memphis bail bonds

Dealing with Payment Plans Is Easy with Memphis Bail Bonds

Payment plans are pretty great. They break up the large cost of something and spread it out over a set amount of time. This makes it easier for a person to afford whatever the item is. However, they can add a bit of worry for some people. People may worry about missing a payment, and wonder what will happen then.

This is especially true when it comes to bail bonds. Many people are terrified of missing a payment, because it can mean more than just losing the money for the bond. Missed payments are a common concern for our clients here at Memphis Bail Bonds. Luckily, they don’t have to be a big, world ending deal.

If a client suspects that they might be late on a payment, they should let their bail agent know right away. Here at Memphis Bail Bonds, we are more than capable of working with our clients on their payments. We know that surprises happen, and you may not have the money for a payment one month. We also know that things changes, and what might have been affordable a few months ago, might be too much now. We can rework the payment plan to better fit your needs. This only works though if you talk with your bail agent.

Memphis Bail Bonds Works With Your Budget

If a person doesn’t talk with their bail agent about missing a payment, when the payment is missed, their agent will try to contact them right away. If the agent can get in touch with their client, they can figure out how to proceed together. If no contact can be made, then that is typically when a bounty hunter gets involved to bring the person back into police custody.

Making payments might be difficult with other bail bond companies, but not with Memphis Bail Bonds. All of our payment plans are designed with our clients and their unique budgets in mind. If a client runs into a bit of trouble with their payments, they can talk to an agent ahead of missing a payment to prevent anything bad from happening.

Do you need bail? Contact Memphis Bail Bonds. We’re a family-owned bail bonds business that has been serving the area for several decades. Our top-rated services include:

  • 24/7 Bail bond service
  • Online payments
  • 0% Interest payment plans
  • Phone approvals
  • No hidden fees
  • No collateral for working signers
  • Free consultations with a bail bonds expert

At Memphis Bail Bonds, our bail agents are available 24/7 when you call (615) 544 0000 or click Chat With Us now.

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What Is the Booking Process Like?

When it comes to arrests and bail, most people have a lot questions. For instance, many people wonder what happens when a person is arrested. They often expect the arrest to happen quickly, however that is rarely the case. There is a whole process to booking someone into jail and it usually takes some time to complete.

The booking process proceeds as follows:

    1. Information is recorded. When a person is brought into a police station, their information is recorded. This includes things such as why the person was arrested, as well as their name, birthday, and home address.

    2. Picture time. Next the person’s mug shot is taken. The picture is important for identifying two different people who may share the same name. The mugshot also establishes the person’s physical condition at the time of arrest

    3. Fingers get dirty. After that, fingerprints are taken. These are typically entered into the national database maintained by the FBI.

    4. Belongings are confiscated. After the mugshot, officers will confiscate anything that is on the person, which can include clothes, which will be replaced with an orange jumpsuit. This also includes a full-body search to ensure that no contraband enters the jail. Any belongings taken from the arrested individual will be returned when the person is released, provided the item wasn’t contraband.

    5. In for anything else? As the all the other stuff is going on, someone else will use the given information to check for any warrants out for the person’s arrest. If a person does have other warrants out for their arrest, they likely won’t be given bail.

    6. Time for a checkup. Next comes a health checkup to make sure the person is healthy and not bringing any diseases into the jail. A DNA sample may be taken and added to the national database.

    7. Play well with others? Lastly, officers will make sure that the arrested person won’t cause trouble in the jail. This is done by asking if the person has ever had any gang affiliations, or other outside relationships, that might pose a problem with other inmates.

Memphis Bail Bonds Can Help You With Bail

There are a lot of steps to booking someone into jail, and not every station does them in the same exact order. On top of that, different stations are dealing with more arrests than others. This means that the booking process can be done in under an hour at some stations, but take several at others. It all depends on when and where the person was arrested.

Once a person has been booked in, they may be given a bail amount. Once that happens, Memphis Bail Bonds can help you bail that person out of jail. All you have to do to get started is talk to one of our bail agents. They will help you with the bail and answer all of your questions about the bail process.

