17 Dec
Mark Monroe Bail Bond News No Comments

Bail Reform News: New Los Angeles District Attorney Abolishes Cash Bail

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Bail reform has been a major concern for activists and politicians for a number of years now. There is a growing concern that excessive bail unfairly penalizes the poor. The concern seems to center around bail for minor offenses such as misdemeanors, drug charges, and traffic violations. When the offender can’t afford bail for these minor charges, they risk losing their jobs and time with their families. While these issues are concerning, many on the other side of the issue worry about loopholes that could be caused by abolishing bail. We may soon have a model for what this looks like in a major metropolitan area thanks to reforms by the new Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

There’s a New D.A. in Town

L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón, on his first day in office, told the press about a dramatic set of plans for criminal justice reform in the nation’s most populated county. One of his plans includes moving to phase out cash bail for all misdemeanors and some felony offenses.

Gascón said by Jan. 1 his office will unveil detailed plans to end the system of money bail “in its entirety.” In 2018, outgoing California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a bill ending cash bail in the nation’s most populous state. However, the bail bond industry challenged the measure. On Election Day last month, California voters rejected Proposition 25, which was an effort to end the state’s system of cash bail.

Immediate Reforms

According to a special directive effective Tuesday, prosecutors will now be instructed to ask the court for the criminal defendant’s release. Bail can still be considered at arraignment if the defendant is accused of a violent felony or sexual assault.

The district attorney’s office will also no longer seek the death penalty in Los Angeles County and current cases with a judgment of death will be reviewed, with the ultimate goal of getting the capital punishment removed, and prioritizing cases for resentencing inmates who are serving excessive prison terms. 

Bail Industry Impact

So, how does this D.A. in Los Angeles affect the bail industry at large? And how might it affect your or your loved one’s ability to be released from jail to await trial in the future? 

Because LA is such a large city and the most populated county in the United States, other cities are likely to look at them as a model for these kinds of reforms. Additionally, it sets a precedent for what other district attorneys can accomplish without input from voters. 

Delta Bail Bonds Is Still Here For You

You can count on Delta Bail Bonds to stay on top of the legal and political news that applies to your life. As long as bail remains part of our system in Dallas and McKinney, TX, we will be here to help you get out of jail quickly. Save our information and give us a call when you need us!

30 Nov
one woman comforts her friend as both sit in a couch in front of a window
Mark Monroe Tips and Advice No Comments

You’ve Bailed Them Out, Now What?

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When someone you know has been arrested you want to help them the best you can. They may turn to you for help in posting their bail. If you agree to help them, you will have the option to either pay the full bail amount directly to the court or jail or to use the services of a bail bondsman. When you sign a bail bond contract with a licensed bail bond company, you become known as the “indemnitor”. This means that you are assuming responsibility to the court and the bail agent.

A Bail Bond Is A Legal Contract

As the signer of a bail bond contract, you are guaranteeing that the defendant will show up for court. The most important thing is for you to make sure that your loved one appears in court on the appointed day and time. This is imperative, as you will lose your premium payment if this does not occur. As payer of the bond payment, it is your responsibility to ensure that this happens.

Bail Conditions

Sometimes, there are conditions that the offender must follow while out on bail. Common conditions include abstaining from alcohol, participating in drug or alcohol treatment programs, anger management, or work requirements. If the offense involved a vehicle, it’s possible that your friend or family member will be unable to drive. Therefore, one way that you can help would be to offer to drive them to their treatment programs or to work. Not only will following the conditions of bail help their case, it will also help them get their life back on track. 

Are There Alternative Punishments To Jail?

In serious cases the result is sentences of incarceration, but in some cases, the court will consider alternative forms of punishment, including probation and task referral (which is part of the probation process). They may also issue house arrest, community service, an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, or a conditional discharge.

You need to continue with your employment if at all possible. If you are not allowed to return to your home or if there are pre-trial release conditions, you need to meet those first. If you do not meet those established court rulings, then that could be a contempt of court situation. The court can offer recommendations for counseling, anger management, drug and alcohol addiction classes, and if you attend and complete those programs, no jail time may be a condition of your release. There are different things you can do between now and your trial date.

