Tag Archives: bail bonding

Common Factors That Determine Your Bail Amount in Charlotte County

When someone gets arrested, one of the most common inquires defendants or their families have is how their bail amount is determined. There can be many factors that assist a judge in deciding how much someone’s bail should be. The seriousness of the offense is largely considered, as is how likely it is that the defendant will show up to court. In this blog, we will look at the most common factors that determine your bail amount.

If you or someone you know needs a Charlotte County bail bondsman, contact Affordable Bail Bonding today!

Bail Schedules for Common Offenses

For the most common, non-violent offenses, jails will typically have a bail schedule posted. This is just a list of the price of bail for each offense. Since these are such common offenses, most jails will allow offenders or their bondsman post bail almost immediately. 

The Seriousness of The Crime

Bail will be set at different amounts based upon the seriousness of your offense. If your crime was a minor and non-violent, your bail will be lower. If your crime was more serious or of a violent nature your bail will be higher, and sometimes if the offense is serious enough the judge will not allow for bail to be posted at all.

Flight Risk

The purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant shows up for their trial. When a person is considered a flight risk it means that they are less likely to show up for court. Many times this is determined by examining their ties to the community. When a person has close ties to the community it is assumed that they are more likely to stick around. Someone who has had the same job for years and has a family is much less likely to skip court than someone with no ties.

Past Criminal Record

When determining how much to charge for bail, the judge considers the defendant’s previous criminal record. The longer the record, the higher the bail. In addition, if the defendant has previously been found guilty of the same crime that they are currently being accused of, their bail will most likely be set a higher amount. 

History of Appearing for Court Cases

Just as the defendant’s criminal record is taken into consideration when determining bail, so is their history of appearing for court cases. If someone has a record for not showing up for their trials, a judge is much more likely to set a high bail, or in some cases not offer bail at all. On the other hand, if you have no criminal record or court cases, that will most likely lessen your bail amount. 

Community Risk

When determining the amount of your bail, the judge will consider whether or not you may be a risk to your community. This typically applies to either violent or negligence crimes. If the judge believes that your behavior could possibly endanger you or anyone in your community, your bail will be set higher.  

Your Income

The amount of your bail may also, in some cases, reflect your income. This is more typical for non-violent offenses so that bail can be posted and the defendant can return to their life while awaiting trial. 

Contact Your Charlotte County Bail Bondsman

If you or a loved one needs a bail bondsman in the Charlotte County area call Affordable Bail Bonding today!

Finding Bail Bonds Services for Your Teenager

Getting a call in the middle of the night that your child is in some type of trouble is every parent’s worst nightmare. The intense worry you feel might subside once you confirm that your son or daughter is safe, but it is quickly replaced with other emotions as you try to figure out how to get them out of a tough spot. Here at Affordable Bail Bonding, we offer bail bonds services in Halifax for individuals of all ages, regardless of the reason why they have been arrested. We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make sure your loved one doesn’t spend any more time behind bars than is necessary.

Today, we’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons kids get into trouble and what you can do to help. Let’s get started.

Possible Reasons for Arrest

Your child is your pride and joy, which can make it hard to imagine the day that they would ever even think about committing a crime. However, roughly 250,000 kids are arrested, sentenced, and jailed as adults in the U.S. every year. Some of the most common offenses that children get arrested for include:

  • Underage drinking
  • Drug possession
  • Arson
  • Vandalism
  • Shoplifting
  • Burglary or robbery
  • Motor vehicle theft
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Assault
  • Gang activity

Remember that your child might be your sweet angel, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get into trouble. In the event that your child is detained by the police, it is best to know your options ahead of time than to be caught unprepared in the moment. Affordable bail bonding is here to help you when you get the call for help from your child. Let’s review why you should get your child out of jail as quickly as possible.

Why You Should Post Bail Fast

Get Your Child Back Home

Let’s face it — juvenile detention is no place for a child. You want to get your child in the comfort and safety of your home as quickly as possible. The longer they are around other prisoners, the more negativity they are exposed to.

Get Your Child Back to School

Your child can’t attend their regular school from a juvenile detention center, which means that they are falling behind in their studies every day they are locked up. Posting bail as quickly as possible ensures that they get back to the education they deserve.

Get Your Child Prepared for Court

It might be wise to contact an attorney if your child is facing serious charges. If you do, the attorney will undoubtedly need to meet with you and your child to prepare for the one or more court dates that are coming up.

Why Choose Our Bondsmen?

