Ever Wondered About Bail? Heflins Bail Bonds Answers With a Smile
Heflins Bail Bonds simplifies the bail bond process, ensuring a smooth journey for you or your loved one in Bowling Green, VA. Our straightforward approach and efficient services make us your reliable partner during challenging times.
How to Post Bail
When a friend or family gets arrested, most people do not know what to do or where to start; it can be very overwhelming and get your anxiety going. When the defendant receives a bond, it is best to reach out to a professional bail bond company, such as Heflins Bail Bonds, to guide you through the whole process.
What Happens After an Arrest is Made: Virginia
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After an arrest is made, the suspect (defendant) in custody is normally taken to a magistrate's office in the city or county in which the arrest was made. The magistrate will conduct a bond hearing to either set a bond or hold the defendant without a bond. If the defendant is granted a bond by the magistrate and if law enforcement does not take the defendant in for questioning, the defendant is normally booked into the jail in the city or county in which they were arrested. If the defendant is released on their own "Recognizance," that means that the defendant does not have to go through the jail booking process; the magistrate gives them a court date and time to appear for the arraignment on the underlying charges. If the magistrate holds the defendant without bond, the defendant is given an arraignment date by the magistrate and booked in at the jail while awaiting the arraignment date. Call Heflins Bail Bonds, and we will gather all the information for you and lead you in the right direction throughout the process.
Bond Process After Jail Booking
Time to Call Heflins Bail Bonds
After the defendant is booked/processed into the jail, then he/she is an inmate and is ready to post bond if they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the defendant is under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, the defendant will have to stay in jail until no longer under the influence or sober. Some jails will release on bond if the defendant is still intoxicated under 0.10 BAC, but only with a responsible party (sober friend or family member). The responsible party will sign a recognizance along with the bail bondsman and will be taking on the responsibility of making sure that the defendant does not get behind the wheel of a vehicle until no longer under the influence or sober.
OR (Own Recognizance) and PR (Personal Recognizance)
OR and PR bonds are the same thing. This means that the defendant does not need a bail bondsman or does not have to put up any collateral for their release; this is called an "Unsecured Bond." Basically, the defendant is released on their own signature, promising to appear in court on a specific date and time.
Posting a Bond Using a Bail Bondsman
Secure bond: Call Heflins Bail Bonds
Whether the magistrate or judge gives a "Secure Bond," this means that a person on the outside will have to post a bond for the defendant. In most cases, the person who is willing to post a bond for a defendant will be either a friend or family member who has either contacted a bail bondsman or is willing to put up some other form of collateral with the magistrate, such as a vehicle, cash or real estate. In the state of Virginia, bail bond companies charge a fee, which is called a premium. The amount of the premium that can be charged in the State of Virginia can range from 10% to no more than 15% of the bond amount that has been set by a magistrate or judge. Heflins Bail Bonds require a "Co-Signer/Indemnitor" to sign on the required documents. The co-signer on the bond is taking on the responsibility of the "FULL" dollar amount of the bond if the defendant fails to appear in court. It is very important that the co-signer is aware of the monetary responsibility that they are taking on when signing a bond.
A Qualified Co-Signer
A qualified co-signer is required on any "Secure Bond" that is being posted by a bail bondsman Unless the bond is being paid in full. Heflins Bail Bonds requires that the co-signer is at least 21 years of age or older, employed at their current job for at least one year, and two years on the current job on bonds $7500.00 and above. In most cases, we like the co-signer to live in the state but not required, depending on certain criteria. We prefer a homeowner to sign on large bonds; however, it may not be necessary. The defendants' criminal history can play a role in who we let co-sign as well. Call Heflins Bail Bonds For more details.
Held Without Bond and Procedure
If the magistrate holds the defendant without bond at the initial bond hearing, the defendant is held in custody by the jail until their arraignment date. The defendant is given a court date for the arraignment by the magistrate, and the defendant will appear in front of a judge. Then, the judge will determine whether to give a bond or not; if the judge does not give the defendant a bond (secure or unsecured bond), the defendant will stay incarcerated until the next court date, or the defendant can have an attorney file motion with the court to go back in front of the judge for a bond. If that fails, the defendant can appeal the lower court decision on the bond denied status and have an attorney try again for a bond in the higher court. If no bond is given in the higher court normally, the defendant is held in custody until later court dates or until final court disposition. We can refer local attorneys upon request. Call Heflins Bail Bonds to get more detailed information.