You need to trust your attorney to prepare the legal things necessary. Trust your attorney to guide you through the entire process. Your attorney is trying to provide and prepare the best evidence for settlement negotiations or sentencing.

Delta Bail Bonds is Here For You

At Delta Bail Bonds, we’re more than a financial resource. We are here to help you and your family navigate your arrest and the bail system with ease. Don’t make a stressful time more difficult. Let us help! Give us a call and get out of jail fast!

25 Nov
Penalty or bail bond concept. Money and handcuffs.
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas No Comments

Debunking Myths About Bail Bonds

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Let’s face it, if you didn’t have to, you’d never learn about bail bonds.  Needing a bail bond is not something a person anticipates.  So no one really talks about what the bail bond process is like.  Instead, people hear things that scare them and then Hollywood paints a different bleak picture. Contrary to popular belief, bail agents do not dress and talk like a bodyguard or a club bouncer. Some may have the build of one, but not all of them.

Bail Agents Are Reputable Professionals

First, most bail bond agents don’t wear thick gold chains. Bail bond agents are business people who need to meet an educational requirement on a yearly basis and pass an exam in order to call themselves a bail agent.  After passing an exam they have to find a surety that will back them and give them bonds to use.

Bail bonds are not scams. There is nothing sketchy here. The bail bond industry is a legitimate business that is an alternative to cash bail and a 100% legal way to get a loved one out of jail. The premium normally costs 10% of the full bail amount and comes with a payment plan. We work directly with you, the court, and the jail to get the process over and done with, to get your loved one freed.

The Truth About Collateral

Another myth needing to be debunked is that you have to put your house up for collateral.  This is normally not true. Collateral is a form of guaranteeing the full bail amount.  If the bail is large, the bail agent might still ask for a house as collateral.  However, most bail bonds are written with just a signature as the collateral.  Meaning that signing the contract is enough security for the bail bond. 

Bail Bonds Agencies Care About The Community

Another myth is that the bail agent is just in it for the fast money and he could care less about the safety of the community or the location of their client. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.  The bail agents have families living in the communities they serve, they are concerned about the safety of the community.

Some truth about bail bonds:  the bail bond system protects the community.  When a defendant doesn’t show up to his or her court date, the bond is considered a forfeiture.  What this means is that a bail bond agent is now responsible for paying the county the entire amount of the bond if the defendant does not go to court.  Since the bail bond agent doesn’t want to pay the $50,000 they are going to work hard to find that person and return them to jail.

Bail Bonds With Delta Bail Bond

If you or a loved one has been arrested, Delta Bail Bond can help. We’re available 24/7 to post bail. Our experienced bail bondsmen are dedicated to getting you out of jail and back to your life as soon as possible after an arrest. Call or visit our website to get in touch with a talented bail bondsman today!

23 Nov
Dallas Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas No Comments

How to Bail Your Loved One Out of Jail

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Getting a phone call from a loved one being held in jail is never an ideal situation, but it is one that many parents, spouses, siblings, and others have faced-sometimes multiple times.The issue of bail is always challenging. It can be expensive. Second, if you want your loved one to “learn a lesson,” is it best to leave them in jail? Will the Court consider the person less “upstanding” at the arraignment if they were unable to bail out?

All of those considerations are relevant. However, for a defense attorney, the biggest consideration (often overlooked) is how remaining in custody most likely will impact the final decision of the case. When a defendant is held in custody, it often results in negative consequences. 

If you’re willing to bail a loved one out of jail, then a bail bondsman is your best resource. A bail bondsman can walk you through the process step-by-step and answer any questions you might have about posting bail .

Get All the Important Information

This is a crucial step that many people skip. Many times, a person is so upset at receiving that unexpected call from the local jail that he or she forgets to ask what the amount of the bail is. If your loved one is calling you before the initial hearing, then you will have to wait until after the hearing to find out if he or she will be allowed out on bail. In addition to the amount of the bail, you will need the specific charges your loved one is being held on and you’ll need to know exactly where your loved one is being held. If you’re a friend of the person who was arrested, you also need to know their birth date. Be sure to ask for this information when you speak with them.

