Being arrested can put you in a difficult financial position. The amount of bail set by a judge may be thousands of dollars, and if you are unable to pay this amount, you may feel that you have no other option but to stay in jail. Unfortunately, this can lead to more financial problems, such as the loss of your job or the inability to pay child support. As additional penalties and financial issues stack up, it can seem like you are in an impossible situation with no way out. Fortunately, a bail bond can help you get released, allowing you to return to your normal life as you determine how to deal with the charges you are facing.

At Doc’s Bail Bonds, we strive to help those who have been arrested get released from jail as easily and affordably as possible. When you use a bail bond, you will only be required to pay 10 percent of the total amount of bail set by the judge in your case. In addition to covering the amount of your bail so you can secure a release, we will make sure you meet all requirements during your proceedings, including showing up at any required court appearances in the future.

In most cases, when a person is arrested, he or she will be required to pay a certain amount of bail before he or she can be released. This amount will be set by a judge based on the specific crimes a person is charged with along with other factors, such as the risk that the person will not show up as required for future court hearings. Usually, the fastest way to get released from jail is to obtain a bail bond. However, there may be some rare situations where a person will be denied bail and required to remain in jail until his or her trial.

What Is Preventive Detention?

If a person is held in prison without being allowed to post bail and get released, this is known as preventive detention. This type of detention is usually only used in situations where a person has a criminal history and is accused of offenses that would make him or her a risk to public safety if he or she was released before trial. Texas law allows preventive detention in the following types of cases:

There are many reasons a person may be arrested and booked into one of the jails in North Texas. While some types of criminal charges, such as violent crimes or sex crimes, are very serious, others, such as shoplifting, may seem less so, since they will likely have less severe consequences. Driving while intoxicated, or DWI, falls somewhere between these two extremes, and a person who is arrested may be unsure about the procedures that will be followed and the steps they will need to take to get out of jail.

Bail Amounts for DWI Arrests

Whenever a person is arrested and charged with a crime, a judge will set certain conditions to determine whether the defendant can be released. In some cases, a person may be “released on his or her own recognizance,” and the accused will agree to show up in court on a specified date without being required to pay any money. However, in most DWI cases, a judge will set an amount of bail that must be paid before a person can be released.

Have you recently received word that a loved one has been arrested on criminal charges? If so, you are likely wondering what, if anything, you can and should do next. Depending on the situation, you might have heard that your loved one needs to come up with bail money or obtain a bail bond. In everyday conversation, the terms “bail” and “bond” are used interchangeably, but the two are not exactly the same. There are several important differences that you should understand before you take any steps to get your loved one out of jail. The good news is that our team is here to help.

Understanding Bail

When a criminal suspect is arrested, he or she will be brought before a judge for a preliminary hearing, and dates will be set for future hearings, including trial. In many cases, trial dates may be set for many weeks or months after the initial arrest. During the preliminary hearing—or in a separate bail hearing, if needed—the judge will consider the circumstances of the situation and determine if collateral is necessary to ensure that the suspect appears as required for future proceedings. This collateral is known as bail, and it is usually set in dollar amounts.
If the judge determines that bail is necessary, the amount will be set based on a number of factors, including the severity of the alleged criminal offense, the risk that the suspect will flee the area, and the danger that the suspect may present to the community at large. Many jurisdictions use a fairly standardized system for setting bail amounts, but ultimately, the decision is up to the judge. Some cases may involve bail of a few hundred dollars, while others may see bail set at hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. There are situations in which the judge may refuse to set a bail amount and require that the suspect remains in jail until trial. Such decisions are typically reserved for the most serious alleged crimes and repeat violent offenders.
It is important to keep in mind that if the defendant appears as ordered at all of the required proceedings, he or she is entitled to a refund of the bail that was paid, regardless of the outcome of the case. Fees and fines may be applied, which can reduce the refunded amount, but even a suspect who is found guilty can be reimbursed for his or her bail.

