04 Feb
Mark Monroe Tips and Advice, Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds No Comments

Traveling on Misdemeanor Probation vs Felony Probation

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What is Probation?

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime, your criminal defense attorney can ask the judge to “suspend” your sentence and grant probation. This allows you to stay home instead of serving time in jail or prison.

Probation gives you the opportunity to complete your sentence out of custody under what is known as “conditional release.” You are typically placed on probation for three to five years. If you successfully complete your probation, you may be able to have your guilty plea set aside.

Two Types of Probation

Felony probation is also known as “formal probation” or “supervised probation.” This type of probation is for those with a felony conviction. You must check in with your assigned probation officer frequently.

Misdemeanor probation is also known as “informal probation.” This type of probation does not require you to be supervised by a probation officer.

Can probation restrict traveling?

One of the most common requirements for probation is a traveling restriction. You are not allowed to leave your county while on probation. You will have to get the probation officer’s prior approval before leaving. 

Leaving the county, for whatever reason, without a travel permit can violate probation. An arrest warrant can be issued. Probation can then be revoked and the defendant sent to jail.

This travel restriction also applies to moving. People on probation cannot change their residence without notifying their probation officer. You will also need the officer’s prior approval if the move would take you to another county.

Violating Travel Restrictions Can Revoke Probation

If the District Attorney’s office learns that you violated your travel restrictions, they can file a motion to revoke your probation. The court reviews your probation for a violation and can issue a warrant for your arrest. After your arrest, you can be held in the county jail until the revocation hearing.

The prosecutor only has to prove with some evidence that a probation violation happened. This is a low burden of proof. You can have a lawyer at this hearing. If the judge decides that there was no violation, you are released and probation continues as originally given.

If the judge decides that there was a violation, they can either set tighter probation restrictions or send the defendant to jail.

Revocation of probation can be harsh, especially if the sentence came from a deferred adjudication. In these cases, a jail sentence is deferred until probation is completed. If the defendant’s probation is revoked, they usually get sent to jail. Their probation time doesn’t count towards the jail sentence.

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.

28 Jan
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

Can Bail Money be Used to Pay Child Support?

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Incarceration is a real risk for parents who fail to pay child support. You may be able to get away with not paying child support for a while, but it will catch up with you. When it does, the court can hold you in contempt. This means fines on top of what you already owe. The court can also choose to put you in jail for non-payment of child support. The Office of the Attorney General assists families who request child support services. They are also responsible for establishing, enforcing, and modifying child and medical support orders.

Bail and Back Child Support

Upon your arrest, the judge may set a bail amount. Typically, this money is held to ensure that you will appear for your hearing. Then the court returns your money if you show up for all of your court dates. However, if you’re arrested for back child support it’s possible you will forfeit the money. This is because the money will go to pay your debt and help care for your child. 

Texas family code 157.106 specifies that if the respondent is found to be in arrears of the court-appointed child support, then their bail will be paid to the custodial parent or the child’s legal guardian. This code can be enforced regardless of whether or not the defendant appears in court. 

Possible Repercussions of Back Child Support

Jail 

In Texas, you can spend up to six months in jail for back child support.

License Revocation

The court can suspend your licenses. These can include driving, professional, hunting, and fishing licenses. 

Wage garnishment

Up to 50% of your disposable income can be garnished to pay child support in Texas.

Intercepted federal money

The government can intercept federal money like lottery winnings and tax refunds, and apply it to your owed child support.

Property lien

This gives the owed guardian a stake in your property, worth the amount you owe. The only way to have the lien removed is to pay what you owe. 

Passport

If you owe more than $2,500 in child support you can be denied a passport. 

Low Credit Score

Late child support payments can be reported to credit bureaus and negatively impact your credit score. If you get too far behind, it can go to collections with can be detrimental to your credit score. 

Child support can build during incarceration

Your child support obligation doesn’t automatically go away when you’re incarcerated. You must request a “review and adjustment” of the order. Otherwise, the amount you owe will continue to build while you’re locked up. 