Do you need bail? Contact Memphis Bail Bonds. We’re a family-owned bail bonds business that has been serving the area for several decades. Our top-rated services include:

  • 24/7 Bail bond service
  • Online payments
  • 0% Interest payment plans
  • Phone approvals
  • No hidden fees
  • No collateral for working signers
  • Free consultations with a bail bonds expert

You can talk to an agent for free at any time, just call (615) 544 0000 or click Chat With Us now.

memphis bail bonds

What Happens if You’re Summoned to Appear as a Witness in a Trial

It doesn’t matter if the prosecution or the defense thinks you’re a valuable witness, the process is the same for both sides. The first thing they will do is officially summon you to appear. This is done through a formal process in which a court representative hands you the information about how you’re required to appear in court.

Your own opinion on the case and judicial process aren’t relevant. As soon as the summons has been handed to you, you’re required to show up. Failing to do so will result in your being charged with contempt of court. Depending on the case and the mood of the prosecution/judge, it’s possible that a warrant will be sworn out for your arrest and you’ll spend some time in jail.

When you do honor the summons and appear in court on the appointed day, you will report to the court officer who will tell you where to go. If you’re lucky, you won’t have to wait long before it’s your turn to testify, however in many cases, you’ll find yourself waiting for a few hours and might even have to come back to court on a different day.

At this point, it’s extremely important that you don’t talk to anyone about the case. The reason for this is simple, you don’t want the conversation to alter your direct memories about the case or the person you’re testifying about.

When you’re called to testify, you’ll be sworn in. As soon as that’s completed, both the prosecution and the defense will ask you a series of questions that pertain to the case. It’s extremely important that you answer each question as honestly as possible. Not only will lying jeopardize the case, but if you’re caught deliberately lying, you’ll be charged with perjury and arrested.

Once you’re done testifying you usually have the option of either remaining in the courtroom and watching the remainder of the trial or going home. The one exception to this is if either the prosecutor or the defense expresses interest in recalling you, in which case you’ll go back to playing a waiting game until they either recall you or formally announce that they no longer require any additional testimony from you.

Have you ever had to serve as a witness during a court trial? How did it go?

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The Benefits of Hiring a Good Criminal Defense Attorney

One of the biggest decisions you have to make after you’ve been charged with a crime is deciding if you should hire a private criminal defense attorney or if you should take advantage of a public defender.

The correct answer is going to vary from one person to another. That being said, there are several reasons why paying a good criminal defense attorney may be the best choice for you.

Criminal Defense Attorney Aren’t as Overworked as Public Defenders

The typical public defender has a great deal on their plate. While they care about their clients, they simply don’t have the time needed to give each case as much individualized attention as they should get. While good criminal defense attorneys are also busy, they have more time available to them to not only investigate the charges you’re facing and to scrutinize every single aspect of the police investigation, but they are also going to take the time to get to know you.

The Reputation of the Criminal Defense Attorney Depends on the Outcome of Your Case

Criminal defense attorneys know that they won’t win every single case, but they also know that the more favorably your case goes, the easier it will be for them to acquire good clients in the future. Criminal defense lawyers depend on having a winning record which is why they work extremely hard to make sure your case is perfectly handled. They will do everything in their power to make sure you get the justice you deserve.

It’s estimated that public defenders only win about 15% of the cases they take on. When you look at the typical stats of a good criminal lawyer in your area, you’ll notice that their win-to-loss ratio is usually significantly better.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Have Many Resources

When it comes to available resources, public defenders simply can’t compare to private criminal defense lawyers. The private lawyer has the resources available to hire private investigators, explore the possibility of expert witnesses, and take other avenues of defense that a public defender simply doesn’t have access to.

If your case goes to trial, having these resources at your disposal can have a major impact on the jury and could potentially be the difference between a not guilty and a guilty verdict.

If you are facing minor charges, you’ll likely be fine with a public defender, but for serious charges, many find that they are more comfortable when they have a private criminal defense attorney in their corner.

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Do I Have to Report a Traffic Accident?

