Debunking Myths About Bail Bonds

Let’s face it, if you didn’t have to, you’d never learn about bail bonds.  Needing a bail bond is not something a person anticipates.  So no one really talks about what the bail bond process is like.  Instead, people hear things that scare them and then Hollywood paints a different bleak picture. Contrary to popular belief, bail agents do not dress and talk like a bodyguard or a club bouncer. Some may have the build of one, but not all of them.

Bail Agents Are Reputable Professionals

First, most bail bond agents don’t wear thick gold chains. Bail bond agents are business people who need to meet an educational requirement on a yearly basis and pass an exam in order to call themselves a bail agent.  After passing an exam they have to find a surety that will back them and give them bonds to use.

Bail bonds are not scams. There is nothing sketchy here. The bail bond industry is a legitimate business that is an alternative to cash bail and a 100% legal way to get a loved one out of jail. The premium normally costs 10% of the full bail amount and comes with a payment plan. We work directly with you, the court, and the jail to get the process over and done with, to get your loved one freed.

The Truth About Collateral

Another myth needing to be debunked is that you have to put your house up for collateral.  This is normally not true. Collateral is a form of guaranteeing the full bail amount.  If the bail is large, the bail agent might still ask for a house as collateral.  However, most bail bonds are written with just a signature as the collateral.  Meaning that signing the contract is enough security for the bail bond. 

Bail Bonds Agencies Care About The Community

Another myth is that the bail agent is just in it for the fast money and he could care less about the safety of the community or the location of their client. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.  The bail agents have families living in the communities they serve, they are concerned about the safety of the community.

Some truth about bail bonds:  the bail bond system protects the community.  When a defendant doesn’t show up to his or her court date, the bond is considered a forfeiture.  What this means is that a bail bond agent is now responsible for paying the county the entire amount of the bond if the defendant does not go to court.  Since the bail bond agent doesn’t want to pay the $50,000 they are going to work hard to find that person and return them to jail.

Bail Bonds With Delta Bail Bond

If you or a loved one has been arrested, Delta Bail Bond can help. We’re available 24/7 to post bail. Our experienced bail bondsmen are dedicated to getting you out of jail and back to your life as soon as possible after an arrest. Call or visit our website to get in touch with a talented bail bondsman today!

How to Choose A Bail Bonds Agency

Are you desperately looking for a bail bond company to help get your loved one out of jail but not sure what you should be looking for?

Bail bonds services are one of those topics that most people really don’t know about until they need them. Bail bonds companies are a bit of a scary mystery to most people.

Choose a company that’s available 24/7

You could get arrested at any time, there’s no office hours for arrests. If the police catch you with an unauthorized substance in your car in the middle of the night and you have work the next day, you can’t wait for a bail bonds office to open up. Such a case needs to be dealt with on an emergency basis. A bail bond company that operates 24 hours a day will stand by your side even at the latest/earliest hours. The quicker you get your bail bond, the better.

Fees

If you use a bail bond service, you will be charged about 10 percent for the service to post bail. It means that you will have to make a small payment, but you do not have to pay a large sum of money up front. Your loved one can leave jail once the small payment is issued.

Choose a company that’s open about its policies

It’s normal to feel anxious and scared at the time of arrest. Most people end up acting impulsively simply because they want to get out as early as they can. In the middle of all this, don’t forget to read carefully through the terms and conditions of the bail bond 

agreement. Many companies have hidden charges and terms which surface later when it’s too late to back out, and you often end up paying more than you thought you would. Make sure your company is open and honest with you about all their terms and conditions and that you’ve taken the time to read through them before signing the deal.

Check reviews

Just like you would with anything else, it helps to check reviews online to see what people are saying about the company.

Unfortunately, the bail bonds industry has become a hotbed for scammers who are looking to make a quick dollar out of people in need. To make sure that the bail bonds agency is legit, check out their online reviews and license.

Choose a company that’s licensed

Speaking of scams, checking for licensing is a good way to make sure you’re dealing with a reliable agency.

Look for a local bail bonds agency whose office you can visit and meet with employees to make sure they know what they’re talking about.

Contact Delta Bail Bonds

If you find yourself or a loved one being arrested, make sure you contact our bail bond office as quickly as possible. Delta Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to bail you out when you need it. You do not have to wait until business hours to call us. Our experienced bail bondsmen are dedicated to getting you out of jail and back to your life as soon as possible after an arrest. If you’re unable to contact us yourself, call a friend or relative and ask them to do it for you.