Back child support never goes away

Owed child support doesn’t go away after your child turns 18. You are still expected to pay their guardian for the expenses they were responsible for covering when you fell behind. 

Child support evaders

If you fall under certain criteria, The Office of the Attorney General publicly identifies you for failure to pay child support. You can be added to the list if you have more than $5,000 in delinquent child support, an arrest warrant has been issued, the non-custodial parent is avoiding apprehension, there haven’t been any regularly made payment in six months, a photograph is available, and the custodial parent signs a waiver allowing the information to be made public. 

Delta Bail Bonds

If you or your loved one is facing jail time after an arrest, Delta Bail Bonds can help. Our bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country, and we’ll be able to help you through every step of the legal process. Call or visit our website to get in touch with a talented bail bondsman today!

25 Jan
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Bail Hearings, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

Frequently Asked Questions About Bailing Someone Out

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What is Bail?

Bail is a set amount of money that acts as insurance between the court and the defendant. The defendant can pay their bail in cash, but many use a bail bond service.

Bail can be expensive, and most people are financially unable to post bail by themselves. They will need to seek help from a bail agent, who will post the bail bond for them.

How do Bail Bonds Work?

 A judge sets a bail amount. If the defendant cannot pay the bail amount on their own, they can get a bail bond. The bondsman usually takes 10% of the bail amount to post bail for the defendant.

The bail bondsman secures the rest of the bail amount in the form of collateral. If the defendant does not have enough collateral, the bail bond agency might have you ask relatives and friends to assist in covering the bail.

What Can You Use As Collateral?

Every bonding office has its own standards, but for the most part, they accept various forms of bail collateral. Some example of collateral include:

  • Real estate
  • Cars
  • Credit cards
  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Jewelry
  • Personal credit
  • Bank accounts

What Happens After Your Release?

The bond company will return your collateral if the defendant appears for court. The bail bondsman keeps the 10% cash fee as profit.

If you fail to appear in court then you forfeit your collateral. The court will require the bond company to pay the remaining 90%. The bail bond agency will use the defendant’s collateral (house, jewelry, stocks, etc.) to pay the court the remaining bail amount.

Can You Leave The State Or The Country While On Bond?

If the court has given you direct instructions not to leave the state or country you must then get permission from the bail agent and the court before leaving. If you do leave you are subject to arrest.

What Happens If You Get Arrested While Out On Bond?

If you are arrested while out on bail the bond can be surrendered and your liability will be terminated. All arrests are treated separately, which means each arrest requires a new bond if the defendant wants to get out of jail before their new case is closed. The bond that was previously issued cannot be used to release the defendant from jail, and the initial bond remains active until the first case is complete. 

Delta Bail Bonds

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. 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!

22 Jan
Mark Monroe Tips and Advice No Comments

Tips for Choosing an Attorney

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After you make bail, you need to find a reputable criminal defense attorney. It doesn’t matter if you’re guilty or innocent, hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference. How do you choose the right criminal defense attorney? Let’s look at a few tips to help make sure you get the best legal team on your side.

Testimonials

Ask around for references to find a lawyer that they’d recommend. Also, research online reviews that will give you a good picture of how they work with their clients. Even the best lawyer will have a few negative reviews, you’ll want to make sure the general opinion about the lawyer you’re considering is positive. You can discover more about a lawyer’s reputation by researching reviews, testimonials, and publications.

Concentration in Criminal Law

There are different types of law, including civil law, corporate law, bankruptcy law, and criminal law. You need to find someone who specializes in criminal law. Many criminal defense attorneys take on routine defense cases, many will often specialize in a specific area of criminal defense. You want a lawyer that is familiar with the laws and practices relevant to your case. If possible, find a lawyer with experience in your particular situation. For example, some lawyers specialize in DUI charges while others specialize in violent crime. The more experience your attorney has in cases like your own, the better they will be at defending you. Be weary if the lawyer seems over-confident or promises certain outcomes. An experienced lawyer will not promise you that you’ll win your case or immediately suggest a course of action.

