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What to Do When You Need a Bail Bond in Delaware County

When you or a loved one has found yourself on the wrong side of the law, you might be looking at how to post bail as quickly and efficiently as possible. The key to achieving that goal is to work with a trained bail bondsman who can provide you with your Delaware County bail bonds.

The key to finding the right bail bondsman for your specific situation is to better understand the bail bond process itself. A bail bond is like a contract between the person who posts the bond and the government. This contract states that the accused will show up for any and all court dates or the bail money will be forfeited. When working with a bail bond agent, they put the money up for you for a nominal percentage, and then ensure the accused does as the court demands.

In general, the fee for working with the bail bondsman is typically 10% of the defendant’s total bail amount. If the accused does not show up for their required court dates, then you will be required to pay the full bail amount to the court.

Remember, the sooner you reach out to a bail bondsman, the sooner they can get to work helping you or a loved one get out from behind bars.

Hiring a Bail Bond Specialist with Experience

When you or a loved one is arrested and put into jail, it can be a very harrowing time. The need for the accused to be able to get back to their daily life so they can work with their attorney, continue to go to work, and still interact with their family is a must. Many families, however, cannot afford the high cost of most set bail. That is why it is crucial for you to reach out to a trained specialist if you are ever in need of Lehigh County bail bonds.

A bail bondsman doesn’t just make it easier for you to afford the set bail; these specialists understand all of the paperwork involved. This enables them to drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to work your way through the bureaucracy of the court system, which means less time stuck in a jail cell awaiting trial.

Furthermore, a bail bond agent working on your behalf can help you avoid the embarrassment of being identified dealing with the court process. Since they do all of the processing on your behalf, you or your loved one is able to be released in a discreet and quick manner.

Contact us today when you are in need of bail bonds in Pennsylvania.

What is Pennsylvania’s Ignition Interlock Law?

close up of hand with remote car starterIn May 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 290 into law, which has been coined as the “ignition interlock law.” This law requires most first-time DUI offenders to have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicles. Additionally, DUI offenders can regain their driving privileges without serving their full license suspension through the use of one of these systems.

What is an Ignition Interlock System?
With an ignition interlock, a device is installed in the offender’s vehicle to prevent them from starting it while under the influence of alcohol. The driver must blow a breath sample into the attached mouthpiece. If alcohol is detected by the device, the engine will not start.

What is an Ignition Interlock License?
With an Ignition Interlock License, or ILL (which can be obtained by applying with PennDOT), an individual can only operate a vehicle when equipped with an ignition interlock system. First-time offenders are immediately eligible to immediately apply for an ILL, while subsequent offenders become eligible after serving a portion of their license suspension. An individual will be ineligible for an ILL if their driving privileges have been canceled or revoked, or if their DUI offense resulted in a homicide.

The cost of an ignition interlock system is only one of the many expenses involved with being convicted of a DUI. For help with the coverage of your DUI bail, contact us for Wayne County bail bonds and bail bond services throughout Pennsylvania.

How Much Does a DUI Really Cost You?

police officer with breathalyzerWhile everyone knows that driving under the influence is dangerous and illegal, not everyone is aware that getting charged with a DUI means more than spending a night in jail and losing your driver’s license. There are additional consequences that can impact your life, even if you weren’t involved in an accident.

The Fines for a PA DUI Conviction
Because law enforcement is doing everything it can to prevent drunk driving, being convicted of a DUI costs a small fortune. While first DUI convictions can result in fines up to $5,000, subsequent offenses carry fines up to $10,000.

Secondary Costs
In addition to fines, there will be court costs and fees related to your case of possibly more than $1,000. You will also be responsible for incidental expenses such as towing and impound fees, the cost of substance testing, alcohol treatment, safety courses, and expenses associated with a possible ignition interlock system. Your insurance premium will also rise after a DUI conviction, which can account for thousands of dollars a year. Keep in mind that court dates and jail time will also keep you out of work, so add any lost wages you may have to your total costs. After all is said and done, a single DUI (without property damage) can cost around $20,000.

If the amount of your DUI bail is more than you can currently handle, we’re happy to help with Luzerne County bail bonds and more. Our local bail bondsman will work with you to have you or your loved one released as quickly as possible.

A Defendant’s Rights at Trial

advocate and jurors in courthouseWhen someone is charged with a crime, they become a criminal defendant. During every trial, defendants have access to some legal rights and protections. These rights are collectively referred to as “the due process of law,” which the government must offer during any criminal case.

The Right to Representation
Every criminal defendant has the right to adequate legal representation. If the defendant cannot afford a lawyer, the government will provide one. While uncommon, a defendant does have the right to decline legal representation and represent himself.

The Right to a Speedy Trial
Defendants also have the right to a speedy trial; this ensures that the government will not conduct private hearings that may violate the defendant’s rights.

The Right to a Public Jury Trial
Juries consist of members of the community randomly selected by the court for the prosecution and the defense. To ensure an unbiased verdict, all defendants have the right to be tried by a jury.

Reasonable Bail Costs
As per the eighth amendment, a criminal defendant cannot be charged excessively for a bail bond to allow their release as they await trial. Assistance is available to help pay for bail in the form of PA bail bonds.

Things You Should Know About DUI Checkpoints

DUI checkpoint road signIn Pennsylvania, a DUI checkpoint is a marked, stationary roadblock conducted by law enforcement for several hours at a time. The police officers on the scene of a checkpoint use a predetermined standard in deciding which cars to stop and check for driver intoxication. Sometimes, those who are arrested on a first-time DUI offense at a checkpoint are released on their own recognizance (OR), but other cases will require a Luzerne County bail bond for the offender to be released from jail.

