Author Archives: karen

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What You Need to do to Prepare Yourself for Court

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For the most part, your lawyer will take care of the majority of court preparation over the days and weeks leading up to your court date. However, on the actual day itself, you will need to do a few extra things to prepare and present yourself properly. Your lawyer will also give you some tips of what to do and what not to do for your court appearance:

  • Dress as if you are going to a business meeting or interview and do not overdo the accessories.
  • Remove sunglasses and hats in court.
  • Do not chew gum.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled court time and try and leave young children at home.
  • Use the restroom before going into the courtroom, and turn off your cell phone.
  • Sit and stand straight.
  • Speak clearly and loud enough for the room to hear and only when you are spoken to, and only what you are asked of.
  • Do not grow angry and argumentative.
  • Refer to the judge as Your Honor.

How you present and conduct yourself in court will speak to the judge and the jury in addition to the case, facts, and evidence itself. For example, if you get angry, verbal, and disruptive in court, the judge may pause the trial for the day and when you come back, they will be stricter with you. In essence, they are watching you for your behavior.

Listen to and trust your lawyer. If you are out on bail, do not forget to stay on track with bail bond payments. Memphis Bail Bonds will help make sure of this as well.

What if I Miss Court

Did you know that a person who is out on bail is more likely to show up for their court dates? One of the biggest reasons this is true is that their current release could not have happened if it were not for the bail bond co-signer and/ or anyone who pledged collateral.

If the defendant fails to appear in court, the co-signer feels the consequences and the collateral is taken away. So loved ones are betting on the defendant to show up in court; the defendant does not want to let their loved ones down. They want to prove to them, and to everyone, that they can handle this situation maturely and responsibly. This is why they are more likely to show up for court.

We can be reached at (615)544-0000 or online should you have any questions or concerns.

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Types of Pleas a Defendant can Enter When Attending Court

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Memphis Bail Bonds has bailed you out of jail and now you’re anxiously and nervously waiting for the day you have to appear in court. What do you do in the interim to prepare yourself? Read up on proper court etiquette.

  • Do not chew gum.
  • Dress professionally.
  • Try to leave restless and disruptive children at home.
  • Arrive early.
  • Only speak when you are asked to.
  • Stand straight and speak clearly.
  • When asked a yes or no answer, speak “yes” or “no,” do not shake your head.
  • Refer to the judge as “Your Honor.”
  • Do not grow angry and argumentative.

You resent your actions that led you to this compromising situation and you are truly sorry for those who have been affected by your actions. Just by showing off your court etiquette, you are already on track to proving to others and the community you will improve your behavior.

Arraignment Hearing

When a person is arrested for committing a crime, they will have an arraignment hearing before the actual trial begins. At a defendant’s arraignment hearing, they learn the charges that are being filed against them. The defendant will then be asked to enter a plea, which they will do so after consulting with their lawyer. There are 3 options for entering a plea:

    Guilty

    When a defendant pleads guilty, they are conceding and admitting that they did commit the crime for which they were arrested. They waive all rights. The court must consent to this plea. In this case, no trial happens. The judge will announce the consequences and punishment.

    Not Guilty

    When a defendant pleads not guilty, they are maintaining their innocence in the matter. The police, detectives, and prosecutors will have to prove the case in court beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant will then begin to prepare for a trial.

    No Contest

    When a defendant pleads no contest, they are not admitting guilt, but they can be punished. In this case though, it cannot be used against them in another proceeding. For example, the defendant can plead no contest to a criminal assault charge and they will be sentenced for punishment. If they are facing a civil suit, this criminal assault charge cannot be used against them. The court must consent to a No Contest plea.

If a defendant pleads either “not guilty” or “no contest,” then the judge at the arraignment hearing will proceed to announce whether or not the defendant can post bail to be freed from custody for the duration of trial. If they are denied bail, they will remain in custody. If they are granted bail, then it is up to the defendant and his or her loved ones to come up with the money, and or bail bond, so that the defendant can be released.