How to Stay Out of Trouble When Out On Bail

If you require bail, there are several things you should not do until you are free. The main thing is to stay in touch with your bondsman. Let them know about any changes in your status or anything that happens while they hold your agreement.

Make Smart Decisions

When you are out on bail, the last thing you want is another arrest. If you have a certain set of friends or relatives that are a bad influence in your life, let them know you will be keeping your distance for a period. While it may seem like a hard thing to do, in the end staying away from illegal activities can only help you stay out of trouble.

Live A Clean Lifestyle

Drugs and alcohol are a recipe for disaster. They influence your decisions and can cause you to make bad choices. If you run into trouble while on bail, you most likely will not have the option to go home this time, and unfortunately, a judge will probably look less favorably on your case. Resist the urge and tell your friends and family you are staying clean while out on bail.

Be Honest With Your Attorney

Your attorney needs to know the truth to build the best case possible for your situation. He  needs to know all of the important details in order to present the case properly before the court. Any dishonesty you tell your attorney can complicate the situation further, making an the situation even worse.

Keep Scheduled Court Appearances

Failing to show up for your scheduled court date is skipping bail. You can also skip bail if you leave town without permission. Once you skip bail, the local court will issue a warrant for your arrest. A bail enforcement agent, also known as a bounty hunter, will then come to find you and bring you in. If anyone put up collateral for your bail, you will most likely lose it because of your failure to appear.

If there is a legitimate reason why you cannot appear in court at your scheduled time, call the bail bondsman immediately. They may be able to negotiate a compromise on your behalf. If possible, it is better to notify them ahead of time rather than just skipping your date.

Get Permission Before Travelling

Travel may not be allowed during the time you are on bond. The best way to find out is by communicating with your bondsman and attorney. They should be able to let you know the details of your agreement, and whether it is acceptable to travel. It is better to be honest and let them know, rather than trying to sneak away. Sneaking around causes distrust and will only make the situation worse.

Delta Bail Bonds Can Help

A bail agreement is a serious commitment. Once you create a lack of trust, it is hard to earn it back. It is better to be in constant communication with your bond agent to avoid a messy situation. If you or a loved one are in need of bail, contact Delta Bail Bonds.

5 Reasons you Shouldn’t Represent Yourself in Court

Delta Bail Bonds is dedicated to helping defendants and their families cope with the aftermath of an arrest. That’s why we offer 24/7 bail bonds anywhere in the country, and our bail bondsmen are experienced enough to help you navigate the complicated legal system with ease. If you’re tight on cash and confident in your legal skills, you might feel like it’s a good idea to forgo hiring an attorney and represent yourself in court instead. Here are five reasons why it isn’t a good idea to represent yourself in court.

You’ll be up Against Professionals

No matter how confident you are in your own legal knowledge, you’re going to be at a huge disadvantage if you choose to represent yourself in court rather than hiring a professional. The prosecution is going to be equipped with talented attorneys who know how to take defendants down. Without a strong legal team by your side, you won’t stand a chance against these lawyers.

You Probably Lack the Legal Knowledge

Lawyers are professionally trained to do their jobs, which is a part of the reason why they can be so costly. You don’t have the years of law school training a professional lawyer does, which means you’re ill-qualified to represent yourself in court. Even if you think you can talk yourself out of a guilty verdict, you’re better off letting a professional attorney handle it for you.

It’s Impossible to Stay Objective

A part of an attorney’s job is to bring an objective point of view to the case. Not only does this help reduce tension and high emotions in the courtroom, but it also helps ensure that bias doesn’t impact your outcome. As the defendant, it’s impossible for you to represent yourself in a completely objective way. You might get angry or emotional when representing yourself, which will make you even less credible in the eyes of the judge and the court. Having an attorney at your side will help you curb your emotions and stay professional in the courtroom.

You’ll be Expected to Follow Court Protocol

Courtrooms have a very complex set of rules and courtesies you’ll be expected to follow, even if they aren’t explained to you. An attorney can educate you on these rules, but you’ll still have to follow them even if you’re representing yourself. If you don’t follow the right procedures, you could lose the respect of your judge and face consequences from the court.

You Have the Right to an Attorney

By law, you have the right to be represented by an attorney. Even if you can’t afford one, you’ll be assigned to a public defender. It’s better to use the resources available to you and give yourself the best shot at a good outcome by hiring an attorney to represent you in court.

Delta Bail Bonds is Here to Help

If you or your loved one is stuck in jail, Delta Bail Bonds can help. We’re available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country as soon as possible. Our talented bail bondsmen have years of experience helping people like you, and we’re here to offer our advice and help you navigate the legal system with ease. Call or visit our website to get started on the bail bond process with Delta Bail Bonds today!

