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The inability to post bail is a tough situation. Depending on the circumstances, bail can be very expensive – and if a defendant doesn’t have enough money (even for a bond), they will likely be stuck. How long they will ultimately stay in jail will depend on the charges, jurisdiction, and the courts.

When bail is not posted, the defendant will typically wait for their arraignment before a judge. It is at this hearing that the defendant can plead guilty or innocent. The judge has the authority to raise or lower the bail, release the defendant on a promise to appear (on “own recognizance”), or even decide that the defendant is not entitled to bail.

Bail is set at a high amount (or not at all) if the accused was charged with a serious crime and/or the judge does not trust he or she will return to court for trial. However, an attorney can file a motion for the reduction of the amount and have the ruling reviewed.

If you or a loved one does not have sufficient funds available for bail, your best option is to contact Liberty Bail Bonds for fast bail bonds in Stroudsburg, PA. Due to the circumstances of waiting for court and the discretion of the judge, most people choose to begin the bail bonds process before their hearing.

It can be a daunting and hopeless feeling to have a loved one locked away in jail. You’re naturally worried about their safety, and you’re anxious about what’s to come. Even if you’re a little hurt that your loved one may have committed a crime, you still want to help him or her cope with the situation. Here are some ways to consider helping your friend or family member.

Get a Reputable Lawyer

While it may seem obvious, many people neglect taking the action of contacting a lawyer when the crime is a less serious one. However, no matter the crime, your loved one will still need good legal representation to ensure they’re brought home as soon as possible.

Stay Open for Communication

While you won’t be able to text someone who’s in prison, you can still ensure you’re answering their calls or even pay them a visit. Just ensure not to speak about the case, as you never know who may be listening to your conversation.

Offer Money

Your loved one will need a commissary account in order to get necessities such as toiletries or a phone card. You can help by making sure they have enough money for these essential items.

Bail Them Out

If a bail amount has been set, contact us at Liberty Bail Bonds for bail bonds in Allentown, PA. An agent is available to help you get your loved one out of jail as they await trial.

Despite the origin of Cinco de Mayo and its traditions, the holiday in America is commonly associated with an opportunity to drink a lot of margaritas or cerveza. That being said, any Harrisburg bail bondsman will know that those who drink excessively on Cinco de Mayo are more likely to have a run-in with the law. If you plan on celebrating the holiday and consuming alcohol, it’s important to know your rights.

• It is your right to deny a Breathalyzer test, but doing so may result in your driver’s license being suspended for six months.
• It is also your right to deny an officer’s request to search your property or home. Keep in mind that if you do allow a search on your premises, officers can use any evidence during the search against you in court (even if there was no warrant).
• The police do not have the right to use excessive force or search/arrest you without probable cause.
• If an officer does attempt to put you in handcuffs, do not resist – even if you feel the arrest is unwarranted. Resisting arrest will, in turn, give the police a valid reason to arrest you.

As Americans, the 4th Amendment protects us from the unlawful search and seizure of our private residences without a warrant. However, if police officers can see a felony being committed, they have the legal right to act. The general rule is simple: Don’t break the law. This includes purchasing alcohol for those under 21, using a fake ID to purchase alcohol, or driving under the influence.

If you’ve recently been arrested, you’re likely hoping to get out of jail quickly and privately. However, being able to pay your own bail will depend on several factors. If you don’t qualify, you will be required to have a cosigner pay the bail. Keep reading to know which situation to likely expect.

The court will likely only permit you to post your own bail if you’ve committed your first-time offense. It’s also pertinent that you have a good credit score, stable employment, and a stable living situation.

On the other hand, multiple offenses, insufficient credit and unemployment are all conditions that will call for a cosigner.

If you do qualify to post your own bail, ask to be released on your own recognizance at your first court hearing. This way, you will just need to provide a statement that you will appear in court as requested. Otherwise, try asking for a lower bail.

If you don’t qualify to pay your own bail, you will be required to summon someone who knows you and would qualify. Your best option is to be honest and contact your local bail bondsman. At Liberty Bail Bonds, an agent is always available to help you with Delaware County bail bonds and more.

Having a loved one in jail typically causes a lot of stress and worry throughout a family. Family members may be understandably embarrassed, worried, and anxious about the situation, and this combination may leave them vulnerable to bail bond scams and fraud. Here are some ways to identify some costly and illegal tricks and traps while seeking a bail bond agent in PA.

You Receive a Cold Call

It is illegal to cold call potential bail bond clients in an effort to solicit business. However, fake bail agents are known to obtain booking information online and track loved ones via the Internet so they can offer their services. In the bail industry, a client must contact a bail agent first. If you receive a cold call from someone claiming to be a bail agent, hang up the phone and do your research for a reputable bail agent.

They Charge Very Little

Irreputable bail agents may attempt to offer you a rate that is much lower than the 10% bail bond premium required by law in most states. While we all jump at the chance to save money, a Harrisburg bail bondsman offering a cheap rate is likely either being deceptive in their advertising or blatantly breaking the law.

The experience of getting arrested and ending up in jail can be even worse if you find that you’ve been denied bail. There are multiple reasons why bail can be denied entirely.

