two men in prison uniform and a policeman

How to Evaluate the Pros and Cons of Choosing a Bail Bond Company

It is never easy when you or someone you care about is charged with a crime. The stress and helplessness of finding yourself in such a situation take a toll on your mental health. On top of that, the huge bail amount you must pay to avoid going to jail during the trial can increase the stress even further.

That is where bail bond companies in Indiana can step in and help you out.

If you can’t pay the amount needed for bail, you can seek bail bond services and pay them a fee to cover the expenses. This allows you to continue with your usual activities during the period leading up to your trial and evade jail detainment.

Making the right choice for a bail bond company in Indiana is essential. Here is how you can evaluate the pros and cons of choosing a bail bond company.

Pros of Choosing a Bail Bond Company

When you don’t have the money to pay for your bail but you need to get out immediately, opting for a bail bond company is your best option. Here is why:

1. Immediate Release from Jail

If a quick release from jail is your priority, then hiring a bail bond company in Indiana can make that happen for you. They do this by paying the full amount set by the court for your release from jail. So, even if you don’t have all the amount, you can still secure bail.

2. Fee & Flexible Payment Options

Bail bond companies charge a fraction of the bail amount as their fee. Normally, the fees of bail bond companies are no more than 10% of the total amount set by the court for your bail. So, make sure that the company you choose offers an affordable service.

Moreover, it’s important to evaluate the payment options offered by the company, so it saves you financial stress. Most good companies offer options for credit cards, checks, and financing, which is hugely beneficial for someone in this situation.

A woman in prison uniform sitting on a bed looking stressed

Cons of Choosing a Bail Bond Company

Now that you understand the benefits offered by a bail bond service let’s also take a look at some of the potential cons:

1. Non-Refundable Fee

A potential con of choosing a bail bond company could be that their fee is non-refundable. So, even if charges against you are reduced or dropped, you don’t receive a refund from the company if you have signed the agreement.

2. Requirement of Collateral

Bail bond companies may require collateral in the agreement. This collateral is for safety purposes in case the defendant fails to appear in court when required. So, if you don’t wish to provide collateral, hiring a bail bond company may not be the best option.

Hire a Reliable Bail Bond Company in Indiana

If you’re looking to hire a credible bail bond company in Huntington County or nearby areas in Indiana, contact us at the Delaughter Bail Bond service and receive help securing bail.

Get started today!

Navigating bail from prison

How to Navigate the Indiana Legal Bail System

The Indiana bail system is a complex and intricate process. When an individual is arrested and charged with a crime in the state, they are allowed a temporary release from custody while they await trial through bail. The bail is the guarantee that the defendant will not miss any of their court hearings throughout the trial.

In Indiana, the amount of bail is set by the judge, who considers several factors, including the nature and severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal record, their ties to the community, and their likelihood to flee. Bail is obtained either via cash, property, or a bail bond posting.

What happens when a defendant can’t pay bail?

If the defendant can’t post bail themselves, they can hire a bail bond service in Indiana to do it for them. Without bail posting, the defendant will remain imprisoned throughout their trial. If the defendant appears for all their hearings and complies with the conditions of their release, the bail amount is returned at the end of the trial, regardless of the outcome.

Aa lawyer talking to a person in handcuffs

 

Let’s learn about the different bail options in the Indiana bail sytem below!

Cash Bail

The most common option of bail used in the Indiana bail system is cash bail. For this type of bail, the defendant has to pay the whole bail amount set by the court in cash. This cash bail is refundable at the end of the trial if the defendant appears for all court hearings and complies with the conditions of their release.

Property Bond

A property bond works when a defendant or someone on their behalf offers property as collateral for the bail amount. If the defendant misses a court hearing as per the requirement of the bail, the court can claim the property.

Surety Bond

For a surety bond, the defendant’s chosen bail bond service posts the bail amount on their behalf. The defendant pays a non-refundable fee to the bail bondsman, typically 10% of the bail amount, and the bail bondsman assumes the responsibility of ensuring that the defendant is present in all court hearings throughout the trial. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail bondsman may hire a bounty hunter to locate and return the defendant to custody.

Release on Own Recognizance (OR)

This type of bail allows a defendant to be released from custody without having to pay bail, but they are required to sign a written agreement to appear in court and comply with certain conditions. OR release is typically granted to individuals with no prior criminal history or those accused of minor offenses.