Get to Know the Team

Find out about the entire team who would represent you. Large firms may assign your case to someone low on the totem pole while the top lawyers are busy with other clients. It’s understandable that assistants and interns may work on researching your case, but you should know who will be representing you on your court date.

Cost

The cost of private lawyers varies. It is in your best interest to have an understanding of what will affect the cost. Most attorneys charge based on various factors. These factors include their level of experience, the nature of the charges, the complexity of the case, the jurisdiction in which the charges were filed, the length of the case, and whether or not expert witnesses are required. A less experienced attorney may offer a lower rate than a more experienced lawyer, however, you should expect to pay a reasonable fee. 

Public Defender or Private Attorney

The sixth amendment guarantees your right to an attorney. If you can’t afford one the court will appoint a lawyer. Though public defenders will often have more experience with a variety of cases, they are not like a private attorney that specializes in a specific area of criminal defense. Public defenders can also be overloaded with cases, so it’s good to get a private attorney if possible.

Delta Bail Bonds 

If you are 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 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!

19 Jan
scared hooded offender running from multicultural police officers aiming by gun on blurred background outdoors.
Mark Monroe Tips and Advice No Comments

Skipping Bail and The Consequences

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Purpose of Bail

Comprehending the purpose of bail will help you to understand why skipping court is such a serious offense. When you’re charged with a crime and placed in jail, your bail is the amount of money that you or a loved one can pay to get you out of jail until your court date. Your family member will pay the bail bond agent a certain percentage of the bail cost. The bail bond agent pays the full amount under the agreement that you will show up to all scheduled court dates.

Consequences of Skipping Bail

Skipping bail, or jumping bail means that you fail to appear at one of your scheduled court dates. There are consequences for skipping bail.

  • A warrant can be issued for your arrest. 
  • Your driver’s license can be suspended. 
  • You can be ineligible to be bailed out of jail in the future.
  • You will be charged with additional offenses, which can include failure to appear in court or contempt of court.
  • The amount of your bond can be increased, whether or not you’ve already posted bail.

Added Charges

Not only does skipping bail not eliminate any prior charges, but it will also most likely add at least one additional charge to your case because you did not appear. Certain judges might even issue a contempt of court ruling as well. You will be adding to your legal trouble directly if you chose to skip bail, not just prolong the case. Whatever you think about the nature of the criminal justice system, there really are no situations in which avoiding court will be the best option. If you’re found guilty of these charges, you can face additional fines and jail time.

No Future Bail

Once you are found and returned to jail, you can almost always forget about being allowed bail this time. Courts hardly ever allow bail to someone who faces a failure to appear charge as part of their case. If you happen to be arrested again later in your life on unrelated charges, you probably will not get bail assigned to you even if the charges are relatively minor – your previous failure to appear charge will remain on your record and the court will see it. They will almost certainly denying you bail as a result.

Reinstatement of Bail

If a person skips bail and turns themself in or is arrested for skipping bail, the court may reinstate bail. You must provide a good reason for skipping bail in order to receive reinstatement. You will want an attorney to help resolve this issue satisfactorily. If bail is reinstated, you will be given a new court date and the court agrees to return bail money if the defendant appears in court.

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.

19 Jan
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

What to Do After You Get Out On Bail

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A bail bond is an insurance policy that assures the court appearances of an accused person. It does not determine guilt or innocence. Jail bonds are also known as surety bonds or bail bonds. Jail bonds are designed to get a loved one out of jail while they are awaiting trial. Getting out of jail does not mean the matter you were allegedly involved in has been resolved. You still have to go through a trial to defend your innocence.

What is bail?

Bail is money, property, or a bond that you pay to the court in exchange for your release from jail while awaiting trial. The purpose of bail is to ensure that you, once released, show up for future court dates. If you don’t appear back in court at the required time, the court can keep the money or property (called bail forfeiture) and issue a warrant for your arrest.

