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.

When police are on the hunt for a suspect, they will use several methodsto narrow down their search. One method that likely comes to mind is the use ofa police lineup. Although we have all seen lineups on screen, many do not knowhow they work in real life. There is also the question of how reliable theyare. How often do police lineups help identify the right suspect? We are goingto give you a quick lesson on how police use lineups to help solve their cases.Doc's Bail Bonds is hereto help DFW residents get out of jail so they do not end up in one of theselineups.

What Are the Types of Police Lineups?

There are three main types of lineups police might use in aninvestigation: simultaneous, sequential and multiple identification.

Simultaneous

The image that likely comes to mind is called a simultaneouslineup. This type of lineup consists of several suspects who have similarphysical characteristics lining up to be looked at by a witness. The suspects lineup in a row and will usually speak or perform an action for the witness to see.The witness then tells the police which person they recognize as the suspectand make an official statement.

The 2018 lawsuit of Dallas' rapping, panhandling activistagainst the city has finally closed. The lawsuit was over the constitutionalityof the misdemeanor charge that comes with roadside solicitation, orpanhandling, in the city of Dallas. When you are arrested for any misdemeanorin the DFW Metroplex and need help getting out of jail quick, Doc's Bail Bonds are the ones to turn to.We can bail you out fast and at any time of day no matter what your case is,including panhandling.

How the Issue Began

In 2018, Yvette Gbalazeh, a marijuana legalization activist,was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for panhandling on the streets ofDeep Ellum. Once she was arrested for violating one of the city's anti-panhandlingordinances, she filed a suit. With the precedence of a similar Houston lawbeing shut down in 2013, she claimed the ordinances violated the FirstAmendment. After failing to make the case a class-action lawsuit, Gbalazehcontinued to push for compensation and for the enforcement of the city's twoanti-panhandling laws to be stopped.

With marijuana becoming legal in more and more parts of the country, there can be a lot of questions about how exactly it is allowed to be possessed. Even within the same state, different cities and counties can have vastly different policies on how to handle marijuana possession. We are going to share with you what to expect if you or a loved one is caught with marijuana in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. And if you get stuck in jail for marijuana possession or anything else, be sure to contact Doc's Bail Bonds.

What Exactly Is Legal in Texas?

Well, the short answer is that the possession and usage of marijuana is still very much illegal in the state of Texas, but some forms of cannabis have become legal to possess and use. Minimal level THC is allowed to be possessed, specifically in the form of oil. This low concentration THC is also known as hemp. CBD products containing 0.3% or less of THC also fall into the category of hemp derived substances, so they too are considered legal all over the state.

Products containing 0.5% THC or less may be prescribed by a medical doctor, but that is the only reason a product with that amount of THC would be legal. These products are to be used for medical purposes only, including conditions such as: epilepsy, terminal cancer, neurological disorders and several others.

Readjusting to society after incarceration can feel like a lonely task. Many people assume that there are very few places to turn for a second chance, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Believe it or not, there are a lot of resources for ex-inmates to find their way back into the regular routines of life, including employment for ex-cons. Five of those helpful groups can be found right here in Texas! Doc's Bail Bonds wants to point Dallas – Fort Worth ex-cons in the direction of assistance, because we understand the confusion that comes with incarceration and release. You shouldn't have to face the further punishment of unemployment after you've served your time.

1. ExOffenders.net

If you are looking for general reentry information after release and do not even know where to begin, ExOffenders.net is a great database. ExOffenders offers extensive lists of resources available to ex-cons, as well as lists of employers who are known to hire convicted felons. They even provide information on felon voting rights and how to gain back different rights and liberties on the outside.

2. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD provides Section 8 vouchers to those who need housing assistance. Ex-cons are able to qualify for their programs, as long as they have not been convicted of a violent or drug-related crime. Complete information on qualification criteria and the application process can be found on the official HUD website.

When a loved one is taken into police custody, there is a frantic search for help to get them out as quickly as possible. Though there are a lot of options when it comes to bail bondsmen in Dallas, it can be difficult to know which bail bond company is the most trustworthy choice for help in your fight for release. Dallas area residents can take comfort in knowing that they have Doc's Bail Bonds ready to back them up at any time. If you are sick of jail time, call Doc's 24/7, 365 days a year!

Here Whenever You Need Us

Doc's Bail Bonds takes pride in our accessibility to the community. We offer a 24-hour hotline operated by a knowledgeable staff who is ready to take your call any day of the year, including holidays. We know how valuable every minute is when getting someone out of jail, so as soon as we answer your call, we start working tirelessly to get your situation rectified. When working with Doc's, never will you have to wait around. We will give you a quote right over the phone within minutes of calling. Once you get your quote, we can begin the paperwork process to ensure your loved one is released as soon as possible. Doc's wants to be the quick, painless cure for you or your loved one's jailtime.

Always Friendly and Understanding

Mistakes can happen to anyone at any moment, and sometimes bad things happen to good people. That's why our agents never judge; we've seen and heard it all, and we are advocates for jailed individuals. The longer you stay in jail, the higher the likelihood that something could go wrong, like a coerced confession or a violent encounter with another detainee. Let Doc's get you out fast!

One of the scariest things that can happen to someone is for them to be taken into police custody, as it impacts many aspects of an individual's life. Not only is it difficult for the person being taken away, but for their loved ones it can also be a time of intense uncertainty and fear. Doc's Bail Bonds understands the gravity of jail time, and we are ready to help DFW area families get back together and back on track. Call our friendly bail bond agents any time, day or night, when you or a loved one needs to get out of jail fast.