Anyone who is arrested will want to make sure they take the right steps to get out of jail as soon as possible. This is especially true during the COVID-19 crisis, since those who are being held in a jail, detention facility, or police department are often kept close together with other inmates in a small space, increasing the risks of infection. Even when surfaces are sanitized, prisoners are provided with masks, and measures are taken to maintain social distancing, inmates are likely to become infected, and as a result, the coronavirus has spread quickly throughout jails in Texas.

To secure a quick release, those who have been arrested will want to post bail right away. Unfortunately, the bail bonds process can be complex and confusing even at the best of times. For some people, getting out of jail might be even more difficult during the coronavirus pandemic due to orders put in place by Texas’ governor and other requirements that must be met.

If you have watched any crime TV shows or read flashy headlines on the cover of celebrity magazines, you have likely seen astronomical bail amounts, ranging from thousands to millions of dollars. Depending on the alleged crime that the arrested party is facing, this number can greatly shift. In some cases, bail may not even be an option for the alleged criminal. The purpose of these high costs is to keep these individuals facing criminal charges from fleeing the instant that they are released from confinement. For those facing an extremely high bail amount and who are unable to afford the cost, assistance from a bail bonds agent is a valid possibility. Some defendants may think they are in the clear once the money is transferred, not realizing the various other terms that may come along with posting bail.

Pretrial Check-Ins

In a similar manner as probation, some individuals on bail will be required to meet with a pretrial service officer on a regular basis. This is done to ensure that the bailed-out party is abiding by the court’s bail orders or conditions. These periodic meetings will also help monitor the whereabouts of the charged party.

If you, a friend, or a relative are arrested, a bail bond can be very helpful. To understand what a bail bond is and why you might benefit from one, it is important to know how the booking process works when accused of a crime. Depending on the crime, certain offenders are eligible to post bail in Texas, which allows them to get out of jail and return to their home while they await a court date. If it comes time to pay for a bail bond to get yourself or someone close to you out of jail, it is imperative that you work with an experienced, licensed bail bonds issuer to help alleviate your stress and develop a plan of action.

The Booking Process

If you are arrested and taken to jail, you typically have to wait there for several hours before being given a court date. In court, you will present your defense with your attorney. At this moment, as the accused, you have two options: You can either stay in jail until your court date, or you can post bail. Bail is an amount of money that can be paid in cash and is determined by the severity of the charges and whether or not this is your first criminal offense. For example, if you have to post a bail of $5,000, a cash payment of that value will ensure that you are released until your scheduled court date. Whoever pays this amount will receive his or her money back if you, the defendant, attends all of your scheduled court dates. 

When things get tough, people can get desperate. When people don't have access to the things they need, they become desperate. Shoplifting is never a good idea, no matter how much you need something. We're going to tell you the reasons you don't want to shoplift, especially in a large county like Dallas.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for shoplifting or any crime in DFW, come to Doc's Bail Bonds to secure release. We offer flexible payment plans and we're always ready to take your call and get you out of jail.

Shoplifting Is Considered Theft

For whatever reason, the term 'shoplifting' isn't thought to be a big deal, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The act of shoplifting is classified as a form of theft. At the end of the day, you are stealing something that does not rightfully belong to you. In the state of Texas, shoplifting can be a misdemeanor or even a felony, depending on the value of the items stolen.

If you're unfamiliar with the legal system, bailing a loved one out of jail can be a daunting task. If you have a savings account, you might be tempted to cover the bail entirely on your own, but that is not the best idea. Here are the most important reasons why you should turn to a bail bondsman instead of paying for bail out of pocket. In the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Doc's Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to help you and your loved one secure a fair, fast, affordable bail.

Your Bondsman will Hold You Accountable

One of the great things about working with a bail bondsman is their ability to hold you accountable after you get released. When you sign a bail bond agreement, you're promising to attend all required court appearances, cover any additional legal fees and stay on the right path. They keep you on track by calling to check in on how you are doing and remind you of any upcoming payments or court dates.