On Probation or Parole

If the accused is currently on probation or parole for a previous offense, the most recent crime will likely be considered a violation.

Threat to Self or Others

Suspects who are considered unstable cannot be released with the help of Lancaster County bail bonds, as they may hurt themselves or others. However, in certain situations, the court may release the suspect to a treatment facility instead of jail while a trial is prepared.

Flight Risk

If someone displays erratic behavior and it is believed they may leave the city, state, or even the country, they could be denied bail. When a judge sees a history of running from the law, they will typically play it safe by keeping the accused in jail.

Severe Crime Involvement

Felony charges, such as murder, are subject to denied bail. Suspects of such felonies must be held in custody until they’re released according to a jury’s guilty or innocent decision.

Not a U.S. Citizen

Certain immigration laws require people to remain in custody if they are not U.S. citizens. In addition to being denied bail, the suspect may also be deported back to their home country.

Few parents are prepared to receive a late-night call from their child asking for bail bond money. However, those who must face this situation are left with what could be a difficult question: “Should I bail my son or daughter out of jail?”

Unfortunately, there is no right or wrong answer. Leaving your son or daughter in jail does not constitute you as a bad parent, nor does bailing them out; there can be understandable reasons for either decision.

If your child has a history of using drugs or engaging in violence, jail may actually be a safer place for your teen for the time being. You may also wish to live up to a stern promise you’ve previously made to your teen: “If you wind up in jail, be prepared to spend the night.” After all, a night in jail is a lesson most young adults won’t forget.

However, keep in mind that the promised night in jail could become days if your son or daughter is not bailed out promptly. Also, facing an arrest and the legal process is likely enough to teach your child a lesson. They are still faced with the embarrassment of the arrest, loss of their personal freedom, and the experience of explaining him/herself to the court system.

Should you choose to bail your child out of jail, a Pennsylvania bail bond company will pay the bail, ensuring that your son or daughter is released as quickly as possible.

Bail collateral can be offered in place of bail money in order to secure the release of someone who has been arrested. Should the defendant fail to appear in court, collateral acts as a guarantee that there are funds available to pay for the bail. Collateral can come in many forms, such as a home, vehicle, or other valuable assets.

If the defendant chooses to offer a large property item as collateral, the court or bail bond agent will have to place the deed in their trust until the case is resolved. The collateral is then returned, whether the defendant is found innocent, given a sentence, the charges are dropped, or if bail is exonerated. However, if the accused fails to appear in court, the property will be seized by the court or the bail bond company, as it will be considered forfeited.

Generally, collateral on bail bonds is generally at the discretion of the bail bondsman. The higher the bail, the more likely collateral will be required. If you find yourself seeking help from a Harrisburg bail bondsman, be sure to clarify these details before signing any paperwork. Ask the bail bond company if they require collateral, and if so, what types of collateral will need to be posted in order to secure the bond.

If there’s a warrant out for your arrest, the idea of turning yourself in is probably frightening. However, it’s important to face your legal matters as soon as possible in order to avoid additional probation or jail time. Before turning yourself in to the authorities, here are some things to know.

What a Lawyer Can Do

When you are in trouble with the law, it is generally a good idea to have legal representation. A lawyer can assist you through the legal process, give you advice, and inform you of your rights. They will also work to protect your rights while taking the steps to start mitigation, as well as provide insight on how to prepare for court.

County Jail Isn’t Scary

The jail commonly seen in movies and television is not an accurate depiction of what a typical local county jail is like. The jail you would be turning yourself into is essentially a set of holding cells at a police station. As long as you prepare properly and behave appropriately, you shouldn’t fear.

Getting a Bail Bond

Before turning yourself in, contact a bail bondsman in the same county as the jail. If your arrest warrant is in Erie County, you will need to request an Erie County bail bond and turn yourself in at the Erie County jail.

If your bond amount is unreasonably high, your lawyer may be able to get it reduced through a bond reduction hearing. Your lawyer can then present information to the court to argue why the bond amount should be lowered.

While you may truly want to take part in helping your loved one stay out of jail, it’s important to know that cosigning on a bail bond comes with certain responsibilities – and if they aren’t met, you could find yourself in some trouble.

Not Everyone Can Cosign for a Bond

You must be a citizen of the United States and have lived in the same area for a predetermined period, have stable employment, and sufficient credit.

You Are Accepting Financial Responsibility

Cosigning for a bond means you are also responsible for payments. If the defendant misses a payment, the responsibility for payment becomes yours. If the accused goes missing, the bond will go into forfeiture, and the financial penalty will again fall to you. If the property was pledged to the bail bond company for collateral, it must be surrendered.

The Defendant Must Attend All Court Dates

By missing even one appearance in court, the bond may be defaulted, and a bench warrant may be issued for the defendant. As an Indemnitor, it is your responsibility to ensure the defendant attends all court dates and remains out of trouble in the meantime.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they feel comfortable co-signing a bail bond. While a Harrisburg bail bondsman can help get someone out of jail, there are risks involved for the Indemnitor. Knowing all of the facts regarding bail bonds is crucial before accepting this responsibility.