Contact a Bail Bondsman

When you’ve obtained all of the necessary information, you can call a local bail bondsman. Give them the details of the situation, along with your loved one’s full name. The bail bondsman will let you know what your next steps should be. Most people choose the surety bond option.

Pay the Bail Bond

Obtaining a surety bond requires that you pay a percentage of the bail amount. The bail bondsman will let you know the amount of your payment and your payment options. There will be some paperwork to complete.

Release

When the final arrangements are made with a bail bondsman, they will arrange for your loved one’s release as soon as possible. After their release you will be able to pick up your loved one where they are being held. They will need a ride home or to a lawyer’s office after being released.

Delta Bail Bonds is Here For You

At Delta Bail Bonds, we’re more than a financial resource. We are here to help you and your family navigate your arrest and the bail system with ease. Don’t make a stressful time more difficult. Let us help! Give us a call and get out of jail fast!

20 Nov
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas No Comments

How to Choose A Bail Bonds Agency

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Are you desperately looking for a bail bond company to help get your loved one out of jail but not sure what you should be looking for?

Bail bonds services are one of those topics that most people really don’t know about until they need them. Bail bonds companies are a bit of a scary mystery to most people.

Choose a company that’s available 24/7

You could get arrested at any time, there’s no office hours for arrests. If the police catch you with an unauthorized substance in your car in the middle of the night and you have work the next day, you can’t wait for a bail bonds office to open up. Such a case needs to be dealt with on an emergency basis. A bail bond company that operates 24 hours a day will stand by your side even at the latest/earliest hours. The quicker you get your bail bond, the better.

Fees

If you use a bail bond service, you will be charged about 10 percent for the service to post bail. It means that you will have to make a small payment, but you do not have to pay a large sum of money up front. Your loved one can leave jail once the small payment is issued.

Choose a company that’s open about its policies

It’s normal to feel anxious and scared at the time of arrest. Most people end up acting impulsively simply because they want to get out as early as they can. In the middle of all this, don’t forget to read carefully through the terms and conditions of the bail bond 

agreement. Many companies have hidden charges and terms which surface later when it’s too late to back out, and you often end up paying more than you thought you would. Make sure your company is open and honest with you about all their terms and conditions and that you’ve taken the time to read through them before signing the deal.

Check reviews

Just like you would with anything else, it helps to check reviews online to see what people are saying about the company.

Unfortunately, the bail bonds industry has become a hotbed for scammers who are looking to make a quick dollar out of people in need. To make sure that the bail bonds agency is legit, check out their online reviews and license.

Choose a company that’s licensed

Speaking of scams, checking for licensing is a good way to make sure you’re dealing with a reliable agency.

Look for a local bail bonds agency whose office you can visit and meet with employees to make sure they know what they’re talking about.

Contact Delta Bail Bonds

If you find yourself or a loved one being arrested, make sure you contact our bail bond office as quickly as possible. Delta Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to bail you out when you need it. You do not have to wait until business hours to call us. Our experienced bail bondsmen are dedicated to getting you out of jail and back to your life as soon as possible after an arrest. If you’re unable to contact us yourself, call a friend or relative and ask them to do it for you.

12 Oct
One hand offers an alcoholic beverage to another who holds a hand up to refuse it
Mark Monroe Tips and Advice No Comments

How to Stay Out of Trouble When Out On Bail

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If you require bail, there are several things you should not do until you are free. The main thing is to stay in touch with your bondsman. Let them know about any changes in your status or anything that happens while they hold your agreement.

Make Smart Decisions

When you are out on bail, the last thing you want is another arrest. If you have a certain set of friends or relatives that are a bad influence in your life, let them know you will be keeping your distance for a period. While it may seem like a hard thing to do, in the end staying away from illegal activities can only help you stay out of trouble.