If the defendant pleads guilty, then they will not be granted bail because they will report immediately to their punishment.

If you would like more information on bail and bail bonds, please contact Memphis Bail Bonds online or at (615)544-0000.

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Does Bail Need to be Posted Right Away?

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You’ve just gotten a call from a loved one. They’ve been arrested. They’re scared. They know how much bail is needed but they don’t have the funds available. You’ve agreed to help but aren’t sure how much time you have to act.

The first thing you need to do is stop and take a deep breath. You’ve got this!

Yes, your loved one wants to be released from jail as quickly as possible but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a little time and think about the situation.  The good news is that you’re loved one’s bail doesn’t have to be posted right away. Yes, they may have to spend a few more hours or days in jail, but they’ll be fine. Bail doesn’t have a time frame. It can be posted right away or six months after you’re loved one was arrested. You’re free to take as much time as you need to decide how you want to handle the situation. You deserve to take your time and approach this project with a clear head.

The second thing you want to do is decide how you want to cover your loved one’s bail. Do you have enough money to cover the bail yourself or do you need the help of a bail bonds agency? If you decide you need an agency, you’ll want to give yourself enough time to research all the local ones so that you can choose the one that’s the most reputable.

Once you’ve selected a bail bonds agency you want to work with, you must learn what kind of things you need to secure a bail bond. Find out if you’ll need a co-signer if you have to use anything as collateral, what your responsibilities are as the signer of the bail bond, and if you qualify for any discounts or payment programs. Make sure you ask lots of questions during your initial consultation with the agency.

Before you sign with a bail bonds agency, you need to have a serious conversation with your loved one. This conversation is to make sure you’re both going into this process with your eyes wide open. Make sure you discuss who is paying the 1% to 5% fee the bail bond agency requires, what is at stake if they fail to attend their court dates, what rules they have to follow while their out on bail, and what you expect them to do after they’re released from jail.

This is one of those situations where everyone must be on the same page.

If you or a loved one finds themselves in need of a bail bond, it’s in your best interest to contact Memphis Bail Bonds. We have a long history of helping people just like you. We offer free consultation, flexible payment plans, easy-to-understand contracts, and 24/7 service.

Feel free to call (615)544-0000 for a free consultation.

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Make Sure you Choose a Reputable Bail Bonds Agency

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When you learn that one of your loved ones has been arrested and needs you to help them secure a bail bond, the kneejerk reaction is to call the first bail bonds company you see and sign a contract.

Granted, there is a chance that this could work out in your favor and you could find yourself working with a wonderful bail bonds agency that truly cares for both you and your loved one. The problem is that there’s also a chance you could find yourself dealing with a shady business that leaves you in a worse situation than what you were in before you contacted them.

Given how much money you will pay the bail bonds agency and the fact that you’ll be linked to them for several months, it’s in your best interest to choose the most reputable bail bond agency you can find.

Here are some things you should look for that tell you you’re dealing with a reputable company.

Free Consultations

A free consultation is a good sign. Not only does it provide you with a free way of learning about the bail bonds process and the Tennessee bail program, but it’s also an excellent way to establish a connection.

If you’re dealing with a reputable bail bond agency, they will use the consultation to answer all of your questions, get some background information on your loved one, and make sure you fully understand how the bail bond system works. What you shouldn’t experience during the consultation is pressure to make a fast decision and sign with the agency.

Upfront Fees

A reputable bail bonds agency will be upfront about all their fees and charges. The standard fee for a bail bond is 1% to 5% of the set bail price. In some cases, it may be a little less if the agency offers a good discount, but it shouldn’t be more.

Some disreputable agencies will try to pad the fee by adding some hidden charges to the bill. If the agency isn’t upfront about all the items on their bill, or if they try to charge more than 1% to 5%, you need to look for a different bail bond agency.

They Have a Good Reputation at the Jail

There’s nothing that says you can’t ask officers and court officials who are hanging around at the jail for suggestions about reputable bail bond agencies. They’ll probably be happy to provide you with a few ideas.