Time in jail is never planned for. It can happen to anyone at any time, so it's good to know about the bail bond process before anything happens to you or a loved one. When working with a bail bondsman, you will be asked to pay about 10% of the total bail price. Many people do not know the different options they have for their share of a bail bond. We're going to look at three popular methods for covering the price of a bail bond. Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex residents can come to Doc's Bail Bonds for fast and affordable bail bond approvals. We have an excellent reputation in the community, and our agents are ready to help you 24-hours a day.

Cash Bail

If you can, the easiest way to pay your part of the bail is with cash. If you pay for your share in full up-front, you will not be expected to make additional payments. However, you're still required to ensure the defendant attends their court dates and stays in good legal standing, otherwise you will be asked to cover additional legal fines and fees.

Collateral

If you aren't able to cover your portion of a bail, many reputable bondsmen will give you the option of collateral in place of cash. Bail bond collateral can take the form of any item valued at or near the price of the bail. Your options might include vehicles, real estate, jewelry, credit cards, investments, and other forms of valuable property. The rules for collateral can vary, so it's important to talk to your bondsman about what they accept as collateral.  

The recent spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus, has caused many to fear the potential of a full-on outbreak. For those who are currently being help within jails and prisons, the virus is also a threat. There are several reasons the incarcerated are at risk of rapidly succumbing to the virus, there are even some issues that will not affect those of us who walk free. Today we are going to explain some of these threats that incarcerated individuals are facing due to this virus. If you have been arrested in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and are looking for help securing a bail bond quickly, Doc's Bail Bonds can help. We offer fast approvals to get you out of jail and back in your home.

Insufficient Supplies

While there is a priority to keep medical professionals healthy during this time, those who are being kept in close quarters also need to be protected. Inmates who do not have money have a hard time obtaining things like soaps and other necessary sanitary items. Additionally, medical staff inside of jails and prisons do not always have sufficient training to properly identify an infectious disease. Undertrained staff run the risk of dismissing symptoms as being a cold or flu when they could really be signs of the much more severe coronavirus.

Illness Can Spread Quickly

One of the reasons many people are choosing to self-quarantine is because the coronavirus is able to spread from contact with an infected person, be it by a cough or dirty hand. When you are behind bars, you do not have the ability to isolate yourself from those who are potentially infected. County jails often house up to 20 inmates in a holding cell and prisons can have about six people inside of one cell. If just one person enters a jail or prison with the coronavirus, it can quickly jump to many people. This is especially true because the virus does not immediately show its symptoms.

The state of California has passed an initiative that eliminates the opportunity for arrestees to secure their release on bail. Many California residents are not in support of this, so they have begun a movement to combat this in an upcoming election. The initiative sparks concerns about public safety, additional taxes, job loss and civil rights violations. Residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex can rely on Doc's Bail Bonds for their release from local jails or prisons. Doc's believes that everyone deserves the opportunity for freedom.

Consequences for Californians

One of the reasons many are upset about this initiative is because it puts public safety at risk. Being released on bail holds criminals accountable to return to a courtroom and face their crimes, so without it there are higher chances of people continuing to commit their crimes. This also adds to current issues arising with felonies being recategorized as misdemeanors, because this increases the amount of people eligible for probation.

Another concern is an increase in costs for California taxpayers. A major bail reform like this calls for an estimated $200 million annually. The options to pay for this are to either raise taxes or cut funding elsewhere, of course neither is ideal. A similar bail reform in New Jersey, a state with a much smaller population, cost $125 million in the first year alone.

Health conditions inside jails and prisons are always a concern, and this is especially true when viruses begin to circulate. COVID-19, better known as the corona virus, is spreading through the world at an alarming rate. Unfortunately for those who are currently incarcerated, the spreading of viruses and diseases is a major concern. If you or a loved one has been arrested in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, contact Doc's Bail Bonds for fast, affordable bail bond approval. During a time like this, you do not want to stay in jail any longer than you have to.

Why is the Corona Virus a Concern for Inmates?