Most of us have a weird, knee-jerk reaction to traffic accidents. We like to pretend we don’t know about them and try to put as much distance between ourselves and the traffic accident as we possibly can. This is our reaction whether we’re involved in the accident or if we’ve simply witnessed one.

When a traffic accident occurs, many of us wonder if we actually have to report it to the police.

If you’re driving any of the vehicles involved in a car accident, you are legally required to report the accident to the police.

Technically, you have 24 hours to complete a written report about the incident. All things considered, it’s in your best interest to report the accident as soon as it happens. There are several reasons for this:

  • The responding officer will handle writing the written report for you
  • Filing the insurance claim will be easier
  • The events leading up to the cause of the accident is fresh in everyone’s mind
  • You won’t have to worry about being labeled a hit and run driver

In addition to letting the police know about the accident, you need to let your car insurance company know about the accident as quickly as possible. Not only will this put you in a position to receive your claim money as quickly as possible, but if an investigation is needed, they will be able to talk to everyone involved while the details of the accident remain fresh in everyone’s mind.

But what if you merely witnessed a car accident but weren’t directly involved with it?

It’s in your best interest to make sure that everyone who was involved in the accident doesn’t need any type of medical attention and you should also plan on serving as a witness to the incident.

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Different Types of Domestic Violence

Most of us are familiar with the concept of domestic violence. What many of us don’t realize is that there is different types of domestic violence charges.

There is both misdemeanor and felony domestic violence. The exact circumstances surrounding the domestic violence incident determine which of those charges you face.

When the prosecutor is trying to decide if a specific case represents felony or misdemeanor domestic violence there are a few factors they consider. These factors include:

  • The circumstances surrounding the incident
  • How serious the victim’s injuries were
  • Criminal history

It’s also possible that witness statements and medical records will play a role in determining how the charges will be handled.

In misdemeanor cases, a guilty verdict can result in a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail as well as possible fines. In felony domestic abuse cases the sentence can be 2,3, or 4 years in a state prison, mandatory counseling, a fine that could be as high as $6,000.

Felony domestic violence is a crime that often has sentencing enhancement added. The circumstances surrounding the case will often determine if the enhancements are added. If the newly convicted person already had a record that includes previous domestic violence convictions that occurred within the last seven years an additional $10,000 in fines as well as 2,4, or 5 years can be attached to the sentence.

If the domestic violence incident that’s currently on the table involved a great bodily injury, the judge has the option of using a sentence enhancement that adds 3,4, or 5 years to the sentence.

A single domestic violence charge can have a massive negative impact on your life. It can cause loved ones to turn their back on you, hurt your chances of securing houses, and make it significantly more difficult to find a romantic partner. The best way to prevent a domestic violence conviction from ruining your life is thinking before you act and removing yourself from the situation when you feel that you’re losing your temper.

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Staying Safe While Online Dating

It doesn’t look like online dating is going anywhere.

This is often the time of year when people start to think about online dating. Some do this because they think the start of a new year is the perfect time to start a new relationship. Others because they realize that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Others decide that it’s a great time to create a new online dating profile because they hated being single during the holidays.

Whether you’re an online dating veteran or you’re just dipping your toe into the world of online dating, it’s always a good time to review safe online dating practices.

The first thing to remember is that you don’t really have any idea about who you’re talking to. Online dating is a great way to meet people, but it’s also a format that attracts a lot of predators. Choose a dating site that is upfront about its policy for keeping everyone involved safe.

If you make a match, take some time to get to know the person online before you arrange an in-person meeting. Whenever possible try to keep the conversation going through whatever means the online dating site has provided. This makes it easier to report any abuse or suspicious behavior.

Do not meet in a private or secluded area. Arrange to meet in a public place. Before going on your first date, let people know where you are going, who you are going with, and arrange for a time that you’ll check in with them and let them know that you’re okay.

Do not tell the person you’ve connected with online where you live. Make sure you eliminate any geographically identifiable items (such as your house) from the pictures you post on your profile.

If you start to feel at all uncomfortable with the other person, be it while you’re chatting on the dating site or while you’re on a real-time date with your online match, sever the connection and move on. Your safety and mental health are far more important than the few minutes of embarrassment you’ll feel while dashing away from the date.