Memphis Bail Bonds has been operating for several decades. We have a reputation for fair prices, outstanding customer service, and for writing bail bonds and springing people from jail in a short time frame. When one of your loved ones requires bail, we suggest calling us. We’re confident we can help. We’re open 24/7 and all consultations are free.

Call (615)544-0000 and get them out today!

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Even People Who Can Afford Cash Bail Use Bail Bonds

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Bail bonds are an alternative means to bailing out of jail. Understandably, this can be seen as a “poor man’s” option for bail because it is significantly “cheaper” and bail is always so expensive. But the truth of the matter is that literally, anyone can and does use bail bonds – even the wealthiest.

Aside from the lowered cost, many people opt for the bail bond route because it’s more convenient for them. When paying cash bail, they need to pay the entire bail amount before the defendant can be released from jail. That’s challenging. But when using a bail bond, a payment system is set up so that the defendant can be released from jail, and then he or she (or those on his or her behalf) will continue to make payments on the bail bond.

Learn more about the differences between cash bail and bail bonds, and see how bail bonds can be the better fit for you! Connect with one of the agents at Memphis Bail Bonds by chatting with them online or talking with them over the phone! Call (615)544-0000 today!

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Online School

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The idea of online school isn’t new. Online schooling has been around for some time and many parents have taken advantage of it. Other parents have thought about it from time to time and briefly considered looking into it but never got around to it.

The pandemic has pushed the concept of online schooling to the forefront of everyone’s mind. Some schools have even opted entirely do away with in-classroom learning and devote all of their resources to virtual education.

How Online Schooling Differs from Home Schooling

It’s important to understand that online schooling and homeschooling aren’t exactly the same thing.

Homeschooling is a type of schooling where the parents have total control over their child’s education. In some cases, the parent works with a group of like-minded parents, an organization that has created a curriculum, or even tutors. In other instances, the parent does all the teaching themselves.

Students who partake with online schooling are still connected to the school’s curriculum. Teachers who are employed by the school handle the student’s educational needs.

Advantages of Online Schooling

Prior to the outbreak, the biggest advantages connected to online schooling was that students who didn’t do well in a traditional classroom setting still enjoyed a high level of education. The set up was ideal for students who were in living situations that required them to learn from different locations, such as a parent’s house one day, a grandparent’s house in a different county, or during a commute. Online schooling was also good for the children who didn’t have a reliable means of getting to school every single day.

Parents often like online schooling because it is designed in such a way that parents are able to be involved in their child’s education without having to worry about doing the actual teaching.

Students who do best when they’re able to work at their own pace generally excel when they’re removed from the traditional classroom and enrolled in an online schooling program.

Disadvantages of Online Schooling

The simple reality is that while online schooling is wonderful for some students, other students struggle with it.

The disadvantages of online schooling include:

  • It limits the child’s ability to socialize with people their own age
  • Students who lack self-discipline struggle
  • Students don’t connect as well with the teacher which makes them reluctant to ask for additional help

One of the biggest disadvantages connected to online learning is that it eliminates a sense of competition that many students require before they’ll push their limits and strive to excel.

If your child is taking advantage of online schooling this year, it’s important that you make an effort to connect to the school and go over the rules for logging in each day, know when homework needs to be completed, and have a plan to make sure that you can take the steps needed to help your child thrive in an at-home learning environment.

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We’re Quick, Right To The Point

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We don’t want to waste your time (we know it’s precious and there’s no time to waste) so we’re going to get right to the point.

Here at Memphis Bail Bonds, we offer:

  • Customizable, low monthly rate payment plans.
  • 24/7 availability.
  • No hidden fees.
  • Convenient and secure online payment system.
  • Cash, credit, debit, and checks are accepted.
  • Discounts for qualifying individuals.
  • Licensed and experienced bail bond agents.
  • Friendly, hardworking, understanding bail bond agents.
  • Confidentiality.
  • Phone approvals; if a face-to-face meeting is necessary, our agents go to you.

