FAQs
FAQs
FREE BOND INFORMATION FROM ACTION BAIL BONDS
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT BAIL BONDS IN HOUSTON, TX?
When you or someone you love is arrested, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Bail and bail bonds can be a difficult subject, and it can be very unclear to know what the different terms mean and what to do if you have never been in this type of situation before. See below for answers to the most common bail bonds questions and concerns. Action Bail Bonds has been providing free bond information and discount bail bonds for residents of Houston, TX
for over 20 years. If you have additional questions or to get started on the bail bonds process
today, give us a call today!
24 Hour Bail Bond Information & Services
Q: WHAT IS A BAIL BOND?
A: A monetary guarantee for the court that a defendant will appear each and every time - AND - on time - they are ordered to do so while their case is pending. Bail is set according to a schedule agreed to by the judges having jurisdiction over that particular criminal charge. Several points are considered regarding the arrested individual, including the charge filed, their prior arrest record, history of family violence, and any type of prior sexual related charges. Also, if the person charged poses a danger or further threat to the community and is the person considered a flight risk.
The
Harris County, TX
magistrate that presides over the initial bail and arrest hearing may also place additional bail conditions on the person arrested including but not limited to lowering the bond amount, raising the bond amount and/or declaring a “no bond” if the arrested is found to be on parole, probation or has a criminal case pending.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS, IF ARRESTED?
A: The police officer making the arrest is required without unnecessary delay, but no later than 48 hours after the arrest, to take the person arrested before a magistrate. The magistrate is required to inform the person arrested of:
- The accusation against them and of any affidavit filed therewith.
- The right to hire an attorney.
- The right to remain silent.
- The right to have an attorney present during questioning by law enforcement or a prosecuting attorney.
- The right to end the questioning at any time.
- The right to request a court appointed attorney, if the person arrested is indigent or cannot afford to hire an attorney.
Q: HOW MUCH WILL BAIL COST ME?
A: The cost of bail varies depending on the type of charge: criminal, city warrants or Justice of the Peace warrants. Action Bail Bonds offers 24-hour bail bonds.
Q: DO I NEED COLLATERAL?
A: Collateral is very rarely necessary. If you have a concern that collateral might be needed it is best to speak directly with an agent at Action Bail Bonds.
Q: WHAT CAN I PUT UP FOR COLLATERAL?
A: Anything that is cash equivalent with sufficient resale value that you own. Real estate may be put up based on equity.
Q: WHAT IF THE PERSON I BAIL OUT DOES NOT APPEAR?
A: The court will issue a warrant and notify us of the failure to appear. We will assist you in either reinstating the bail with the court or surrendering the person back to custody. If we are unsuccessful, the court will demand the full amount of the bail.
Q: WHY SHOULD I USE ACTION BAIL BONDS?
A: Because we handle all of the above situations in a professional, courteous, and expedient manner. We can almost always find a way for you to be financially able to handle such an unplanned situation as needing bail usually is. We will spend the time to help you figure out collateral to fit the needs of the bond. If something happens and the person you are sure of in the beginning does not follow through and go to court, we have a network of agents nationwide that assures a quick apprehension in almost all cases. We are the leaders in Houston, TX and all of Harris County for bail bonds.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN SOMEONE IS ARRESTED?
A: When someone you know is arrested, or you suspect the person has been arrested, please call us right away. However, please be aware it might take hours before information is found on the person. It is not unusual for the book-in process to last several hours; typically 6 to 10 hours.
If the individual was arrested for a criminal charge, they will be issued a SPN number or if the individual was arrested for city tickets, they will be issued an arrest number. If the individual calls you, please ask for the number as it speeds the process to gather information for you.
Q: WHERE IS THE PERSON TAKEN WHEN ARRESTED?
A: Where a person is taken once arrested depends on a variety of factors. One factor is the charge. Is it city tickets or a criminal charge? Another factor is who the arresting officer is employed by the City of Houston, a Justice of the Peace Constable or perhaps a Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PERSON ARRESTED IS ILLEGAL?
A: Once the individual is processed they will be interviewed to determine their legal status.
Q: HOW IS AN ARREST MADE?
A: A law enforcement officer must obtain an arrest warrant before taking a person into custody. However, a law enforcement officer may arrest a person without a warrant only if:
- There is probable cause to believe that the person committed an offense.
- The arrest falls within one of the exceptions in Chapter 14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 14.01 or a criminal act is committed in a law enforcement officer’s presence or view.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES A BAIL AGENT CHARGE?
A: The cost to the consumer will be a percentage of the total amount of the bond, plus actual, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the transaction. The court determines the amount of the bond.
Q: WHAT DOES THE BAIL AGENT DO FOR THE CONSUMER?
A: Provides an avenue for the incarcerated person to be released from custody until his/her day in court, allowing the defendant to continue his/her day-to-day life until the criminal matter is resolved. The bail agent will provide the following:
- Receipts and copies of all signed documents.
- Information regarding the status of the bond and changes in assigned court dates.
- The status of any costs due, as imposed by the court.
- Assistance in locating the defendant should a forfeiture occur.
- Appearance before the court regarding the bail bond when such appearances are necessary (sometimes requiring the hiring of legal counsel).
- The timely return of collateral upon exoneration of the bond.
We offer free bond information, as well!
