led to their arrest. So long as the defendant shows for all required court hearings, the bail bond agent is satisfied and the defendant is covered according to the courts.

Hamilton County Bail Bonds

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for bail bond services in Hamilton County, Indiana. We are licensed and bonded bail agents with good-standing relationships with the local jail staffs and courthouses. Our friendly bail bondsmen can offer a fast and secure release from the Hamilton County jail, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! Call 317-919-2489 for Hamilton County bail bonds you can trust!

Why Are Bail Bonds Non-Refundable?

The number one question all bail bondsmen get from phone calls and clients has to do with paying for bail bonds. So many people want to know if they’ll receive their money back after a trial or case has closed, or when a defendant completes probation. The quick answer is that bail bonds are not refundable, ever. Just like buying a share of stock, you cannot ask or get your money back once you have agreed to the transaction. Continue reading to learn more about why bail bonds cannot be refunded, and who you can trust for accurate and honest answers to all your bail bond questions.

Non-Refundable Bail Bonds

Although a popular circulating question, lawyers, police officers, and jail staff might not have the appropriate answer for you. It is always best to consult a licensed bail bondsman directly for accurate and updated answers to questions about bail. No matter what ends up happening in court, a defendant cannot get a refund for bail bond services. And all bail bond agencies will inform clients upfront that there are no refunds for their services.

The reason bail bonds are not refundable has to do with liability. A bail bond company is assuming all responsibility for a client, in terms of bond amount and initial court appearances. If a person fails to appear for their initial scheduled court date following their arrest, the bail bond company that provided their services will have to forfeit all of the money they “put up” for the defendant’s release from jail.

So if a person’s bond is set at $10,000, they can either pay that money in-whole to the jail to be released, OR, they can purchase a bail bond for 10-15% of that amount (Ten to fifteen percent is the standard Indiana rate for bail bonds). That 10 to 15% is non-refundable because if the defendant misses or skips their court hearing, the bail bond company does not get back the $10,000 THEY paid to have their client released from jail.

Murello’s Uptown Bail Bonds

Bail Bonds Boone County Indiana

Bail Bonds Boone County Indiana 317-919-2489

Call Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for prompt and professional 24 hour bail bond services in Noblesville, Indiana. We are licensed, bonded, and insured bail bondsmen with decades of experience in the indemnity industry. We offer a wide variety of bail bonds, as well as, notary services, jail pickup and drop off, inmate searches, and more! Call 317-919-2489 to get out of jail in Hamilton County, IN today.