Conditions of bail

Some common conditions of bail are:

  • Not using any illegal substances or substances banned by court
  • Reporting to a probation officer for regular checkups
  • Submitting to a drug or alcohol test
  • (Until the trial) remaining in the state of Texas and sometimes within the jurisdiction 
  • Remaining a certain distance away from the crime victim

Conditions of bail are usually based on the nature of the crime. For example, someone caught in possession of marijuana or a controlled substance could be ordered to submit to a drug test. Failure to follow the conditions of bail can lead to other penalties, bail revocation, and forfeiture of bail.

It’s important to note that there is very little forgiveness given for a defendant found in violation of bail conditions. Normally, when a suspect violates even one condition of their bail, the judge will have the defendant’s bail bond revoked and they will immediately be taken back to jail until the date of the trial. Any bail already paid will most likely be lost. That is why it is so important to pay close attention to the conditions set by the judge or magistrate and take steps to carefully follow them.

Hire a criminal defense lawyer

If you have been arrested and are out on bond, hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. It’s important to seek legal help when facing any criminal charges or proceedings. Trust your attorney! They will prepare the legal things needed for defending you. Trust your attorney to guide you through the different avenues so that your attorney can provide the best mitigating evidence at settlement negotiations or sentencing if you decide to take a plea deal.

The trial also gives you and your criminal defense lawyer a chance to face your accuser and cross-examine them. This can reveal holes in the State’s case against you and attempt to cast doubt on its evidence.

Delta Bail Bonds is here to help

When you’re out on bail, you’re allowed to remain at home until the trial process is over. Being released also enables you to prepare for your case, usually by working with a criminal defense attorney who knows how to challenge the allegations against you. 

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.

13 Jan
Mark Monroe Dallas Bail Bonds, Bail Hearings No Comments

Potential Conditions to be Released on Bond

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You were just released from jail on bond. You finally feel relief after the intense stress of the initial arrest and the time you spent in jail. Now that you’re out you are analyzing your life and what is next for you. There were conditions placed on your bail and it’s a little confusing. What do these stipulations mean?

There is almost always some type of condition set when you’re granted a bail bond. In order to maintain your freedom during this period, defendants are often required to meet certain conditions set by the court. Failure to meet these conditions could result in being arrested again and incarceration until trial. It can also mean the forfeiture of any bail money that has been paid to secure your release. These conditions normally include that you have no more violations of the law and that you comply with their court-mandated supervisor.

There may be other conditions attached as well including:

Court-Mandated Classes

A judge will often require that you attend classes or workshops as part of your bond conditions. These can include drug testing, counseling, anger management courses, or other behavioral classes.

Travel Restrictions

To ensure that defendants attend their hearing and to keep track of defendants who are released on bond, the court often requires defendants to remain within their local jurisdiction. These travel restrictions are common and strictly enforced. The service officers may use their discretion to grant occasional exceptions, such as permitting you to visit ill relatives or keep medical appointments..

Mandatory Check-ins

Judges often order mandatory check-ins to keep track of people released on bond. Similar to check-ins required for those on probation or parole. These appointments help the court know that the defendant is complying with all terms of release while free on bond.

No-Contact Orders

There are times when a judge will restrict your contact with people the court believes you may harm. “No-contact” or “stay away” orders are often used to prevent defendants in domestic abuse cases from harming, threatening, or attempting to influence family members.

Employment Requirements

The court may ask you to maintain your current job while free on bond, or to actively seek employment upon your release. Such stipulations help to assure the courts that you are pursuing legal means to provide for yourself and your family.

Staying Clean & Sober

The court may require you to refrain from drug or alcohol use while free on bond. This stipulation typically applies to defendants arrested and charged with drug- or alcohol-related crimes. This could also require drug testing while out.

Weapons Restrictions

A judge may require that you surrender all firearms and refrain from purchasing new firearms as a stipulation of bail. This restriction is common and can apply to people whose charges are not gun-related.

Make and Understand Bail With Delta Bail Bonds

At Delta Bail Bonds, we are here to help you and your loved one navigate the legal system with ease. When we bail you out, we’ll keep you alerted to upcoming court dates so you won’t have to forfeit your bond. Call Delta Bail Bonds today to get in touch with one of our bondsmen, and you’ll see why we’re the most trusted name in Dallas bail bond services.