Hire an Experienced Bail Bond Company in Indiana

The Indiana bail system isn’t one that is easy to navigate. Therefore, if you find yourself facing a criminal charge there, you’ll need the help of an experienced bail bond company.

 

Contact us at Delaughter Bail Bonds today for a quick and easy bail.

a bail bond agent working

The Role of a Bail Bond Agent and How They Can Help

Did you know that if you or a loved one ever face charges for arrest, a bail bond agent can help you avoid jail?

Bail bond agents provide services to those who don’t have enough money to post full bail. They help defendants stay out of jail until trial by posting bail on their behalf.

However, if you’re unsure how a bail bond agent can help in a legal bind, look no further. Today, we will be discussing their role in detail. So, if you’re looking for reliable bail bond agents in Indiana, this blog can help.

What Do Bail Bond Agents Do?

Bail bond agents are licensed professionals working for bail bond companies. These organizations hire them to use their expertise in helping individuals secure release from jail.

These agents are professionally trained and have years of experience navigating the legal system. They are well-versed in complex laws surrounding bail to ensure those arrested with a crime can get out of jail until trial.

They Help The Defendant Avoid Jail

Bail bond agents in Indiana offer various services to their clients in custody. Their primary responsibility is to post bail on the defendant’s behalf to release them from jail until trial. This enables individuals to get out of jail without paying the full bail amount. This requires a lot of paperwork preparation, such as the bail bond application, bond agreement, promissory note, terms and conditions documents, etc.

These Agents Provide Support

Other than posting bail, agents provide information and support to the defendant and their loved ones. They keep their clients informed about the legal processes and offer guidance every step of the way to help them navigate the complex system.

They Ensure Clients Fulfill Obligations

Bail bond agents in Indiana also ensure the defendant meets the conditions of the bail. This includes attending all court hearings, avoiding contact with some individuals, staying out of trouble, etc. If any violations occur, their bail might be forfeited.

 

A judge in a court

If you’re on the lookout for bail bond agents in Indiana, we can help!

At DeLaughter Bail Bonds, we offer bail agents in Whitley County and other service areas to help our clients avoid jail. Our bail bond agents provide 24-hour services to ensure you get your legal rights.

Contact us now to learn more about our services.

a person getting arrested

Avoid Jail: Various Crimes You Can Get Bail Bonds For

If you have ever watched a crime movie or a TV show, you’ve probably heard the word bail thrown around more than once. However, do you know how you can avoid jail with bail bonds?

Many people know about bail bondsbut aren’t aware of how they work. If you or a loved one has been arrested recently for a crime, it can be beneficial to look into them. After all, just because a defendant is facing arrest doesn’t mean they have to stay there until trial.

This blog will tell you all you need to know.

Can You Get Bail Bonds for All Crimes?

Unfortunately, not all crimes are eligible for bail bonds. That’s because the seriousness of the crime committed is taken into account when it comes to bail. The court can suspend the right to bail if an individual has severe felony charges like kidnapping, arson, or murder. The defendant’s criminal history is also scrutinized before a person is allowed to apply for a bail bond.

That being said, here are some crimes you can get bail bonds for.

Misdemeanor Cases

Cases of a misdemeanor are less severe offenses than felonies and carry a minimal penalty. In fact, the maximum penalty for these crimes is one year in jail. Some examples of these offenses include disorderly conduct and petty theft.

Bail amounts for these cases are also much less than for serious crimes. That being said, it usually depends on factors like the defendant’s criminal history.

DUI Cases

You can also avoid jail with bail bonds for some DUI cases. Though driving under the influence is considered a serious offense, it’s not typically considered a violent crime. This is why bail bonds are often granted to defendants. However, individuals will have to deal with various penalties, such as fines and license suspensions.

Non-Violent Felonies

Though these cases are more severe than misdemeanors, they don’t entail physical harm to another person. It’s why courts often grant bail bonds for these types of crimes. Some examples include drug possession, fraud, embezzlement, etc.

a person in handcuffs

If you wish to avoid jail with bail bonds, consider our bail bond services in Allen County and nearby areas. At DeLaughter Bail Bonds, we take pride in offering 24-hour bail bond services to clients in various parts of Indiana, including Huntington, Tippecanoe, and Elkhart County.

Click here to take a look at our service areas, or contact us now.

a bail bond agent

Debunking Common Myths About Bail Bond Companies

When an individual is arrested and facing charges, their loved ones often turn to bail bond agents to help get them out. Unfortunately, with many misconceptions and myths rampant about the bail bond industry, most people find it hard to hire the right company. This is where this blog post can help.

