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What Happens If You Miss a Court Date After Posting Bail?

A brown and gold gavel in El Paso.

Have you or someone you know missed a court date after posting bail? Are you unsure of the consequences of your lack of appearance? Here, we will discuss what happens after you miss your court date following a bail bond.

At Freedom Bail Bonds, located in El Paso, TX, we are considered one of the top bail bonds companies in the southwest. If you need a reliable team following an arrest, you can count on us. Call us at (915) 877-9293 or contact us online to speak with a representative. 

Taking Immediate Action

Life can take an unexpected turn, and sometimes, those turns require you to miss a scheduled court date following bail bonds. Though the idea of missing the court date can be stressful, so long as you take immediate and appropriate actions, you won’t be penalized. Read below for those actions. 

  • Contact Your Bail Bond Attorney- Once you realize that you either might be late or could miss a court date, the first thing you must do is contact your attorney. The earlier you inform them of the conflict, the more rescheduling options will be available; waiting too long can result in limited assistance. Our legal professionals understand the court system and can confidently get you a different court date. 
  • Provide a Legitimate Reason- If the reason is traffic delays, medical emergencies, or any other significant issues, your attorney needs to be informed immediately. Your attorney can present these issues in court, which can possibly show leniency in your case. Whether you have bail bonds in El Paso or not, the court requires a probable reason for absence. 
  • Submit Supporting Documentation- For example, when attending court cases, providing supporting documentation regarding your absence or delay will help you avoid getting in trouble. This could include travel itineraries, medical records, official notices, or anything that can confirm your reason for absence. Presenting this evidence can show your commitment to complying with court requirements associated with bail bonds. 

Your attorney may give you specific instructions to follow regarding missing a court date. Be sure to listen carefully, as it may just affect how your case proceeds. 

Bail Bonds in El Paso

At Freedom Bail Bonds, located in El Paso, TX, we offer different bail bond services for you to take advantage of. If you or someone you know wants to get out of spending the night in jail, these services will benefit you. Call (915) 877-9293 today for more information.

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Common Misconceptions About Cash Bonds

Stacks of cash against a grey background in El Paso.

The legal system alone is complicated, let alone the bail bond system. The bail bond system is often susceptible to various myths and misconceptions. Fortunately, our team at Freedom Bail Bond in El Paso is here to help clarify the process of how bail bonds work and dispel common myths.

If you’re in need of financial assistance, our bail bond agents are available 24/7. Contact Freedom Bail Bonds in El Paso online or call (915) 877-9293 to learn more about how we can help you!

Myth 1: Bails Can Only Be Paid in Cash

Many people believe that bail can only be paid in cash bonds, making it difficult for defendants without immediate access to large sums of money to secure their release. However, various forms of payment are accepted within the court. This may include a cashier’s check, money order, and even credit card payments in some jurisdictions. In a scenario where a defendant cannot afford bail, they can use the property as collateral or seek out the services of our bail bond agents at Freedom Bail Bonds in El Paso. Our agents can post bail on a defendant’s behalf in exchange for a fee.

Myth 2: Posting Bail Means You’re Free

Another common misconception is that once bail is posted, the defendant is completely free and absolved of all charges. However, posting bail does not mean the defendant is free from the charges against them. Defendants are required to appear at all scheduled court dates and comply with any additional conditions set by the court. An example would be forfeiting travel and staying within the local area. 

Myth 3: Bail Bond Agents Keep All the Money

Some believe that bail bond agents keep all the money paid to them once the defendant makes their court appearances. The truth is that bail bond agents charge a non-refundable fee, typically 10-15% of the total bail amount, for their services. The rest of the bail amount is returned to whoever posted it once the defendant has fulfilled their court obligations, regardless of the outcome of the case. 

Myth 4: Bail Bond Agents and Bounty Hunters Are the Same

There is a misconception that bail bond agents and bounty hunters are the same profession. However, bail bond agents provide the financial means to secure a defendant’s release from jail. Bounty hunters, also known as fugitive recovery agents, are independent contractors who are hired by bail bond agents to track down and apprehend defendants who have skipped bail.

Myth 5: Bail and Bonds Are the Same

Many people use the terms “bail” and “bond” interchangeably, thinking they mean the same thing. Bail and bonds are related but not identical. Bail is the amount of money set by the court that a defendant must pay to be released from jail while awaiting trial. A bond is a financial guarantee provided by a third party, such as a bail bond agent, ensuring the defendant’s appearance in court.

Get Cash Bonds in El Paso with Freedom Bail Bond!

Got into trouble? That’s okay. Our bail bond agents are here to help. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 for help today and to learn more about our cash bonds!

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Navigating Bail Bonds for First-Time Offenders

A person holding wooden blocks that read “BAIL” in El Paso.

Whether you or a loved one has experienced a first arrest, it can be daunting, especially when faced with the complexities of bail bonds. For individuals experiencing their first encounter with the legal system, understanding bail bonds is crucial to maintaining your life and freedom.

Fortunately, Freedom Bail Bond in El Paso is here to help clients get out of jail as soon as possible. We offer around-the-clock bail bond assistance all year long. Contact us online or call (915) 877-9293 to learn more.

What are Bail Bonds?

Bails financially guarantees that defendants appear for their scheduled court hearings and proceedings. When arrested, they may be granted the opportunity to secure temporary release by posting bail. However, the amount of bail the court sets can vary depending on the severity of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and flight risk.

Bail bonds in El Paso provide an alternative option for individuals who cannot pay the full bail amount out of pocket. They become a contract between the defendant, a bail bond agent, and the court, where the agent agrees to pay the full bail in exchange for a non-refundable fee from the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the total bail.