Here at Affordable Bail Bonding, we know that you have a choice when it comes to who you request bail bonds services from in Halifax. Trust us when we say that not all bail bonding companies are created equal. Some are purely out for profit, taking no interest in their clients or the communities that they serve. This couldn’t be further from the truth for our bondsmen. Here are a few reasons why our bail bonds services are the best:

  • 24/7 availability: Our team is here to answer your call day or night, including on weekends and holidays.
  • Affordable payment plans: We make paying your bail premium quick, easy, and convenient.
  • Major credit cards accepted: Don’t have cash or checks? No problem. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
  • Professionalism and respect: Regardless of the charges your child is facing, you can count on us to provide courteous bail bonds services.

Need Bail Bonds Services in Halifax?

Has your teenage son or daughter been arrested? If so, you want to get them out of jail quickly and Affordable Bail Bonding is here to help. Our Halifax bail bonds services are designed to be fast and easy and we offer payment plans so that you don’t have to worry about the financial burden of paying the entire bail premium all at once. If you need to post bail for your child quickly, contact our team right away to request a bail bond. We are standing by to help your family.

Finding Bail Bonds Services for Your Teenager

Getting a call in the middle of the night that your child is in some type of trouble is every parent’s worst nightmare. The intense worry you feel might subside once you confirm that your son or daughter is safe, but it is quickly replaced with other emotions as you try to figure out how to get them out of a tough spot. Here at Affordable Bail Bonding, we offer bail bonds services in Halifax for individuals of all ages, regardless of the reason why they have been arrested. We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make sure your loved one doesn’t spend any more time behind bars than is necessary.

Today, we’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons kids get into trouble and what you can do to help. Let’s get started.

Possible Reasons for Arrest

Your child is your pride and joy, which can make it hard to imagine the day that they would ever even think about committing a crime. However, roughly 250,000 kids are arrested, sentenced, and jailed as adults in the U.S. every year. Some of the most common offenses that children get arrested for include:

  • Underage drinking
  • Drug possession
  • Arson
  • Vandalism
  • Shoplifting
  • Burglary or robbery
  • Motor vehicle theft
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Assault
  • Gang activity

Remember that your child might be your sweet angel, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get into trouble. In the event that your child is detained by the police, it is best to know your options ahead of time than to be caught unprepared in the moment. Affordable bail bonding is here to help you when you get the call for help from your child. Let’s review why you should get your child out of jail as quickly as possible.

Why You Should Post Bail Fast

Get Your Child Back Home

Let’s face it — juvenile detention is no place for a child. You want to get your child in the comfort and safety of your home as quickly as possible. The longer they are around other prisoners, the more negativity they are exposed to.

Get Your Child Back to School

Your child can’t attend their regular school from a juvenile detention center, which means that they are falling behind in their studies every day they are locked up. Posting bail as quickly as possible ensures that they get back to the education they deserve.

Get Your Child Prepared for Court

It might be wise to contact an attorney if your child is facing serious charges. If you do, the attorney will undoubtedly need to meet with you and your child to prepare for the one or more court dates that are coming up.

Why Choose Our Bondsmen?

Here at Affordable Bail Bonding, we know that you have a choice when it comes to who you request bail bonds services from in Halifax. Trust us when we say that not all bail bonding companies are created equal. Some are purely out for profit, taking no interest in their clients or the communities that they serve. This couldn’t be further from the truth for our bondsmen. Here are a few reasons why our bail bonds services are the best:

  • 24/7 availability: Our team is here to answer your call day or night, including on weekends and holidays.
  • Affordable payment plans: We make paying your bail premium quick, easy, and convenient.
  • Major credit cards accepted: Don’t have cash or checks? No problem. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
  • Professionalism and respect: Regardless of the charges your child is facing, you can count on us to provide courteous bail bonds services.

Need Bail Bonds Services in Halifax?

Has your teenage son or daughter been arrested? If so, you want to get them out of jail quickly and Affordable Bail Bonding is here to help. Our Halifax bail bonds services are designed to be fast and easy and we offer payment plans so that you don’t have to worry about the financial burden of paying the entire bail premium all at once. If you need to post bail for your child quickly, contact our team right away to request a bail bond. We are standing by to help your family.

Supporting Your Arrested Loved One Emotionally

In can be difficult to watch your loved one go through tough times. If you get a call from a friend or family member who has been arrested, you are likely to experience a broad range of emotions. However, you can bet that the person on the other end of the line is experiencing their own feelings too. How can you best support them? As your go-to bail bonding company in Halifax, Affordable Bail Bonding is here to help you however we can.

In today’s post, we’ll cover some of the common emotions that people feel after being arrested, how you can help them, and how we can help you both. Let’s get started.