Live A Clean Lifestyle

Drugs and alcohol are a recipe for disaster. They influence your decisions and can cause you to make bad choices. If you run into trouble while on bail, you most likely will not have the option to go home this time, and unfortunately, a judge will probably look less favorably on your case. Resist the urge and tell your friends and family you are staying clean while out on bail.

Be Honest With Your Attorney

Your attorney needs to know the truth to build the best case possible for your situation. He  needs to know all of the important details in order to present the case properly before the court. Any dishonesty you tell your attorney can complicate the situation further, making an the situation even worse.

Keep Scheduled Court Appearances

Failing to show up for your scheduled court date is skipping bail. You can also skip bail if you leave town without permission. Once you skip bail, the local court will issue a warrant for your arrest. A bail enforcement agent, also known as a bounty hunter, will then come to find you and bring you in. If anyone put up collateral for your bail, you will most likely lose it because of your failure to appear.

If there is a legitimate reason why you cannot appear in court at your scheduled time, call the bail bondsman immediately. They may be able to negotiate a compromise on your behalf. If possible, it is better to notify them ahead of time rather than just skipping your date.

Get Permission Before Travelling

Travel may not be allowed during the time you are on bond. The best way to find out is by communicating with your bondsman and attorney. They should be able to let you know the details of your agreement, and whether it is acceptable to travel. It is better to be honest and let them know, rather than trying to sneak away. Sneaking around causes distrust and will only make the situation worse.

Delta Bail Bonds Can Help

A bail agreement is a serious commitment. Once you create a lack of trust, it is hard to earn it back. It is better to be in constant communication with your bond agent to avoid a messy situation. If you or a loved one are in need of bail, contact Delta Bail Bonds.

05 Oct
Mark Monroe Dallas Bail Bonds, Bail Bonds Dallas, Bail Hearings, Tips and Advice No Comments

5 Reasons you Shouldn’t Represent Yourself in Court

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Delta Bail Bonds is dedicated to helping defendants and their families cope with the aftermath of an arrest. That’s why we offer 24/7 bail bonds anywhere in the country, and our bail bondsmen are experienced enough to help you navigate the complicated legal system with ease. If you’re tight on cash and confident in your legal skills, you might feel like it’s a good idea to forgo hiring an attorney and represent yourself in court instead. Here are five reasons why it isn’t a good idea to represent yourself in court.

You’ll be up Against Professionals

No matter how confident you are in your own legal knowledge, you’re going to be at a huge disadvantage if you choose to represent yourself in court rather than hiring a professional. The prosecution is going to be equipped with talented attorneys who know how to take defendants down. Without a strong legal team by your side, you won’t stand a chance against these lawyers.

You Probably Lack the Legal Knowledge

Lawyers are professionally trained to do their jobs, which is a part of the reason why they can be so costly. You don’t have the years of law school training a professional lawyer does, which means you’re ill-qualified to represent yourself in court. Even if you think you can talk yourself out of a guilty verdict, you’re better off letting a professional attorney handle it for you.

It’s Impossible to Stay Objective

A part of an attorney’s job is to bring an objective point of view to the case. Not only does this help reduce tension and high emotions in the courtroom, but it also helps ensure that bias doesn’t impact your outcome. As the defendant, it’s impossible for you to represent yourself in a completely objective way. You might get angry or emotional when representing yourself, which will make you even less credible in the eyes of the judge and the court. Having an attorney at your side will help you curb your emotions and stay professional in the courtroom.

You’ll be Expected to Follow Court Protocol

Courtrooms have a very complex set of rules and courtesies you’ll be expected to follow, even if they aren’t explained to you. An attorney can educate you on these rules, but you’ll still have to follow them even if you’re representing yourself. If you don’t follow the right procedures, you could lose the respect of your judge and face consequences from the court.

You Have the Right to an Attorney

By law, you have the right to be represented by an attorney. Even if you can’t afford one, you’ll be assigned to a public defender. It’s better to use the resources available to you and give yourself the best shot at a good outcome by hiring an attorney to represent you in court.