How to Help Your Child After an Arrest

Being arrested can be a scary and traumatic experience for any child, and it’s important for parents to be as patient and understanding as possible. Supporting your child through the scary reality of the legal process can improve the trust your child has in you, which can strengthen your relationship. Here’s how you can help your child who’s been arrested. 

Look for the Right Lawyer

Instead of a typical defense attorney, you’ll need to find one who specializes in juvenile defense. Juvenile defense attorneys are trained to navigate the unique legal process designed for children, which is usually much more nuanced and complicated than the system designed for adults. A trustworthy juvenile defense attorney is your child’s best bet at leaving the trial with a clean record, while an attorney with little experience can do the opposite. The right attorney will also be able to explain everything to your child in terms they can understand.

Remind Your Child to Remain Silent

Even if you know your child is already aware of their right to remain silent, it’s still a good idea to remind them. Your child is under no obligation to give the police any information without an attorney there to help. An attorney’s job is to advise the defendant throughout the legal process, which includes any police interactions. Remind your child that answering police questions without a lawyer can have serious consequences on your trial and the outcome of your case. Tell your child to be respectful and cooperative to the police at all times, but to not answer any questions until an attorney can help. 

Listen to Your Child’s Probation Officer

After your child is detained, a probation officer will be assigned to decide what happens next. The first court hearing should happen within two days of being detained, and afterwards the probation officer will write a report recommending a course of action. Depending on your child’s record, health, behavior, and other factors, the probation officer will either recommend release, house arrest, or further detainment of your child. If your child is released, they’ll have to meet the requirements of the probation officer. This includes good school attendance, good grades, and no criminal activity. 

Give the Court any Important Information

The court won’t be able to give your child’s case a fair look unless you do everything you can to paint an accurate picture of your child. Give the court proof of any mental illnesses or learning disabilities your child has, since this will change the way your child’s case is handled. You could also try collecting character letters from family members and teachers about who your child really is. These letters are always reviewed by the court, and they could entirely change the outcome of your child’s trial.

Bail Family Members out Fast with Delta Bail Bonds

If your family member has been arrested, Delta Bail Bonds can help. We’re available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country, and we work hard to take care of your case as soon as possible. Our experienced bail bondsmen can help you navigate the complicated legal process with ease, so call or visit our website today!

What Types of Bail Bonds Are Available in Texas?

If you’ve been arrested for the first time, you might be surprised to learn there are multiple types of bail. Texas law includes four types of bail bonds, and the one you’re faced with depends on the court, the severity of your offense, and how you decide to pay. This can be a confusing concept for anyone dealing with the legal process for the first time, so we’ve made a list of the different kinds of bail bonds available to you.

Personal Recognizance

If you’re a first-time offender of a non-violent crime, the court might release you simply on your promise to show up for all court hearings. This might be combined with other pre-trial diversion programs to help you get back on track and reduce the chances that you’ll offend again. This kind of bail is only granted after the court confirms this is your first offense, and that you have connections in the area, such as a family or job.

Cash Bond

Cash bonds are the least expensive bail bond available, usually costing $1,000 or less. These bonds are reserved for misdemeanors with no aggravating causes, and they can usually be paid in full by the defendant or with the help of a co-signer. It’s still recommended that you hire a bail bond agency to pay low bonds for added security. The defendant or co-signer can usually get most or all of their money back once the defendant shows up to their hearings.

Security Bond

When the defendant can’t afford to pay their bail, even with the help of a co-signer, their best option is to hire a bail bond agency. The biggest advantage of paying with the help of a bail bondsman is the defendant usually only has to pay ten percent of the bail to the agency, and a co-signer can help with the cost. This method comes with the risk of the defendant not appearing in court, which will result in a bail forfeiture and a warrant for their arrest. If the bail forfeiture goes through, the defendant and co-signer will be responsible for paying the entire bail amount to their agent.

Property Bond

Property bonds aren’t as common as cash and security bonds, but they give defendants with high bail amounts the option to still receive bail. The defendant or a co-signer must give the title to a property to the court or a bail bondsman, which they will get back once the defendant appears in court. The property must be located within the state, and it must be of equal or greater value than the bail amount. Popular properties include houses, vehicles, bank accounts, or valuable items like electronics and jewelry.

Get Out of Jail Fast With Delta Bail Bonds

If you or your loved one is facing jail time after an arrest, Delta Bail Bonds can help. Our bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country, and we’ll be able to help you through every step of the legal process. Call or visit our website to get in touch with a talented bail bondsman today!