Do not invite your online love connection to your home until you’re one hundred percent positive that they’re a good person and someone you can trust. If you have any reservations at all, keep the dates to public places. The same is true about getting into a car with them. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving or they’re driving, always travel in separate vehicles until you are confident about who you are with.

The most important thing to remember when you’re dating online is to trust your instincts. You really do know best so if something feels a little funny or unsafe it’s in your best interest to block that person and search for the next promising candidate.

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Community Service in Criminal Cases

Many people find that they have to complete a specific number of hours of community service as a part of their sentence. Some people love this because the community service can reduce fines and jail time. Others hate having to do so much work without getting paid.

Judges have the right to make community service a part of a sentence. Sometimes the community service replaces fines, jail time, and probation. In other cases, it’s used in tandem with the other consequences.

Community service has become so popular amongst judges that some large communities discovered that they had to hire another person and even create whole new county offices just to help with the community service portion of sentencing. These separate offices help people find promising community service opportunities, track hours, and make sure everything is properly reported to the sentencing judge.

The great thing about community service is that there are lots of different options. The only stipulation is that the work has to be done in connection with a non-profit organization and that you don’t get paid for it. You can choose to complete all of the hours by working with a single non-profit or you can divide your time up with multiple organizations.

Some communities also have government programs that qualify as community service.

When you find out that you need to complete X amount of hours of community service, the first thing you need to do is sit down and think about what you like. The entire process will be more enjoyable if you’re doing work you like or at least working for a cause you’re passionate about.

Popular community service choices include:

  • Helping out at animal rescues
  • Assisting at homeless shelters
  • Helping organize non-profit events, such as awareness runs and festivals
  • Community improvement/beautification projects
  • Speaking to school groups

Once you’ve identified the type of work you’d like to do, it’s time to contact the non-profits and find out their requirements. Make it clear that the volunteering work you’re doing is for the courts. Some non-profits choose not to track hours for the courts. Others require a background check that you won’t pass because you have a criminal record.

If the first non-profit you contact doesn’t work out, contact another one until you find one that’s happy to accept you.

Create a schedule and stick to it. You want to complete your community service hours as quickly as possible so that the judge doesn’t revisit your sentencing and decide you’re shirking your responsibilities. If for some reason, you do run into a problem and won’t be able to complete the required number of hours by the court-appointed deadline, you need to contact the court and let them know. It’s likely that as long as you can prove that you’re making a genuine effort they’ll choose to extend your deadline.

Be diligent about recording the number of hours you’ve worked at your community service project. Get the person who is supervising you to sign off on your time after each session. Turn the information to the court.

The great thing about community service is that you can sometimes use it to make important new connections, develop skills, and possibly even find a program you want to continue helping even after you’ve fulfilled your community service requirements.

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Parents Worry About Their Kids Way More Than You’d Think

As a parent, don’t you always have a concern for your children? Even if they are well behaved and honest, parents’ concern for their child continues to linger no matter what. It’s all part of being a parent.

It’s important to always be reminded that any trouble your kid gets into, you as a parent can be held responsible and liable. You may need to pay fines and fees – fees for educational programs required by court, legal fees, and others. To avoid this stress and pain, keep an eye on your child whenever you can, but do not be too overbearing. A part of growing up for a child will include some rebellion, but if they can do this in ways that don’t include legal trouble, you’re golden. Take note of your parenting styles and how your child reacts – where do you need to loosen up? Where can you be more trusting?

No one expects them to be a perfect parent nor is there a perfect parenting guidebook to follow rule by rule. It’s going to be challenging, but it’s also going to be fun – until you get a call from the police (hopefully you don’t).

Now, if your child does get arrested, there is no need to call a bail bonds agency because minors are ineligible for bail (though they don’t stay in jail – they are still released back to the parents). However, if your child is 18 or older and calls you from jail because they indeed need bail help (they are now old enough) please do contact a bail bonds agency.

If you are in need of a bail bond don’t hesitate to call us for help. Memphis Bail Bonds will quickly reunite you back together simply call us at (615) 544 0000.