Delta Bail Bonds is Here to Help

If you or your loved one is stuck in jail, Delta Bail Bonds can help. We’re available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country as soon as possible. Our talented bail bondsmen have years of experience helping people like you, and we’re here to offer our advice and help you navigate the legal system with ease. Call or visit our website to get started on the bail bond process with Delta Bail Bonds today!

09 Sep
Get out of jail
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

Can You Bail Yourself Out of Jail in Texas?

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Getting arrested can be a very stressful and embarrassing situation, especially if you have never been arrested before. Often, first time offenders feel foolish for having gotten themselves into a situation where they have been arrested. So, when it comes time to make a phone call, you might be a little confused about who you should call. Should you call a bail bondsman? Should you call a relative? A friend? You may feel reluctant to involve a family member or friend in your current situation, but can you bail yourself out of jail? Or does someone else need to do it for you? The answer may surprise you.

What is Bail?

First of all, let’s make sure you understand exactly what bail actually is. When you are arrested and charged with a crime, a trial won’t happen right away. It can take weeks or even months before you get your day in court. Bail is an amount of money that you pay to the court to be released from jail to await trial. By paying bail, you guarantee that you will appear for your trial. If you do, you can reclaim your bail money once your case is closed. Bail amounts vary based on the offense and the defendants record. If you don’t have the cash to pay bail in full, a bail bondsman can help. To get a bail bond, you pay 10% of the bail in cash and the bail bonds company guarantees the rest. You may also have to put up some kind of collateral, like a car, boat, or house, that is equal to the bail amount.

Who Can Post Bail?

To answer our original question, yes; you can bail yourself out. However, there are some limitations. In order to bail yourself out, you need to have the full amount of bail on your person at the time of the arrest. Depending on your offense, that may be quite a lot of money. If you don’t have the funds to bail yourself out, you can turn to a loved one for help. If they don’t have the funds to pay your bail in full, you or your loved one can get a bail bond to secure your release. It can be difficult to ask for help in a situation like this, but if you are fortunate enough to have friends and family who love you, they will most likely help you get back on your feet.

What Comes Next?

After you post bail, you will be released within a few hours, depending on the jail and how busy they are. Upon release, you will be notified of any conditions of your bail. Depending on your offense, you may be required to stay within state lines, refrain from alcohol and drugs, participate in a treatment program, for example. Between your release and your trial, focus your efforts on being a model citizen. Work with your attorney on your defense, go to work or school regularly, and show that you are on the road to living safely and legally. Your ability to show that you are bettering yourself may help you at trial.

We’re Here For You!

At Delta Bail Bonds, we’re more than a financial resource. We can help you and your family navigate your arrest and the bail system with ease. Don’t make a stressful time more difficult. Let us help! Give us a call and get out of jail fast!

03 Sep
Labor Day Cookout
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

Tips for a Safe and Legal Labor Day Weekend

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Labor Day weekend is almost here. After a long, hot summer spent mostly indoors, many people are ready to celebrate. Labor Day is a holiday that celebrates American workers and recognizes their hard work and achievements. We began celebrating Labor Day in the late 1800’s during the Industrial Revolution.  President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a national holiday in 1894 after many years of the Labor Movement. The Labor Movement was born out of the Industrial Revolution and the poor working conditions of the time. Most factory workers at the time worked 7 days a week for 12 hours each day, and were still only able to make a basic living. After many years and much hard work by organizers, lawmakers began to make changes and conditions improved. Today, we celebrate Labor Day with parades, parties, and barbecues. Here are some tips to keep yourself safe and out of trouble this holiday weekend.

Labor Day and COVID-19

This is the first Labor Day in our lifetimes that we will celebrate in the midst of a global pandemic. Fortunately, many of the steps you take to protect yourself from COVID-19 will also help protect you from legal pitfalls. The safest way to celebrate is at home, with members of your own household. If you do choose to gather with others, try to limit those events to less than 10 people, and maintain social distancing. Continue to wear masks when possible and wash hands often. Avoid large gatherings and crowded public places, such as malls and crowded indoor spaces. Gathering in parks and outdoor spaces is safer than being indoors, but it’s still important to social distance.