We understand it’s hard to know which misconceptions about bail bond companies are false. That’s why we will debunk some common bail bond company myths in this blog to help you better understand how they function.

If that piques your interest, keep reading.

Myth#1: Bail Bond Companies are Shady and Unethical

One of the most common bail bond company myths is that they are shady organizations looking to make a quick buck. However, that can’t be any further from the truth.

In reality, bail bond companies are heavily state regulated and are required to follow strict guidelines. First, they need to have a valid license to even operate legally, which is issued by the state’s insurance department. The companies also have to go through mandatory background testing and training requirements.

It’s imperative you ask for the organization’s license to ensure you’re not being scammed.

Bail Bond Companies Are Only for The Rich

This is another bail bond company myth that is simply not true.

While bail bond companies charge a fee, their services are primarily for those who can’t afford to pay bail. This fee is 10% of the total bail amount and only covers the cost of the bail bond organization’s services. Moreover, most companies also offer payment plans to help clients unable to cover the charges upfront.

Bail Bond Companies Help Release Criminals

Another popular bail bond company myth is that the organizations only work with criminals. That’s also far from reality. Bail bond companies work with any individual who requires their services, regardless of their charges or history. In many cases, the defendants are innocent but can’t pay bail.

After all, it’s not up to these organizations to give a verdict on who is guilty or innocent. Their responsibility is to simply secure their release until their trial.

helpful bail bond agents

If you’re on the lookout for reliable and professional bail bond services in Huntington County and nearby areas, consider us at DeLaughter Bail Bonds. We’re a 24-hour bail bond agency committed to ensuring our clients are out of jail as quickly as possible.

Contact us right now to learn about our bail bond agency.

Courtroom gavel

Bail Bonds 101: Information You Should Know

Have you ever wondered what bail bonds are and how they work? Then this article can help. When a friend or a loved one has been arrested, the last thing anyone would want is to try and understand legal jargon. However, most only learn about them when they need help.

Bail bonds are a critical part of the legal system that can change someone’s life and enable them to get their legal rights.

This blog is a comprehensive guide on things to know about bail bonds in Indiana.

Defining Bail Bonds in Indiana

Bail bonds in Indiana are surety bond that acts as an agreement between the defendant and the court. It guarantees that the individual facing arrest will appear for trial or pay money ordered by the court. This system is only found in the United States and the Philippines.

How Do Bail Bonds Work?

When an individual faces arrest, the judge sets a bail amount to help ensure they show up for their trial. That’s because it is a required money deposit that guarantees the defendant won’t miss the specified dates of the court or skip town.

However, not everyone can pay a hefty amount of money for bail. This is where bail bonds help.

Bail bonds enable people charged with a crime to evade arrest while they wait for the trial. These are a type of surety bond guaranteeing the defendant will appear for trial.

Bail bonds are ensured by bail bond agents acting as the middlemen between the two parties. In return, they take 10% of the bail amount as a fee. If the defendant fails to show up for the trial, the agents pay the full amount to the court.

Types of Bail Bonds

There are several types of bail bonds in Indiana. We have listed some of the common ones below.

  1. Surety bonds

This is the most common type of bail bond in Indiana. It involves a bail bond agent posting the bail on behalf of the defendant for a fee. They are also responsible for ensuring the accused person shows up for trial.

 

  1. Property bail bonds

This bail bond entails the person using their property as collateral to acquire bail.

 

  1. Transfer bail bonds

These bail bonds are acquired for someone arrested in a state other than where the bond was initially written.

a man facing arrest

If you want to acquire a bail bond in Indiana, ensure you partner with a reputable bail bond company like DeLaughter Bail Bonds. We are a bail bond service in Wabash and surrounding areas, committed to keeping you safe till your case is cleared.

Contact us right away.

An Unknown Persons Hands with Handcuffs

Misdemeanors That Bail Bonds are Effective For

Did you know nearly 13 million Individuals are charged with minor offenses yearly?

Although misdemeanors are considered less serious violations, they can nonetheless have a devastating influence on an individual’s life by damaging their relationships and professions and leading to costly penalties and, in some circumstances, imprisonment. Thankfully you can acquire bail bonds for misdemeanors.

If you need clarification on whether bail bonds are effective for the misdemeanor you or a loved one are charged with, keep reading to learn about a few common misdemeanors for which bail bonds are effective.

