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Federal Bail Bonds – Fast Information

There are three typical levels of bail bonds out there;  County Bail Bonds, State Bail Bonds, and Federal Bail Bonds.  If you find yourself in a situation where you require a Federal Bail Bond, chances are you or the person you are filing for stands accused of a very serious crime.

Unfortunately, for friends and family of the accused, Federal Bail Bonds can quickly get very expensive.  This is due to the increased flight risk someone accused of a federal level crime typically poses.  When a company like ATX Bail Bonds agrees to deliver a Federal Bail Bond, they are additionally promising the court that the accused will be present at all of his scheduled court hearings among other responsibilities.

What crimes do Federal Bail Bonds cover?

Federal Crimes are generally viewed as more severe crimes that usually involve narcotics, large amounts of money, injuries or deaths.  This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Arson
  • Sale of illegal drugs
  • Grand theft
  • Kidnapping

Federal Bail Bonds cost more money because of the severity of the crimes committed, and   Usually the percentage Bail Bond agencies collect is around 10% for State Bail Bonds and 15% for Federal Bail Bonds.

ATX Bail Bonds is an Austin-based company staffed with licensed bail bondsmen dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience when obtaining a jail release from Travis County.  Our staff of licensed bail bondsmen will arrange for a bond or jail release of your friend or relative quickly and professionally from the Travis County Jail or the Del Valle Jail.

If you want to get your friend or family member out of jail fast, call us RIGHT NOW!  We have staff on duty 24/7 to handle your situation day or night!

Dealing with Bail Bonds: Does it Impact My Credit?

A common misconception is that dealing with bondsmen will negatively impact credit your credit score.

MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAMost people in America don’t have the cash to pay the bail needed if they or a loved one happens to land in jail.  That is where ATX Bail Bonds comes in to provide service and help you to pay the bail, so that you can get your loved one out of jail before they stand trial.

Does this effect your credit score?  Let’s say, for example, the bail was set at $25,000.  If the defendant does not appear in court, then the full amount of fees and services charged by the bail bonds agency is now the defendant’s (or whoever signs the contract for the bail) responsibility to repay.  In many cases collateral is used, such as a home, to secure the bond.  If the defendant does not appear in court then the assets used as collateral are forfeited to the court.

Sometimes there is a grace period to try to arrange payment to the bail bonds agency, even if the bond went in to what is called “default”.  Often there may be a statutory period where you may be able to turn in the defendant to the courts to get the bond out of default status, and saving your credit score from the bond going into collections.

The worst case scenario if the defendant appears in court would be a hard inquiry on your credit report or a very slight impact on your score if you happen to use a credit card.  The credit score entities don’t care what the credit or money was used for, only that it was paid back within the parameters set forth in the agreed upon contract between the bondsman and yourself.

ATX Bail Bonds wants to help you make the bail process as quick and painless as possible.  Part of what you pay for is exceptional service and we look to provide that for each and every client.  We also have financing available for those unable to pay right away.

The Booking and Bail Process

jail1. The person is arrest and brought to the police station to be booked, which is the process of obtaining the arrestee’s name, address, birthday, appearance, and fingerprints. Then, any personal property on the suspect is seized and a mug shot is taken.

2. Once the booking process is complete, the suspect is allowed to make a phone call. The best plan of action for them is to call a trusted bail bond company in Austin such as ATX Bail Bonds or contact a family member and have them give us a call.

3. Next, the arrestee will wait for a judge to determine if he or she is eligible for bail and set the cost of the bail. The amount the bail is set to is up to the judge’s discretion and depends on the severity of the crime. The judge may also take into account the criminal history of the defendant.

4. The person in jail has several options. They can wait in jail until their court hearing, they can pay the full amount of the bond up front with cash or credit card, or they can contact a bail agent in Austin. The latter option is the best choice for those who don’t want to spend days (or even months) in jail but who cannot afford to pay the full amount of bond.

5. The bail bondsman will pay the amount of bail and then charge you a small percentage of the bail cost as a fee for his services. In the event that the defended doesn’t show up on their mandatory court date, the bail bond company is responsible for paying the value of the bond.

Remember, if you live in Austin or the surrounding areas and need a bail bond, call ATX Bail Bonds today!

Surety Bonds

Surety Bonds are at the heart of the bail bond system. When you get a Bail Bond, from ATX Bail Bond, you get a surety bond. In a surety bail bond, there are three individuals involved. The first is the arresting agency. They receive the bond on the condition that the individual will follow certain conditions of release, such as appearing on specified court dates.

The second party is the person being released, and the third party is the bondsman who pays the bond. The bondsman receives a premium on the bond, which is paid by the person arrested. This premium is non-refundable because it is paid to the bondsman.

If at any point the defendant skips bail – that is, fails to show up for their court dates – the bail bonds company is responsible for bringing the individual to court. In this case, bounty hunters are usually hired to track the defendant down. Sometimes, if the bondsman company suspects that the individual might skip bail, he can revoke the bond and turn the individual over to the arresting agency.

If you have been granted a surety bond, it is essential that your friend or relative follow all the conditions of their release and show up to their court dates. They could be facing a lot of trouble if they try to skip out on bail.

If you need Bail Bonds in Austin, Texas, we are the ones you should call. Give ATX Bail Bonds a call today at 512-834-2245 (BAIL)!