Possible Emotions Your Loved One Is Feeling

Fear

Being arrested can be scary, especially if it is the first time your loved one is being detained. He or she may be afraid of the police because of how recent events have been portrayed in the media, or they may be afraid of what is waiting for them when they arrive at the jailhouse. Fear can be a very strong motivator, causing many people to try to resist arrest when their adrenaline is pumping.

Anger

Your loved one may also be angry when they are arrested and let’s face it, they probably have a lot to be angry about. They may be angry at the fact that they have been picked up by the cops, or they might be angry with themselves for getting into trouble. When they call you from jail, it might be helpful to remember that their anger likely isn’t directed at you, even if it seems to be in the moment.

Embarrassment

Having to rely on other people for help is a humbling experience. Couple that with having to own up to being arrested for an illegal act and it is not surprising that many people feel embarrassed after they have been arrested. Some may even feel so embarrassed that they go to great lengths to keep their loved ones from finding out, choosing rather to call on their close friends to help them get out of jail.

Shame

Along with embarrassment often comes great shame. The former may keep your loved one from calling you in the middle of the night after they have been arrested, but the latter will have them beating themselves up on the inside, maybe even for years to come. They may be asking themselves questions like, “How could you be so stupid?” Even if you are thinking this in your head when they call, please do not ask your loved one this question.

Hopelessness

All of these emotions combined can leave your loved one feeling rather hopeless, especially if they are having trouble breaking free from their current patterns of behavior and their way of life. It is important to remember that even the most hardened criminals have been able to turn their lives around, so when your loved one seems to be at their lowest, let them know that you believe in them.

How Affordable Bail Bonding Can Help

We know just how overwhelming it can be when you feel the pressure of getting your friend or family member out of jail. When your loved one turns to you, rest assured that you can turn to our team of bondsmen to provide you with the following:

  • Fast, affordable bail bonds services
  • Bail premium payment plans
  • 24/7 availability
  • Professional and respectful case management

We’ll do everything in our power to make the bail bonds process as easy as possible for you and your loved one, answering any questions that you have along the way.

Need a Bonding Company in Halifax?

Affordable Bail Bonding is here for you and your loved one when you need help the most. We can help you get the money you need to get your friend or family member out of jail quickly so that they can return home, get back to work, and start preparing for their upcoming court date. Our affordable payment plans make paying the bail bond premium fast and easy and we are always here to answer any of your questions about bail bonds. If you need help getting a loved one out of jail, contact our Halifax bail bonding company right away. We look forward to helping you.

Offenses Not Eligible for Bail Bonds in South Boston – Part I

Here at Affordable Bail Bonding, we take pride in offering fast bail bonds in South Boston and the surrounding area. Our experienced bondsmen are able to help individuals come up with the money they need to post bail in most instances so that they can get out of jail and prepare for their upcoming court dates. However, our team is not above the law and there are certain crimes that Virginia law designates as non-bondable offenses. That means there may be some instances in which we are unable to help restore your loved one’s freedom.

We believe that knowledge is power, which is why we’ll review five non-bondable offenses in part one of this two-part series. Check them out below and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about whether your loved one is eligible to be released on bail.

Non-Bondable Offenses in Virginia

Serious Violent Crimes

Some crimes immediately classify the offender as a danger to themselves and the public. In these instances, it is not surprising when bond is denied. It might seem obvious that your loved one will be denied bond if he or she has committed an offense that is particularly serious or violent, but what defines a “serious violent” crime? Generally speaking, if the crime carries a maximum sentence of either life in prison or death, then it is a serious violent crime. Examples of these crimes include:

  • Abduction
  • Arson
  • Burglary with a deadly weapon
  • Carjacking
  • Malicious wounding
  • Murder
  • Rape and other felony sexual crimes
  • Robbery
  • Terrorism
  • Voluntary manslaughter

Firearms Crimes

The number of firearms crimes seem to be on the rise here in Virginia. Those who are accused of crimes involving firearms may be denied bond in a few specific circumstances. In particular, three offenses require a judge to hand down jail time to the offender, which means that magistrates cannot let them out on bond. These three instances are:

  • Individuals with a gun and non-marijuana drugs
  • Previously convicted felons with a gun
  • Individuals using a gun on church or school property

Third Felony

This is not to say that every defendant who is accused of their third felony is denied bond. Quite the contrary, many three-time offenders are eligible to post bail and get out of jail. However, if an individual has two prior serious violent felonies, they may be denied bond based on their criminal history. This is true regardless of whether the previous felonies were committed in Virginia, or if they were committed in another state.