What Is A Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor can be defined as a less serious offense with short-term jail sentences spanning less than one year. The common punishments for misdemeanors include probation, community service, fines, and jail time. In many states, misdemeanors are divided into multiple categories based on the severity of the offense and the associated punishment.

A Wooden Gavel on Black Background

Bail Bonds for Misdemeanors

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

Most drunk driving convictions include misdemeanor charges. In most cases, the punishment for a misdemeanor DUI is penalties. In some cases, a DUI misdemeanor can also result in a prison sentence of around one year.

Disorderly Conduct

Most law enforcement officers would characterize disorderly conduct as an offense or behavior that jeopardizes public peace. In certain states, being intoxicated in public is also considered disorderly behavior.

Numerous types of disruptive behavior fall within the definition of disorderly conduct, such as making a loud noise, fighting in public, or threatening an individual. Law enforcement officers use disorderly conduct charges to preserve the peace when individuals are disruptive to public peace and pose no risk otherwise.

Loitering or Prowling

Prowling and loitering can be defined as an individual maintaining a suspicious appearance at an odd location, hour, or other circumstance that suggests a danger to the welfare of people or property. This crime can result in heavy penalties and a jail term of more than two months and is often classified as a second-degree misdemeanor in most counties.

No Valid Driver’s License

A person driving without a valid driver’s license can also be charged with a misdemeanor and have to pay pricey penalties or serve jail time.

Petty Theft

When caught shoplifting or conducting petty theft crimes, the arrested individuals can be charged with a misdemeanor. Petty theft, by definition, only applies to the theft of items with a value under $1,000.

Get Bail Bonds for Misdemeanors from Bail Bond Services in Miami County, IN

If you need assistance acquiring bail bonds for a loved one in Miami County, you can contact the licensed bail bondsmen at DeLaughter bail bonds, offering 24-hour bail bond services in Miami County.

We have years of expertise in the field, and our 24-hour bail agent will work hard to offer you quick and effective service. You can contact us anytime, day or night, and we will get to work immediately to help get your loved one out of jail. Dial 260-578-0505 now to talk to the experts at our bail bonds agency.

Types of bail bonds

Different Kinds of Bonds and Their Benefits

When referring to types of bonds, it must be kept in mind that each one is different from the others. The most common bail bonds that defendants can use are property bonds, surety bonds, recognizance bonds, citation bonds, and cash bail.

In this article, we will talk about some of the most popular kinds of bail bonds that defendants usually choose.

1. Property Bonds

Property bonds are types of bonds in which the defendant uses property as collateral. However, the full rights of the property must be handed over if a defendant uses property bonds. Usually, individuals end up using real estate as collateral, but they can use anything else as well.

Apart from the main differences between surety bonds and property bonds, property bonds take multiple weeks to process. This is because there are lots of inspections and loads of paperwork that need to be approved before a property bond can be given to a defendant.

2. Surety Bonds

This is the most basic type of bail bond that is given through a 24-hour bail bonds agency. This bond costs the defendant a certain percentage of the bail amount.

These types of bonds are commonly chosen by defendants because usually, bail is set at an amount that most defendants cannot afford. Since they cannot usually afford bail all by themselves, defendants take help from a bonds agency by buying a surety bond and then paying it back over some months or years.

3. Recognizance Bonds

Bail bonds

 

These types of bonds are one of the most popular among defendants because they do not have to pay a single penny upfront.

Similar to citation bonds, recognizance bonds depend on the arresting officer. The only difference is that the defendant will have to visit a court of law to fight for his freedom.

4. Citation Bonds

A citation bond is an option when the defendant is given a citation, most commonly when they have broken traffic rules but were not taken into custody. This usually depends on the citing officer, which means that the defendant cannot appeal or apply for a citation release bond by themselves.

5. Cash Bail

Cash bail is a bail bond that is paid in cash. This is the best option for defendants who have a lot of money, as they can easily afford to pay their bail without worrying about spending even a single night in jail.

As long as the defendant shows up to all the court appointments and court dates, their trial will end. Moreover, the court will also return the cost of the bond to you, which means that in the long run, you do not end up losing any money at all.

Conclusion

With so many types of bonds, it can be easy to get confused. However, the good news is that a licensed bail bonds agent can guide you and help you decide the kind of bond that is right for your circumstance.

Get in touch with Delaughter Bail Bonds to know more!