The criminal justice system can be a frightening experience for anyone. The intimidating nature of it is enough to send shivers down your spine. For those that are faced with this situation, there is still hope out there. One of the first circumstances someone in this situation might face is the bail process. The bail is used as a promise that the defendant will appear in court for their scheduled hearing. If someone is unable to post bail, they will be forced to remain in police custody until their trial date. For many in this position, they will utilize the services of a bail bondsman.
Finding An Attorney
One of the first steps you should take when facing the criminal justice system is to find a quality lawyer. Lawyers cover a wide range of cases so you will want to find one that specializes in criminal defense. They will help you dictate the entire process and be a helping hand for you. You should contact the lawyer immediately after any arrest. Do not think that you can go at it alone. The lawyer will make sure that you are treated fairly and with justice.
It is best to be proactive when searching for an attorney. While no one expects to someday be arrested, it is best to keep someone in mind. Many law firms employ a number of different specialized attorneys. If you have a go-to law firm that you use to maintain any legal situations, ask them about their criminal law division. You can always seek the advice of any friends or family members who have been in a similar situation. You would also be wise to check out any online review websites that can help you get a clearer picture. With the right amount of planning, you will find a great lawyer who will represent you in all of your legal needs.
The Role of The Bail Bondsman
The bail bond process is an essential one in the criminal justice system. When someone has made bail, they can be free for the time being and better prepare for their defense. It also allows them to continue on with their life. They can still return to their job. When someone is in jail while awaiting their trial, they run the risk of losing their livelihood. This can create a highly stressful situation. A bail bond agent can act as your go-between during this process.
There are a number of important steps to take when searching for a quality bail bond company. Not every company is reputable, so it is important that you weed out any bad ones. Unfortunately, there are some bail bond services that are out to take advantage of people in a vulnerable situation. Be on the lookout for someone with nefarious intentions. Many scam artists will hang out around the courthouse, hoping to solicit defendants. This will set off a red flag. A reputable bail bond company will have s business building, an online presence, and contact information. Anything outside of that is sure to raise a few eyebrows.
What to Expect in the Bail Bonding Process
The bail bonding process is often predicated on what type of charge you might be facing. A nonviolent and/or petty crime may result in ROR or released on recognizance. In these cases the defendant is immediately released without a set bail at all. Defendants facing these charges usually do not pose much of a threat to the community. This may sound absurd because there is no promise being made to show up in court. There is little risk that they may take off. They are only facing minor charges so the defendant would not want to complicate it even further by being a no-show.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are defendants who have bail denied. In this case, the accused are facing exceptionally serious charges such as murder or sexual crimes. These defendants pose a serious threat to the community. Even though they have not been convicted of anything, the charges are serious enough that they cannot be trusted to be out in society.
For all charges in between these opposite spectrum ends, the accused will face a bail. The bail is dictated on the nature of the charges. Those on the less serious end, but still more serious than an ROR case, will face just a minimal bail price. Depending on the financial situation of the accused, they may just want to pay it outright. As the charges grow in seriousness, so will the bail. This is especially true of those facing charges for a violent crime. For defendants who pose a flight risk, the court may require them to forfeit their passport. This way they cannot try to escape to another country. If they do they may face a complicated extradition process. If the country does not have a good working relationship with The United States, it will further complicate the manner.
What You Need to Do
Facing the criminal justice system can be a highly stressful situation for anyone involved. Many feel that they have been treated unfairly. It is important that you maintain some composure so that you can better deal with this. Getting carried away cannot add much to this series of events. When you are calm, cool, and collected, you can better prepare yourself for the court appearances.
While you may not be “throwing yourself on the mercy of the court,” you do not want to do anything that will jeopardize your case. When someone is using the services of bail bond agents, they must recognize that it is a two way street. While they are agreeing to post your bond, you must appear in court for any scheduled hearings. The courtroom can be a frightening and stressful place, but trying to avoid it is just a recipe for disaster. In court appearances, it is important to rely on the expertise of others. Your lawyer is there to guide you every step of the way.