The use of DUI checkpoints in Pennsylvania has become controversial. While those in favor of checkpoints consider the stops to be deterrents to drunk driving, others believe that roadblocks intrude upon a person’s constitutional rights. However, a DUI roadblock is indeed considered constitutional so long as it meets the following requirements:

  • Nondiscriminatory methods of stopping cars must be used at DUI checkpoints. Officers can stop every car, every other car, every fourth car, etc. But, whatever method chosen for stopping cars must be nondiscriminatory against the drivers.
  • The stop must be brief and it cannot include a search of the vehicle or its occupants (unless if officers find probable cause to do so).
  • Police must give advance notice of a checkpoint in the form of road signs or notices through the media.
  • The time and location of the roadblock must be based on a history of drunk driving offenses in that area.

Mistakes to Avoid After Being Arrested

man in handcuffsWhile getting arrested is scary, it is still possible for your situation to worsen if you’re not careful. As you’re being taken into custody, your actions can have a big impact on your defense and the judge’s ultimate ruling. Here are some common mistakes to avoid if you’re placed under arrest.

Resisting Arrest
Fight the temptation to evade arrest. If you do, the additional crime of doing so will likely be added to your sentence.

Making Admissions without a Lawyer
While officers will attempt to talk to you about the incident, it is always a mistake to provide details without the presence of a lawyer. Keep in mind that the police are allowed to mislead a suspect during an interrogation, but anything you admit can still be used as evidence against you.

Waiting until You’re Indicted to Hire a Lawyer
You should hire a lawyer as soon as you’re released from jail. The earlier a lawyer is involved, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.

Missing Your Court Appearance
Even if you’re incident of the crime you were arrested for, it’s still crucial that you show up for your court appearance. Doing so will provide the judge with a reason to disfavor you, and it can also negatively affect your chance of being approved for a Lehigh County bail bond.

What to Do if You Are Pulled Over

police car in rearview mirrorFew things are more stressful than seeing blinking lights in your rearview mirror while hearing a siren. Not only is being pulled over a test for your nerves, but it’s also a test for your civil rights. For the possible outcome from a traffic stop, stick by these simple steps.

When You See the Police Car
As soon as it’s safe to do so, respond safely by using your signal to pull over as far to the right as possible. Keep in mind that pulling over right away isn’t an admission of guilt; rather, it ensures the officer that you were being alert.

After Stopping
Turn off the engine, roll down your window and keep your hands visible. Do not reach for documentation until instructed, as the officer may misinterpret your intentions. If you have suspicion about the officer’s authenticity, kindly request to see their photo identification and badge.

Talking to the Officer
Avoid saying anything that the officer can record and potentially use against you. When they ask if you know why you were stopped, or if you know how fast you were going, simply respond “no”. Remain polite, but don’t incriminate yourself by admitting to violations or admitting you were negligent.

Knowing Your Rights
Bail bond agents in PA know that a deputy can only search your vehicle without your permission if they have a valid reason to do so. For example, if an officer observes you trying to throw something out the window, he or she may legally search your car. An officer can also frisk you if they have reason to believe you’re armed, dangerous, or involved in criminal activity.

What if I Can’t Post Bail?

gavelThe inability to post bail is a tough situation. Depending on the circumstances, bail can be very expensive – and if a defendant doesn’t have enough money (even for a bond), they will likely be stuck.  How long they will ultimately stay in jail will depend on the charges, jurisdiction, and the courts.

When bail is not posted, the defendant will typically wait for their arraignment before a judge. It is at this hearing that the defendant can plead guilty or innocent. The judge has the authority to raise or lower the bail, release the defendant on a promise to appear (on “own recognizance”), or even decide that the defendant is not entitled to bail.

Bail is set at a high amount (or not at all) if the accused was charged with a serious crime and/or the judge does not trust he or she will return to court for trial. However, an attorney can file a motion for the reduction of the amount and have the ruling reviewed.

If you or a loved one does not have sufficient funds available for bail, your best option is to contact Liberty Bail Bonds for fast bail bonds in Stroudsburg, PA. Due to the circumstances of waiting for court and the discretion of the judge, most people choose to begin the bail bonds process before their hearing.

Ways to Help When a Loved One is in Jail

jail cellIt can be a daunting and hopeless feeling to have a loved one locked away in jail. You’re naturally worried about their safety, and you’re anxious about what’s to come. Even if you’re a little hurt that your loved one may have committed a crime, you still want to help him or her cope with the situation. Here are some ways to consider helping your friend or family member.

Get a reputable lawyer
While it may seem obvious, many people neglect taking the action of contacting a lawyer when the crime is a less serious one. However, no matter the crime, your loved one will still need good legal representation to ensure they’re brought home as soon as possible.

Stay open for communication
While you won’t be able to text someone that’s in prison, you can still ensure you’re answering their calls or even pay them a visit. Just ensure not to speak about the case, as you never know who may be listening to your conversation.

Offer money
Your loved one will need a commissary account in order to get necessities such as toiletries or a phone card. You can help by making sure they have enough money for these essential items.

Bail them out
If a bail amount has been set, contact us at Liberty Bail Bonds for bail bonds in Allentown, PA. An agent is available to help you get your loved one out of jail as they await trial.