It is inevitable that the corona virus will find its way into jails and prisons. This can happen from a visitor, an employee or even a new inmate entering the jail. Recently, a single prison in China reported 500 cases of inmates contracting the virus.

Viruses and diseases tend to spread rapidly behind bars for a few reasons. One reason is the close quarters in which inmates live. There are times where there are four people or more in a single cell. If one person catches any type of virus, it is likely that it will jump to those living with them. Another reason germs spread easily inside jails is because hygiene is harder to maintain. Inmates do not get the chance to disinfect their areas whenever they want, and sometimes access to body wash and hand soap is scarce.

We've all seen a crime show or two, so we've all heard some basic legal slang. No matter how much you've heard though, being in a courtroom can feel like a whirlwind. If you are not familiar with legal lingo, it is easy to get lost in the discussion. We put together a list of commonly used courtroom terms and their definitions to help you make sense of how a case is going if you find yourself standing before a judge. Doc's Bail Bonds can help you secure your release from jail anywhere in DFW so you can get back to studying up on your legalese before a court date. Call us any time, day or night!

Accessory

Someone who assists a person to commit or plan a crime. They can face severe charges.

Accomplice

This is also someone who assists in a crime, but they are usually present when the crime occurs. They, too, can face serious charges.

The municipal court of Fort Worth has officially declared February as Warrant Forgiveness Month! This declaration is giving a second chance to those with charges under their name to reduce the consequences issued to their cases. For those arrested in Dallas County, Collin County or Denton County, call Doc's Bail Bonds to secure your release fast and affordably. Doc's is ready to work hard on your behalf so you can get out of jail and on the road to rectifying your charges this Warrant Forgiveness Month.

How Does Warrant Forgiveness Month Work?

In order to lessen the severity of your charges, you must voluntarily appear in a courtroom this month. For eligible cases, a person will have the opportunity to perform community service or have a reduction in their fines based on that individual's financial situation and capabilities. Doc's Bail Bonds works with our clients regardless of their financial situation as well. We believe that everyone deserves a chance at freedom, so we offer payment plans depending on individual cases. We are known for our flexibility, so let us help you or your loved one make bail.

Why is Fort Worth Offering Warrant Forgiveness?

The interim court director, William F. Rumuly, says Fort Worth has been able to help in 40,000 outstanding warrants over the last two years, without having to threaten arrest against willing participants. A big reason Fort Worth is able to offer this assistance is because the city is considered to be a Safe Harbor. The title of being a Safe Harbor city means that when people with outstanding warrants visit the city's municipal court they will not be arrested upon entrance into the courts. By the sound of it, the employees of Fort Worth's courts are more than happy to be able to help those who feel stuck or scared about their warrants. Many do not realize that certain cities offer such things to arrestees, so if you do not live in Fort Worth, go ahead and look into your city to see if you too can participate in a similar event.

Being pulled over can cause you to instantly begin to panic. Even the calmest person might make a bad decision while an officer is at their window. There are some things you should simply not do when pulled over, and we are going to remind you of them today. If you or a loved one made a mistake during a traffic stop and got arrested in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Doc's Bail Bonds will help you make bail, fast! We offer quick approvals and bond financing to anyone that comes our way, whether they were arrested during a traffic stop or any other scenario.

Don't Unbuckle Your Seat Belt

There is no reason to take off your seat belt during a traffic stop. Doing this can make the police officer think you might be trying to escape the situation. It might also make them think you are reaching for something that they cannot see. Reaching to take off your seat belt is all around a bad idea. If an officer wants you to get out of the car, they will let you know.

Don't Start Arguing

Being argumentative with an officer will just make them act more harshly with you. Stay calm. Don't get angry. In addition to this, officers take notes during your encounter and they will likely write down what happened. If you are asked to appear in court, your bad behavior will be conveyed to a judge who will then think you are a hostile person. You definitely do not want a judge thinking you are hostile, as it could result in a higher bail amount or a denial of bail.