Second Serious Drug Crimes

You’ve heard of the “three strikes and you’re out” rule, right? Virginia has a similar rule with serious drug crimes, but rather than three strikes, individuals are only granted two strikes. Whether or not someone is denied bond often depends upon the specific drug involved. For example, marijuana crimes are not considered offenses for which bond is denied. While there may be exceptions for some other drugs, the law stands firm in that for other drugs, two serious drug offenses mean no potential for bond.

Other Serious Crimes

The four offenses we have discussed so far are very specific in nature, so “other serious crimes” may seem like a bit of a catchall at this point. However, other specific offenses are deemed to be so grievous that they are automatically not eligible for bond. Examples of these offenses include committing sexual crimes with children under the age of 15, obstructing justice by threats of violence or force, and gang membership.

Have Questions About Bail Bonds in South Boston?

While the bail bonds process is fairly straightforward in most instances, there may be instances where you or your loved one won’t have the option of posting bail to get out of jail quickly. We urge you to contact our team of experienced bail bond agents with any questions you have about bail bonds in South Boston, including whether or not your loved one is eligible to be released on bail. We are happy to provide you with all the information you need to navigate your current situation and best support your loved one during their tough time. Our team is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so contact us right away.

Arrested? Call a Charlotte Court House Bondsman First

Regardless of why you have been arrested, your number one priority is to get out of jail fast. Naturally, most people call a friend or a loved one when they need help posting bail to get out of jail because they need someone reliable and trustworthy in their corner. Did you know that contacting a Charlotte Court House bondsman is not only a viable alternative to calling your loved ones, but it is also one that may prove to be more beneficial? It’s true, and in today’s post, we’ll review a few reasons why you should call a bondsman with Affordable Bail Bonding first after you’ve been arrested. Let’s get started.

Three Reasons to Call Our Bondsman First

We Are Always Available

We understand why most people call a friend or family member first, but this may not always be the best way to get out of jail fast unless you know that they are going to be available to take their call. Even if they are available, some people may not answer their phone if they see a restricted number or a number that they don’t recognize. You don’t have to worry about this when you call a bondsman at Affordable Bail Bonding. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your call and get the ball rolling to restore your freedom quickly.

We Can Contact People For You

You may only be allowed one phone call when you are behind bars, so why not make the most of it? The last thing you want to do is spend another night in jail because you ran out of phone time without being able to get ahold of anyone. Contacting a bondsman first is wise not only because they are always available, but also because they can contact people on your behalf. That means that you can give them a list of contacts they can keep trying after your phone time is up to help expedite the bonding process. Remember, the sooner you get a hold of someone on the outside, the sooner your freedom will be restored.

We Can Help You Get Out of Jail Fast

Lastly, time is of the essence when you are sitting behind bars. It might be comforting to hear a friend or loved one’s voice when you are in jail, but they can’t get you out of jail as quickly as a Charlotte Court House bondsman can. From the moment you call our team, our number one mission is to get you out of jail. All of our energy will be concentrated on this effort, and while we care about your release, our actions aren’t as clouded by emotion as your loved ones’ might be. Beyond that, calling a loved one first also avoids putting unnecessary pressure on your loved ones to act quickly to get you out of jail.

Bail Bonds in Charlotte Court House

Affordable Bail Bonding is your source for affordable bail bonds in Charlotte Court House and we are here to help you when you find yourself in a tough spot. You can rest assured that someone will always answer the phone when you call us looking for a bondsman and you can be confident that we will do everything we can to get you out of jail as quickly as possible. If you called a loved one before us, don’t worry — we are still happy to help them gather the information needed for us to fill out the bonding paperwork for your release. Don’t delay a moment longer. Contact one of our Charlotte Court House bondsmen right away.

How Does Bail Bonding Work in Chatham County?

Getting a call from a friend or loved one who has been arrested is never fun and you’re likely to feel a wide range of emotions. You might feel sad for them, worry about them, or you may even be angry with them. Once the shock wears off, you probably want to help them however you can and to do so, you need to understand the bonding options available to you. Affordable Bail Bonding in Chatham is here to help you every step of the way. In today’s post, we’ll highlight four different options for bailing your loved one out of jail. Let’s take a look at them now.

Bonding Procedure Options in Chatham

Cash Bond

If there is one thing we know for sure, it is that cash is still king. This form of payment is one of the most popular for low bail amounts as it is readily available and allows individuals to retain confidentiality in the bail process. Beyond that, cash bonds are refundable regardless of the case outcome if the defendant stays out of trouble while out on bail and attends all of their court dates. To get someone out of jail on a cash bond in Chatham, all you have to have is a government-issued ID and cash.