Decreased Job Security

Jail time can affect your work in a couple of different ways. One way is if you are unexpectedly jailed, you could miss a shift or important meeting, causing your boss and coworkers confusion and distrust in your reliability. Some jobs have very strict policies on no-call/no-shows, and when you are in jail, you will not get the opportunity to call up your employer to explain yourself or find a replacement for a shift.

In addition to this, some employers might look down on those who have served jail time, which could lead to a boss holding you on a tight leash. Not showing up to work or having a boss grow wary of you can ultimately cost you your job, affecting your home life and your family's financial security. Doc's Bail Bonds operates 24/7, 365 days a year, because we know that time is sensitive, and we cannot let a late night run-in stop you from making it to work the next day.

In times of distress, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. This is especially true when jail time is involved. The rush to find and free your loved one can often be confusing, daunting even, and it might lead you in a never-ending circle, but Dallas area residents are in luck! Doc's Bail Bonds goes out of our way to make this process less stressful and more direct, no matter where you are in the DFW area.

First, Get Your Bond in Order

Dallas is a big city, and it is vital that you know exactly what is needed to even begin your search. At Doc's Bail Bonds, the first step to locating an inmate is to have their bail set up with the court. Doc's fair payment plans and quick services can get you on the road to finding your friend or family-member in minutes, even over the phone. Speed is imperative when dealing with the jail system. There is no time to bother with a bondsman who cannot set you in the right direction, so just rely on Doc's.

Start Your Search

The next thing to do is to actually begin searching for your inmate. You can always give Doc's a call to help with your search at (214) 747-4110. The friendly 24/7 hotline is waiting to take your calls and get you started. Another option is our easy to use online inmate search links. To help make your hunt more directed, our search links are separated into five DFW counties; Dallas, Collin, Denton, Grayson and Fannin. No longer do you have to go in loops to get your answers! We've compiled your resources into one simple webpage with direct links to county directories. At Doc's, we know that jail time encompasses more than just securing a bond, and we want to simplify the whole process for you.

When you hire someone for any job you are hopeful that they are reliable and good at what they do. This is especially true when they are responsible for bailing you out of jail. When quickly looking for bail bonds, it is easy to fall for a company that promises high quality business even when they are not capable of it. We are going to share with you four signs that a bail bond agent is reputable, trustworthy and ready to work for you. And who shows all of these signs? Of course, Doc's Bail Bonds.

More Than a Low Price

You get what you pay for, simple as that. When researching bail bond companies, it is important to see that they are promising more than to save you a buck. If a bondsman is only interested in the money and not the emotional and long-term logistics of your situation, they most likely do not have your best interest at heart. At the end of the day, jail time is a serious matter, and it has way more repercussions than the financial ones. Quality should be key.

Diverse Reviews

Have you ever looked at the reviews of something and felt they were ridiculously repetitive? Everyone's situation and experience with the service was basically the same? Look for a wide array of cases the bondsman has worked on. Jail time can happen to anyone, make sure that your bondsman is willing and able to work with a variety of circumstances; you never know what kind of crazy situations you could find yourself in! This is also important when it comes to getting approval. If your bondsman is only willing to work with a certain type of client or case, you might want to look for help elsewhere. Do you want someone who is picky getting you out of jail?

As 2019 draws to a close and people all across the DFW Metroplex prepare to celebrate the dawning of a new year, you can bet police will be on high alert for anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sometimes they set up roadblocks where drivers must submit to a sobriety test, and failure means a quick trip to jail. Is this legal? What should you do if you run into a DUI checkpoint this holiday season? Doc's Bail Bonds has the answers. We'll also bail you out 24/7 if you get hit with a drunk driving charge.

Are Sobriety Checkpoints Legal in Texas?

That's a gray area. While the Texas government has not specifically approved DUI checkpoints, they get treated like legal roadblocks for all intents and purposes. Opponents claim they violate a driver's right to protection from unreasonable search because everyone on the road gets pulled over and questioned, even if the officers had no probable cause to detain them. You are within your legal rights to refuse a field sobriety test or breathalyzer, but such a refusal can lead to criminal charges.

What About No-Refusal Checkpoints?

No-refusal checkpoints, as the name suggests, cannot be refused. If you find yourself at a no-refusal DUI checkpoint, you must submit to a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer, or officers have the authority to make you take a blood test – either on the spot or at the jail.

Getting out of jail is a chore, but Doc's Bail Bonds makes it go as smoothly as possible. During the holidays, you don't want to wait while a loved one sits behind bars. So what does the bail bond and check-in process look like at Doc's? Here's a guide so you'll know how we do things at our trusted Dallas bail bond company.

The Bail-Out Process

Every holiday, someone gets arrested for doing something reckless – like road destruction, for example. The state considers it an offense for anyone to damage a sign or a telephone pole by running into it. If your loved one gets arrested, it's up to a family member or friend to bail them out. Enter Doc's Bail Bonds.

When a father, mother, or friend calls up Doc's to post a bond, we assess what kind of a charge you're posting for and work from there. If the offense is a Class C Misdemeanor, bonds run from about $500-$750. Smaller crimes, or Class B misdemeanors, typically post for $150. Everyone who needs a bond must come to the office and co-sign for it themselves, since Doc's can't post any bonds without a signature (two signatures are needed – the co-signer and the arrestee's).

Identity theft is still a problem today. According to a 2019 study by Javelin Strategy and Research, 14.4 million people in America fell victim to identity fraud in 2018, representing a total of $14.7 billion dollars in losses.

But how is it that so much crime happens during the holidays? Many people observe the chaos of the season and determine to take advantage of the shopping rushes, charitable giving, and unoccupied homes to commit acts of crime spanning the whole nation. Even with the police ramping up their vigilance during the holidays, somebody's holiday out there is ruined by those on the loose during this festive season.

Here's a list of the top five most common crimes during the holidays and how to avoid falling victim to them.