The first thing most people associate with a bail bondsman is their ability to get someone released from jail. But many do not realize that bail bond agents serve many purposes. Believe it or not, a bail bondsman can give you a lot of guidance through the jail process and beyond. Below are some of the ways a bondsman can get you on the right path and away from the criminal justice system. If you or a loved one has been arrested in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and needs help securing a bond, Doc's Bail Bonds is ready to help you.

Giving You Reminders

After you have physically been released from jail, there are still legal obligations you are expected to fulfill. Of course, there is always the possibility of forgetting those expectations. If you accidently forget to attend a court date or forget to make a payment on a fine or fee, you could be looking at additional charges and sometimes even re-arrest. A good bail bondsman does not want you to end up in jail again, and they will make sure you take care of your responsibilities, so you stay out of trouble. Bondsmen will contact you to remind you of important court dates so that you stay in good standing with the courts.

Working with Your Financial Situation

There is no doubt that the jail process is overwhelming and there is always a rush to release a loved one who has been jailed. Unfortunately, bail can be set very high, making it difficult for the average person to pay it on their own, only prolonging the time the inmate is in jail. This is why it is good to work with a bondsman. Typically, they will set up a payment plan with you so that you can cover the bail and get your loved one out as soon as possible. Additionally, they are usually understanding of financial situations, and do not want to see you get in trouble for late payments, so they will stay in contact to make sure things are still alright financially.

When a loved one is unexpectedly jailed, it can feel like a never-ending struggle to locate where they are being held. Most of us do not have experience locating an inmate, so it can be difficult knowing where to even begin looking. For Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex residents, Doc's Bail Bonds makes the inmate locating process more direct so you do not have to spend time confused and lost. Doc's can help you easily locate your inmate and begin the process of securing their bail bond and getting them released. We are the most trustworthy bondsmen in DFW, and we are committed to working with you, no matter the circumstance.

Getting Started

The first thing to do when getting ready to locate your arrestee is being certain that the court has a bail set for them. Give this step some time. It might not be a bad idea to wait a few hours before you start searching. A bail needs to be set because that is how you can be sure the booking process is finished, which is important because an inmate cannot be bailed out unless they are finished going through booking. Although it can be difficult, you need to be patient for this step.

Gather Their Information

While you are waiting for their bail to be set, there are a few things you need to know about your inmate in order to be able to find where they are being held. The information about your loved one that you need includes their last name, first name, complete date of birth, their race and sex. If you happen to already know their booking number or their case number, you can also use those to locate your loved one.

Dallas’ county commissioner and sheriff have delayed the signing of a new jail phone call bill that could lower the price of inmate calls. The fight for a bill that satisfies both the county and the families of inmates has gone on for 5 years. Discussions are still in progress as to how the bill should be handled. If you or a loved one has been arrested in DFW and needs help securing an affordable bail bond quickly, Doc’s Bail Bonds has you covered.

THE CURRENT PHONE CALL BILL

Established in 2014, the current jail phone call bill proved satisfactory for some time, but now there have been copious calls to change the bill that is in place. The current bill has jail phone calls going at a rate of 24 cents per minute. There is also a deposit that has to be made in order to pay for these calls, which has a fee of $3 if you go through the county vendor and $5.95 if made by automatic payment. This agreement was more affordable than previous ones, but there have still been complaints about the costs. Some feel that it is unethical to charge inmates to speak with family members, so they have advocated for free jail phone calls.

When you hear the term 'sting operation', you probably havethe image of cops ducking around corners with their guns drawn, ready to jumpout at any second. While that is a possibility, there are several differentways a sting operation can go down. There are also many risks involved withthese operations, and they are planned meticulously to prepare for any outcome.We are going to explain how a sting operation might unfold. If you or a lovedone has been unexpectedly arrested in DFW, Doc'sBail Bonds can get you out of jail fast and affordably. We are flexible andunderstanding of every case, even if you got caught in a sting.

What is Considered a Sting Operation?

Over the decades, sting operations have umbrellaed over avariety of police operations. Although there are several things that can becalled a sting operation, there are four main components that they all have incommon.