Credit Card Payment

While a cash bond might be one of the most common ways that people post bail in Chatham, detention centers will often accept credit card payments as well. For example, the sheriff’s office in Chatham does accept both Visa and MasterCard payments as long as certain conditions are met. The person posting bond must present a picture ID and the credit card must be issued in their name. Additional fees may apply to credit card payments, so keep this in mind if you plan to go this route.

Property Bond

So, what happens if you don’t have enough cash or free credit available to post bail? Thankfully, the sheriff’s office also accepts property bonds as payment so long as certain conditions are met. The property must not have any liens against it and it must have a value that is equal to or greater than that of the bail amount. They also require that a title search be completed to prove ownership of the property being used. Fair warning if you are considering this type of bond: you may lose your property if the defendant doesn’t show up for their court date.

Bail Bond Company

Most people simply choose to call a bail bonding company when they need help. There are many benefits to doing so. Bail bonds save you money — you only have to pay 10% of the total bail rather than the full amount — and they allow you to keep your property. Beyond that, they also allow you to maintain complete confidentiality and you get the benefit of having an experienced bondsman working on your behalf. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Searching for a Bail Bonding Company in Chatham?

When you need a reputable bail bonding company in Chatham, look no further than Affordable Bail Bonding. Our experienced team of bondsmen has the skill and knowledge needed to help you get out of jail fast. No cosigner is required in most instances and we can often complete the bonding paperwork in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. We even offer bail bonds payment plans to help make paying your bail premium as convenient as possible. Contact our Chatham bondsmen to request bail right away.

Questions to Ask Prospective South Boston Bail Bonding Agents

Finding a reputable South Boston bail bonding agent can seem like an overwhelming task. Whether you need help getting out of jail yourself or you are preparing to post bail for a loved one, you need a bail bond agency that has your best interests in mind. Affordable Bail Bonding offers fast, affordable bail bonds in South Boston and we are here for you when you need us most.

Our experienced team of bail bonding agents will take the time to understand your situation, answer any questions that you have, and gather the necessary information to complete the bonding paperwork quickly. We understand that you might not know what questions to ask of prospective agents, especially if this is the first time you need a bail bond. Below, we’ll review four of the most helpful questions you can ask. Let’s take a look at them now.

What to Ask Bail Bonding Agents

How Long Have You Had Your License?

You wouldn’t hire a painting contractor or a landscaper without asking about their experience, and the same can be said for a bail bonding agent. Asking a prospective bondsman this question can tell you quite a bit about their experience in the bail bond industry and their dedication to legal, ethical services. The state of Virginia has very strict licensure and renewal requirements and an agent who has had their license for more than two years has demonstrated a dedication to their profession and the clients they serve. Be wary of bondsmen who cannot produce a current copy of their license or tell you how long they have had it.

Has It Ever Been Restricted or Suspended?

Just as the state of Virginia has strict licensing and renewal guidelines for bail bonding agents, it also has very specific professional conduct standards that agents must abide by. If they fail to play by the state’s rules, they risk disciplinary action that could result in their license being restricted or suspended. If a bail bonding agent tells you that they have been subject to disciplinary action by the state, this is a major red flag that should make you question the bondsman’s integrity, ethics, and professionalism.

What Is Your Availability?

It goes without saying that there is never a convenient time to be arrested. The police don’t work banker’s hours and that means that individuals can be arrested at any time, whether it is during the day, the middle of the night, on a weekend, or on a holiday. Finding a South Boston bail bonding agent who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week is critical to getting out of jail as quickly as possible. Here at Affordable Bail Bonding, we are available 24/7 to answer your phone call and get the bail bonds process rolling. If you have questions about bail bonds, we are here to answer those as well.

Do You Offer Payment Plans?

When you hire a bail bonding agent to help you or a loved one get out of jail, you’ll have to pay them something called a bail premium for their services. This is often 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if bail has been set at $7,500, the bail premium that you are responsible for would be $750. Our team understands that you might not have $750 just lying around, which is why we are happy to offer payment plans to make paying the premium convenient and less stressful. We also accept most major credit cards, so you don’t have to worry about taking money out of the bank or writing a check for your premium.

Need a South Boston Bail Bonding Agent?

Are you searching for an experienced South Boston bail bonding agent for yourself or a loved one? The right bondsman can make all the difference when it comes to posting bail quickly so that you or your loved one can begin to prepare for your upcoming court date. Affordable Bail Bonding makes the bail bonds process easy to understand and we’re here to help you every step of the way. From gathering the information we need to complete the bonding paperwork to maintaining contact with you or your loved one up until the court date, you can rest easy that you have a trusted, professional team in your corner.

Contact our South Boston bail bonding company right away to request help today.