Arrested For Domestic Violence? What To Know About Bail And Surety Bonds
In response to a domestic violence call, law enforcement may be compelled to make an arrest. Being accused of such a crime carries serious consequences. One of those problems with this type of charge is being bailed out. Read on to find out more.
You Might Have Problems With Bail
Bail is not automatic and can be based on several factors. One of the most important factors is the seriousness of the crime. While domestic violence is not on par with homicide, it is still considered a violent crime. Judges are bound to take the safety of the public into consideration when offering bail.
Domestic violence is a violent crime. However, being accused is not the same as being convicted. The opportunity to pay bail and be released from jail is not meant to be part of the sentencing but judges also cannot release dangerous defendants from jail. In the case of domestic violence allegations, judges may weigh the circumstances of the case and the characteristics of the defendant. For instance, first-time offenders with no previous record of violent crimes may be given the benefit of the doubt along with strict bail conditions.
Bail Details to Know
If you are offered bail, the next question is how to pay for it. Bail as offered by the court is often very expensive. However, there is a less expensive way to achieve the same jail release. Instead of paying bail to the court or jail, pay a bail bonding agent. That results in bail that costs only a percentage of what you would have paid.
Here are the step-by-step instructions for being released using a surety bail bond:
- Contact a friend, relative, or a bail bonding company. Some bail companies can help you over the phone but having an outside helper works better.
- The person helping you should phone the jail to verify your location, charges, and bail costs.
- Phoning a surety bail company near the jail and providing them with the above information should result in a quote for buying a bail bond.
- The surety bond is usually paid in cash, but some businesses accept credit cards and checks as well.
- Someone must appear at the bond business in-person to pay for the bond and sign the paperwork in many cases.
- The bonding company will arrange for the bail to be paid and you will be released from jail in a matter of hours depending on how busy they are.
- Expect to return to the bail agency to sign some paperwork.
Talk to your agent and learn more about your surety bail bond conditions.