Criminal defense legal services can your greatest asset when facing charges. Lawyers are often stereotyped as unscrupulous and just looking to make a quick buck any way they can. This is an unfair view of this profession. While no lawyer is perfect, they can literally a life saver as you navigate this uncharted legal territory. When dealing with your lawyer, it is ok to ask plenty of questions. Make sure that there is open and honest communication. Your lawyer is there to help you so it is important that they can trust you. You should tell them all necessary information, no matter how embarrassing the details might be. This way, they can mount the best defense possible for you. Your lawyer will also reiterate the importance of appearing for your hearings. When you have a good working relationship, you will find that everything will run much smoother.
Affordable Bail Bond Services
When someone has decided to use the bail bond agent services, there are a number of different factors to consider. One of the most important is affordability. The legal process is not only a stressful one, but it can also be an expensive one. Lawyer fees, fines, and even loss of income are just some of the ways that the legal system can affect your checkbook. Another instance is the bail bonding endeavor.
“You pay for what you get,” is an oft-repeated phrase to decry those who always seek out the cheaper option. In any aspect of life, the cheaper is not always the best option. The cheaper service may be that ways because they do not offer the best representation for their clients. Many clients, however, cannot afford some of these services. Just because someone cannot afford it, doesn’t mean that deserve quality representation.
The price tag of a bail bond company is usually predicated on the price of the bail itself. The price is usually a certain percentage of the overall bail amount. It is usually around 10-15%. The service will use this amount as a guarantee should the defendant fail to uphold their end of the promise. You will not want to leave them on the hook. Taking care of things on your end will help things run smoothly. If you do not, it will cost you even more. You will have to face even stiffer penalties during your next go around.
Your lawyer may be able to recommend any bail bond services that you can utilize for help. They can help steer you in the right direction as you are looking for a bail bondsman. A veteran criminal defense attorney likely has plenty of experience with bail bonding services. They can offer advice on which ones you may want to use and those that they should not. Many people try to be individualistic and feel that they can go it alone. This is not the time to test out your individual abilities. It is ok to rely on the help of others. Your lawyer can be your most valued resource for many of these instances. Let them help you make these decisions and ask as many questions as you may have.
Others in This Situation
Many try to avoid associating with those people who have a criminal history. In most cases, this would be sound advice. It is important, however, that you are not being judgmental. Just because someone has run afoul of the law does not mean that they are not a good person. In fact, they can be useful in this situation.
A friend who has gone through the bail bonding process may be able to offer a more personal reflection to you. They can offer some great advice and helpful tips. They will likely know what you are going through and can be a source of support and guidance. Your friend or acquaintance can suggest an affordable bail bond service for you. They can tell you which ones are quality and which ones should be avoided. You can mention your friend when you contact the bail bond agent. This may help you in your plea to them to take you on as a client.
Facing Scrutiny
Those who have been arrested often face a hefty amount of public scrutiny. Many can be judgmental and assume the worst about you. This can add an even greater amount of anxiety to an already stressful situation. People who have been accused of crimes are known as innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law. Despite this, many feel plenty of criticism in the court of public opinion.
It is relatively easy for word to get out about your arrest. More serious crimes will be reported on the local news. Reports of your charges and court hearings will be published in the local newspaper. It is important that you not let any comments or criticism get you down. You have enough to worry about.
You might want to defend yourself against this, but that might not be the smartest option. Those accused of crimes do not want to do anything that will jeopardize their defense. You do not know who knows who and who will say anything. During the Miranda rights reading officers will advise you of your right to remain silent and how anything you say can be used in your case. This only applies to speaking with law enforcement, but it can be helpful advice in other situations. While you do not have to be paranoid, it is best to not be overly trusting of certain people. Consult with your lawyer for the best courses of action.
Nobody wants to be arrested. When it happens, it can create an anxiety-inducing series of events. With the right frame of mind and planning, this process can go much more smoothly. Rely on the services of lawyers and bail bond agents who are there to help you.