Travel Safety

If you’re traveling this weekend, be extra cautious on the roads. Police officers will be on high alert this weekend to make sure drivers are safe on the road, so it’s important for you to take extra precautions as well. Make sure your vehicle is fully compliant with legal requirements in your area. Make sure registration and insurance are up to date and you have proof with you. When you hit the road, make sure all passengers are wearing their seat belts. Finally, make sure anyone driving is fully licensed and has no outstanding warrants.

Alcohol Safety

On any holiday, one of the biggest risks to safety is drinking and driving. It is always important to avoid drunk driving at all costs, but it is even more serious on a holiday weekend. Law enforcement often sets up sobriety checkpoints on holiday weekends to get more drunk drivers off the roads. This, combined with increased traffic, makes an especially risky situation for drinking and driving. If you are drinking at home, it is still important to designate a driver. Even if no one plans to leave, someone may need to go to a store if you run out of something. You should also make sure someone is sober in case of emergency. If you are outside your home, you should absolutely not drive if you have been drinking. Designate a driver, take a ride share home, or stay the night with a friend or family member.

We’re Open Labor Day

We hope we don’t see you this weekend. However, if you or someone you know does find themselves on the wrong side of the law this weekend, we’re here to help. We can help you post bail and get home quickly. Don’t take additional risks with your freedom. Choose a trusted, experienced bail bondsman with a proven track record. Trust us at Delta Bail Bonds.

02 Sep
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Bail Hearings, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

Safe Alternatives to Drunk Driving

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Everyone has a part to play in keeping drunk drivers off the road. This includes taking safety measures like always buckling yourself in, calling the police if you suspect a drunk driver is on the road, and making sure you never get behind the wheel when you’re drunk. Delta Bail Bonds cares about the safety of you and your family, which is why we’ve put together a list of alternatives to driving drunk.

Have a Designated Driver

If you’re going out with a group of friends, decide on a designated driver before you start drinking. Regular drinking buddies can rotate this responsibility to ensure everyone has a chance to have fun, but make sure somebody has agreed to stay sober and drive everyone home.

Use a Ridesharing App, Taxi, or Public Transit

For solo drinkers or smaller groups, a designated driver might not be possible. In that case, rely on an app like Uber or Lyft, get a taxi, or take public transportation to your drinking spot and then back home. This might not be the most comfortable option, but it’s still better than driving home drunk.

Wait a Few Hours

If you really need to drive home, wait for the alcohol to run its course. You can use an online calculator to estimate your intoxication and how long it’ll take to sober up, but we recommend waiting a minimum of two or three hours. If alcohol changes your perception of time, set an alarm on your phone. Order some food at the bar or a nearby restaurant, go see a movie, or take a long walk around town to pass the time. Drink a lot of water and snack on calorie-dense foods like meat and cheese, which will help the alcohol metabolize and leave your system. Only drive home once you feel completely sober.

Spend the Night at a Friend’s Place

What if you’re too far from home or drinking at a friend’s house? Ask to spend the night at a nearby friend or family member’s house if you can’t make it home. This is the best option if you’re extremely intoxicated, since you’ll have at least one person there to help you if anything goes wrong. Alcohol can have a lot of unexpected consequences, some of which could get you sent to the hospital. It’s best to be surrounded by other people in case you lose consciousness or get sick.

Always Have a Plan

Most importantly, never go drinking without a plan. Use the tips we’ve outlined to plan your night of drinking, and always make a backup plan just in case something goes wrong. No matter how you decide to get home, never get behind the wheel unless you’re completely sober.

Delta Bail Bonds can Help

At Delta Bail Bonds, we care about you and your family. That’s why we’re available 24/7 to bail your loved ones out of any jail in the country. We handle all kinds of bail bonds, including DUI and DWI bonds. Our talented bail bondsmen will walk you through the difficult legal process and bail your loved one out, all at a percentage of the cost you’d have to pay to the court. Call or visit our website for more information on how we can help you!

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