Offense Types

The type of offense committed plays a significant role in determining the bail amount and eligibility for bail bonds. At Freedom Bail Bond, we assist El Paso residents with the following:

Class A Misdemeanors

This class type is one of the most serious misdemeanors, which is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $6,250, or both, depending on the crime. Common examples include assault causing bodily harm, possession of 2 ounces of marijuana, and theft of property worth up to $1,500.

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors can result in up to 180 days in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both. Examples include driving under the influence (DUI), prostitution, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Class C Misdemeanors

One of the “least serious” misdemeanors, class C is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,250, or both. This includes crimes like traffic violations, disorderly conduct, or public intoxication.

First-Degree Felonies

These are the most serious felonies, with penalties of 5 to 99 years in prison and fines up to $20,000. This includes murder, aggravated sexual assault, and trafficking large amounts of drugs.

Second-Degree Felonies

These felonies carry penalties of 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Common examples include burglary of a habitation, manslaughter, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Third-Degree Felonies

Third-degree crimes can result in 2 to 10 years in prison with fines up to $5,000. This includes a third offense of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), indecent exposure to a child, or theft of property worth $20,000 to $100,000.

State Felonies 

These are felonies designated by state law, with penalties varying by jurisdiction. This includes aggravated assault, robbery, and money laundering.

Bail Bonds in El Paso with Freedom Bail Bonds

If you need help, look no further than our team of agents at Freedom Bail Bond. For immediate assistance, call (915) 877-9293.

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Benefits of Using a Bail Bondsman for Quick Release

A person’s hands handcuffed through jail bars in El Paso.

When faced with the prospect of being arrested and detained in jail, the assistance of a bail bond company or bondsman can be the lifeline you need. A bail bondsman acts as a surety, posting bail on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a fee. 

At Freedom Bail Bonds, we believe everyone deserves the support they need to get their lives back on track. We provide convenient 24-hour bail bonds for the people of El Paso, seven days a week. If you are looking for a quick jail release, contact us online or call (915) 877-9293.

Payment Options

A primary benefit of using a bail bondsman for quick jail release is its flexibility for payment options. Bail amounts can be substantial, and many individuals or families don’t have the immediate funds to post bail. However, bail bond companies charge only a percentage of the total bail amount as their fee, making it more accessible and affordable for families.

Similarly, some bail bondsmen may offer payment plans or financing options to ease the financial burden on defendants and their families and provide quick jail release in El Paso.

Quick Jail Release

Getting arrested can happen at any time, day or night. When it does, it can quickly strip you from your everyday routine and responsibilities. By enlisting the services of a bail bondsman, defendants can expedite the process and avoid prolonged detention. Rather than waiting days or weeks for a court hearing to address bail, defendants can secure release within hours of contacting a bail bondsman. The quickness allows them to return to their families, jobs, and responsibilities while awaiting trial. 

External Support

Whether you’re rightfully or wrongfully arrested, the experience can be isolating. However, a bail bondsman can provide much-needed external support. Friends and family members can work with a bondsman to secure the release of their loved ones from jail, offering emotional and practical assistance during a difficult time.

Normalcy for Defendants

Being incarcerated disrupts every aspect of a person’s life, from their job and family obligations to their daily routine. With a quick jail release in El Paso, defendants can maintain a sense of normality and continuity. They can resume employment and fulfill all of their other necessary commitments.

Quick Jail Release in El Paso

If you’ve found yourself in a tricky situation, don’t fret. Freedom Bail Bonds in El Paso can help you find relief with our 24-hour bail bond services. Call (915) 877-9293 for assistance today!

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How to Navigate the Bail System for Different Types of Crimes

A graphic of a silhouette of a man in a jail cell in El Paso.

Sometimes, certain decisions don’t always result in how we expect them to, and in some scenarios, that decision may result in an arrest. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a path forward. 

Fortunately, with the help of El Paso bail bond companies like Freedom Bail Bonds, we help individuals navigate the complex legal system by offering bail bonds for varying types of crime. Contact us online or call (915) 887-9293 to learn more.

State Jail Felonies

State Jail Felonies are serious offenses with bail amounts set accordingly. This includes aggravated assault, check forgery, child custody interference, burglary, and more. Individuals charged with this crime may face higher bail requirements, resulting in them referring to bail bond companies in El Paso that can offer cash or surety bonds for their safe return home.

Second and First-Degree Felonies

Felonies are categorized into different degrees based on severity. For instance, Second-Degree Felonies include robbery, manslaughter, stalking, human trafficking, and aggravated assault, too. Whereas for First-Degree Felonies, some examples include murder, arson, aggravated robbery, and aggravated kidnapping. When bail amounts are set high, El Paso bail bond companies may recommend property or secured bonds, which use collateral such as real estate to secure a defendant’s release.

Third-Degree Felonies

While Third-Degree Felonies are less severe, they still carry significant consequences. Common Third-Degree arrests include stalking, theft of trade secrets, assault, tampering with evidence, and drug possession.

Misdemeanors (Class A, B, C)

A misdemeanor refers to minor wrongdoings, making these crimes less serious than the ladder, but they still warrant the attention of the legal system. Class A misdemeanors typically have higher bail amounts than their counterparts and include crimes such as resisting arrest, theft, indecent exposure, and alcohol offenses. 

Class B includes criminal trespass, intentionally lying to the police, failure to pay child support, and prostitution.

Class C includes disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing, petty theft, passing bad checks, and public intoxication.

Bail bond companies may recommend unsecured bonds, where no collateral is required, and citation release, allowing individuals to be released without posting bail but with a promise to appear in court.

El Paso’s Highly Rated Bail Bond Company

If you or a loved one is facing arrest, Freedom Bail Bonds can help. Call (915) 887-9293 for further assistance.