Since 1898, when Peter McDonough established America’s first bail bond agency in San Francisco, the bail bond business has flourished as a commercial enterprise in the United States. The idea of bail as a for-profit enterprise, however, has come under fire in recent years, as many other nations such as Australia, India, and South Africa … Continued
Your first experience being arrested can be confusing and even scary, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Here are a few things to keep in mind that can make your time in jail easier. Jail vs. Prison The terms “jail” and “prison” are often used interchangeably, but in fact, they are two very … Continued
Since America’s first bail bond agency opened in 1898, bond amounts have varied widely, from as little as a dollar to sums in the billions—yes, billions. Given that the purpose of bail is to ensure that a defendant makes all appointed court dates, courts have decided that some wealthy defendants require extreme incentives. Here are … Continued
The mere idea of addressing an outstanding warrant can be a cause of worry and anxiety. Or maybe you don’t even know that you have an outstanding warrant. Either way, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. A bench warrant can be issued against you for a number of reasons. Say, for example, that … Continued
The FBI defines a criminal record as any felony arrest, even if that arrest does not lead to a conviction. By that standard, it is estimated that 73.5 million Americans currently have a criminal record. If that seems like a high number, it is, and it amounts to nearly 30% of the nation’s adult population. … Continued
The holidays are fast approaching, and with them come office parties, family celebrations, and New Year’s Eve gatherings – all where alcohol is served. The penalties for driving under the influence in Georgia are steep, and the potential human costs of a DUI accident cannot be tallied. Why risk a wreck or arrest during what … Continued
In 2017, Georgia authorities convicted 22,955 motorists of driving under the influence (DUI).1 If that number startles you, it should. Both local and state police are always on the lookout for impaired drivers. And while nobody wants to be pulled over by the police for suspicion of driving while impaired or intoxicated, if it … Continued
It’s late and you get a call from a friend or family member. They’ve been arrested and can’t make bail without your help. They’re asking that you act as a cosigner on their bond. You want to help but you are unsure of your rights and responsibilities. Here are a few things you should … Continued
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, an established and reputable bond agent is your best ally. In Georgia, all misdemeanors and most felony offenses are bondable -- but if you lack the financial resources to meet the full amount of cash bond requested by the court, you … Continued
The detention of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. has become an issue of national importance. The number of foreign nationals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased dramatically under the current administration, so it’s more important than ever to understand your rights if you are arrested and detained by ICE. … Continued
