Going to jail is not a pleasant experience. An arrest can happen anywhere, even at the most inconvenient times. If you are expecting to be arrested, or have someone you care about in jail, the first thing that you need to do is call our attorneys at 817-789-4000. Our experienced team can help you understand the process and what to do next. Here are some helpful answers to common questions:

What is a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond?

A PR Bond, or Personal Recognizance Bond, allows someone accused of a crime to be released from custody based on their promise to appear in court as required. Since there is no surety attached to the bond, the judge will consider whether the accused is a flight risk, a danger to the community, and how long the accused has been in custody before ordering a Personal Recognizance Bond. If the accused appears late to court or does not appear at all, he or she is subject to arrest and a judge may impose a surety bond or put a hold on the bond which prevents the accused to post any type of bail.

How much should I expect to pay a bondsman?

Typically, a bail bondsman costs you between 10% to 20% of the posted bond. This is a non-refundable fee. But each bondsman is different, and it is important to use a reliable bondsman. Call our office for a free referral to our trusted group of bondsmen.

How will my immigration status be affected by an arrest?

If an individual is undocumented or not a U.S. citizen, immigration will be notified immediately upon being taken into custody. The individual will likely get an immigration (ICE) hold that prevents him or her from getting a bond set in criminal court. Though there may be an opportunity to have a bond set by a judge in an immigration court, it is important to speak with an attorney to learn subsequent immigration consequences and ensure the lowest chance of deportation.

What happens if I find out I have an active warrant for my arrest?

If an individual discovers an active warrant for his or her arrest, it is important to immediately contact an attorney to determine the reason(s) for the warrant. There are many different ways an individual can have a warrant issued, including (1) failure to appear at a court date; (2) having a Petition filed to Adjudicate or Revoke the individual’s probation; or (3) being charged with a new offense. Having an attorney in the early stages allows a smoother process for the individual. For instance, if merited, an attorney may ask the judge if he or she will lift the warrant. The attorney may also secure a “walk through” with the client to help facilitate the bond process and keep the individual out of jail as much as possible.