What Not To Do During Your Court Hearing

In the days leading up to your court hearing, you’re probably wondering what you can and can’t do in the courtroom. If you have no previous experience in court, the thought of attending your hearing can be intimidating. At Delta Bail Bonds, we do everything we can to educate our clients about the legal process and courtroom etiquette, so we’ve put together a guide to what you shouldn’t do in court.Ā 

Bring Your Children

It’s important for children to understand what’s going on with their parents, but bringing them to court isn’t productive. Most courtrooms don’t allow children once the session has started, and the courtroom staff isn’t responsible for taking care of your kids. Children bring unnecessary noise and disorder to the court, and most judges won’t be happy if you bring them to your hearing. It’s best to hire a babysitter or get help from friends or family, but we strongly advise against bringing anyone under 18 to the courtroom with you. 

Wear Casual Clothes

Judges and juries expect the defendant to show respect to the courtroom, which includes the way you dress. Don’t wear your casual clothes to court. This will reflect poorly on you, and it doesn’t make a good impression on anyone in the room. If you’re awaiting your trial in jail, ask a friend or family member to drop a formal outfit off at the jail or with your defense attorney, or else you’ll have to appear in the same clothes you were arrested in. 

Prop Your Feet on the Table or Take a Nap

Judges are very protective of their courtrooms, so it’s important to show respect to the courtroom as well as the judge. This means no propping your feet up, napping in the courtroom, or leaning your chair back. You’ll probably be in the courtroom for a long time, but that doesn’t give you an excuse to treat it like your living room. Stay seated and quiet in your chair, only standing when you’re expected to. 

Speak Directly to the Judge Without Permission

When you’re in court, there’s a list of rules about how you can interact with the judge. You need to stand when the judge enters the room, introduce yourself only if prompted, and refrain from speaking to the judge directly or approaching the bench unless you get permission. If you have any questions for or about the judge, consult your defense attorney first. Some judges will also have a specific set of rules for their courtroom, which will be announced at the beginning of the session. Listen closely to these rules and commit them to memory. 

Get Bailed Out Fast With Delta Bail Bonds

If you’re facing jail time while awaiting your day in court, call Delta Bail Bonds immediately. Our bail bondsmen can post bail for you or your loved one anywhere in the country, 24/7. Don’t miss out on work, school, bills, or important family time by staying in jail. Call us or visit our website to get in touch with an experienced bail bondsman today!

Can I Leave Texas While Out On Bond?

If you’re out on bail, it’s always best to await your trial at home and use your free time to connect with your family and meet with your attorney. Unfortunately, some travel plans can’t be rescheduled or canceled just because you’re on bail. If you have a mandatory work trip or family obligations that can’t wait, you’re probably wondering about the rules of traveling while out on bond. We’ve put together a list of everything you need to know about traveling while bonded out so you can navigate the legal system better.

Why Bondsmen Discourage Out-of-State Travel

Even if you’re allowed to travel out-of-state while out on bond, your bail bondsman will probably discourage you from doing so. If a client leaves the state on a trip and becomes a fugitive, it can reflect poorly on the bondsman and make it harder for them to find jobs in the future. For this reason, it’s quite taboo for defendants to travel while bonded out and you’ll most likely be advised to stay home while you’re out on bail.

Talk to Your Bail Bondsman

Before getting in your car or on a plane, discuss your travel plans with your bondsman. Keeping your bail bondsman informed on your plans will help them trust you, and it’ll give them a chance to remind you of the things you can’t do while bonded out. If you aren’t allowed to travel due to the type of bail you’re on, consulting your bondsman means you’ll find out early on whether or not you can travel. Your bondsman might ask you to call or text them every day, and you should follow this rule while travelling. Staying in touch while you’re out of state will give your bondsman some peace of mind, and it’ll help them to keep tabs on you while you’re away.

Circumstances That Prohibit Travel

If you’re on a felony bond, you’ll be restricted from travelling outside of a specific area. Your judge will most likely suspend your passport and set the boundaries of your bail during a felony bail hearing.

If you’ve missed court dates or skipped bail in the past, or if the court has any other reason to deem you a flight risk, you won’t be able to travel. You’ll have to stay inside your state while you wait for your trial. 

If neither of these apply to you, you’ll probably be allowed to travel while bonded out. Just remember to speak with your bail bondsman in advance and adhere to the terms of your bail, even while you’re travelling. 