    • See how quickly we laid out what we can do for you? Error-free speed is our thing – we work very fast (and don’t worry we don’t cut corners either) to get people bailed out of jail, and our process, efficiency, and reliability won’t be any different for you and your loved one.

    Contact someone at Memphis Bail Bonds by opening a chat room online with us, or by calling us at (615)544-0000. We absolutely won’t let you down!

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How to Report a Crime

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It doesn’t matter if you’re the victim of a crime or if you have seen a crime take place. You should always report the situation to the police. Here’s how to go about doing just that.

Don’t try to take matters into your own hands. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is attempting to stop a crime that’s in progress. While it’s commendable that you want to do something about the situation, the odds of you getting hurt are extremely high. Stopping a crime that’s in progress isn’t worth jeopardizing your safety. When you witness a crime taking place that isn’t jeopardizing anyone’s actual health safety, don’t get involved. Simply report the situation to the police and let them handle it.

When you see a crime taking place, the first thing you need to do is get yourself to a safe place. Once you’ve addressed your personal safety, pull out your cell phone and contact 911. Explain what is happening. The 911 operator will advise you on the best way to protect yourself and also put you into contact with the police.

When the police reach out to you, give them as much information as you can. The more accurate you are about times and locations, the better the chances are that the prosecution will put together a successful case that will end with the criminal getting convicted.

Follow the police’s advice to the letter. If they want to speak to you in person right away, they will advise you on where to wait for them. If they want you to come to the police station and file a report, they will tell you which station to go to and whom to speak with.

It’s important that your memory of the incident remains clear. It doesn’t take much time for a memory to shift or fade, so it’s not a bad idea to grab a piece of paper and write down everything you remember about what you’ve witnessed. This includes a detailed description of the person/people who committed the crime.

If an arrest is made and the case goes to court, you’ll be called on to testify. The prosecutor that’s handling the case will provide you with the information you need to be a reliable witness while on the stand.

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Valentine’s First Date Safety Tips

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Those of us who are single often feel that the holiday is the perfect day to arrange a first date and hopefully strike up a romance. The problem is that some of us are so fixated on connecting romantically, that we sometimes overlook basic first-date safety measures and will find ourselves in a dangerous situation.

Drive Separately

These days, most of us go on first dates with people we don’t actually know. In many cases, it’s an internet connection that sounds interesting. No matter how nice and trustworthy that person might sound during your virtual conversations, you need to remember that you don’t fully know them. One of the best ways you can keep yourself safe is making sure that each of you drives separately to your Valentine’s Day date location.

Driving does more than simply prevent you from being located in a small space where you have very little control over things with a person you don’t know well. It also provides you with an easy and accessible means of escape if the date doesn’t go well.

If you don’t have your own car, use an Uber/cab/bus to get to the location.

Tell Your Friends About Your Plans

Secret first dates sound fun and exciting, especially on Valentine’s Day. The other nice thing about secret first dates is that you don’t have to fill your friends and family members in on all of the details if the date turns out to be a dud.

The problem with secret Valentine’s Day dates is that if no one knows where you are or what you’re doing, they won’t know that you could be in trouble. Let at least one trusted person know where you’re going and who your Valentine’s Day date is. They will provide this information to the police if something goes wrong.

Meet in Public

Your Valentine’s Day date doesn’t have to be in a noisy club or even a secluded forest glen. It should be in a public place where people can step in if things don’t go the way you like. If you start to feel uncomfortable during the date, alert someone who is nearby and they can help extract you from the situation.

Never Leave a Drink Unattended

Always keep an eye on your drink. You don’t want your date or anyone else who is nearby, to slip anything into it. If you have to leave your drink, order a new one. Don’t finish the one that was left by itself.

Let Someone Know When You Make it Home Safely

Let the friend/family member you told about the date know that you’ve made it home and are safe. This is a great opportunity to discuss your Valentine’s Day date and decide if this is a person you’re interested in seeing again.

What are your plans for this Valentine’s Day?