Facing Jail Time? Delta Bail Bonds Can Help

If you or a loved one has been arrested, Delta Bail Bonds can help. Our bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country, and we accept collateral and payment plans for anyone who can’t afford their entire bail. For more information, or to get in touch with an experienced bail bondsman, call or visit our website today!

How to Prepare for Your Upcoming Bail Hearing

man on stand at bail hearing

At Delta Bail Bonds, we understand everyone makes mistakes. If you get in trouble with the law, it’s always best to know what you’re getting into. That’s why our experienced bail bondsmen are here to walk you through the bail process and get you out of jail while you await your trial.Ā 

After your arrest, the first court appearance you’ll be required to make is your bail hearing. This process is pretty straightforward and usually happens quickly, but any court appearance can be intimidating if you don’t understand what’s going on. Here’s everything you need to know about bail hearings and how to prepare for one.

How Bail Hearings Work

The bail hearing will usually happen as soon as possible after an arrest, and the only purpose it serves is to determine the price of your bail. Like any other court date, you have the right to be represented by an attorney.

The only important people in the bail hearing are the judge, the prosecutor, you, and your defense attorney. Once the hearing begins, the prosecutor and the defense will each give their recommendations to the judge. After that, the judge will ask you questions about your history to help them decide on a bail amount. Once the judge determines your bail, you’ll have the option to pay it on your own, with a bail bond agency, ask for a reduction, or await your trial in jail. 

How Your Bail Amount is Determined

The judge who decides your bail will have to ask you some questions about your history during the hearing. These questions serve to get a comprehensive understanding of your history so the judge can make an informed decision on your bail amount. Here are some of the things you might be asked about during your hearing:

  • Outstanding warrants
  • Employment
  • Family in the area
  • Criminal background
  • Substance abuse

If you’re worried about any of these questions, sit down with your attorney before the hearing and ask for advice on how to proceed. It’s important to be honest with the judge, but you should seek legal advice if you’re unsure about anything. 

Your Options When You Can’t Afford Bail

If the judge sets your bail at an amount you can’t afford, you have a few options. First, you can motion for a reduction. Whether or not you get the reduction is up to the judge, and you should be prepared to comply with any orders they give to reduce your bail. 

Your other option is to work with a bail bond agency like Delta Bail Bonds. Bail bondsmen are here to help you get out on bail, even if you don’t have enough to cover your bail. 

Delta Bail Bonds Can Help

If you need help getting out of jail after an arrest, Delta Bail Bonds can help. Our experienced bail bondsmen can post bail anywhere in the country, and we’re willing to work with you or your family on a payment plan. Delta Bail Bonds has years of experience bailing citizens out of jail, so let us help you when you need it. Call Delta Bail Bonds to get in touch with one of our bondsmen today!

How to Avoid Getting Duped by Unscrupulous Bail Bond Agents

Author: Mark Monroe

CAUTION! We feel the need to let you know there are a few bail bondsman in Dallas who have and will dupe unsuspecting clients. Now there are certainly more good bail bonds companies in the Dallas metroplex that operate at the highest levels of integrity, than there are of those that don’t. It is our hope that you will do your due diligence and learn as much of the whole Bail Bonds process before you talk with someone in order to shield yourself and your loved one by learning a small list of easy bail bonds consumer tips and become a bit more well versed with the bail bonds process.

  • Work with a licensed bail bondsman. Ask to see the bail agent’s license and identification prior to any bail transaction.
  • Insure the bail bondsman you are working with is accessible to you after the bail bond has been posted.  Service is paramount in order to make this the easiest process as possible.  Any legitimate bail bondsman should be accessible to help you with any inquiries you might have.
  • Get copies of ALL signed contracts, as well as, itemized receipts for all charges.
  • The premium charged for a bail bond is typically 10-20% of the full bail amount.   Do not pay anymore than this without understanding if this is a legal fee amount.  Any additional fees should be itemized and explained to your satisfaction.
  • If you have agreed to a payment plan, insure you fully comprehend the payment contract before you sign anything. Obviously, you should get a copy of anything and everything you sign.

Why use Delta Bail Bonds?

Delta has been doing business in Dallas for over 20 years and we have a solid reputation in Dallas as one of the most reputable Bail Bonds Agencies in the state of Texas. We care about you and are sensitive to your situation and we are here to help! We know better than most how to navigate this often complicated process and get your loved one out of jail faster than most anyone.

Let us help you now! Call Delta Bail Bonds in Dallas at 214-526-4272 or at our McKinney location in Collin County at 972-562-3030.

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