11 Jan
Mark Monroe COVID-19, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

Health Concerns in Local Jails

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Health issues in jails have been a cause for concern for many years. Inmates who suffer from underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of contracting illnesses. This is due to the cramped living conditions and use of communal resources. The pandemic has illuminated this problem as Covid-19 cases surge. Those living in close quarters spread it to other inmates and those working within the jail. Jails oftentimes aren’t able to enforce strict social distancing which increases the odds of getting Covid-19. The stress of getting arrested can also contribute to the likelihood of contracting the illness. This is because stress lowers your immune system’s defenses.

Covid-19

Cases of COVID-19 are rising quickly in Texas and across the country, and jails are no different. Reports paint a scary picture for people living and working inside Texas jails and prisons. The pandemic has emphasized how conditions in Texas jails aren’t sufficient to maintain public health. The people who reside within tend to be more at risk of contracting illnesses. Oftentimes, those who died from COVID-19 while locked up weren’t serving a life sentence and even more were still awaiting conviction. According to a study, 73% of inmates weren’t sentenced to life, and 80% of people who died from the virus while incarcerated weren’t convicted.

Family Contact

Your family can help you gather the necessary documentation to help keep you healthy after your arrest. If needed, they can gather your medical records and medication. to keep you healthy while you wait to be released from jail.

Communicate Health Concerns

If you have any underlying health problems or if you’re immunocompromised inform your booking officer. They need to know about your medical history so doctors can be alerted if there are any concerns that they need to watch for, if you’re on medication, or if you need medical help they can document it. If you were exposed to the Coronavirus, you should notify the booking officer so they can take the appropriate safety measures.

Get Bail Immediately

Getting released from jail as quickly as possible is the best way to avoid suffering from health setbacks. The quicker you can get bail and get out of jail, the sooner you can take charge of your health. 

Bondsmen are doing everything they can to work from home and reduce their exposure to other people so we can keep helping anyone who needs our services. We get to keep bailing you and your loved ones out of jail. No matter what happens, we’re committed to helping you get back to your life.

Be Safe while we Bail you Out

At Delta Bail Bonds, we care about keeping you and your loved ones safe. If anyone you know gets in trouble with the law, don’t hesitate to call us. Our experienced bail bondsmen will do everything they can to get you out of jail and back to your life. If you can’t afford to pay the entire bail, we’ll discuss a payment plan based on your income. We can bail you out of any jail in the country, so call us to get in contact with one of our bondsmen today!

06 Jan
Mark Monroe Bail Bond News, Tips and Advice No Comments

How To Create a Plan In Case You Are Arrested

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Even just the thought of being arrested brings fear and anxiety to most people. This is a situation that most do not want to even experience. Try to stay calm and not let your anxiety turn to anger, this will definitely make the situation worse. Getting arrested does not have to be a completely horrible situation, even though there will be consequences for breaking the law. The process of being arrested can go smoothly as long as you are cooperative and polite to the arresting officers.

When A Crime is Committed

When a crime has been reported or witnessed a suspect will be arrested by the officer who responds to the crime. This will include the suspect being taken to the police station in the back of a police car. Then the booking process will begin. It’s important to remember to exercise your right to remain silent during this phase of the arrest process. Remember to remain calm, it could play as a positive factor down the line. Also, cooperating while getting arrested will simply make the entire process more simple and less time-consuming.

Once at the Station

When the suspect is brought to the police station the booking process begins. The suspect is called the defendant. The first thing that happens is the defendant’s name is recorded. They are then officially charged with the crime they are being accused of. Their mugshot is then taken. The suspect will be placed into a cell, and depending on how efficient their bondsman is, they could remain there for quite some time.

You need to make sure and let your family know where you are. This will enable them to help you contact a bail bond company. The bail bond company can then begin the process to get you out as quickly as possible. 

If you’re under arrest, cooperation, patience, and a calm attitude are the best route to take while undergoing this stressful experience.

Getting Bonded Out

If you are arrested, the first step to being released from jail is contacting a bail bondsman. Your bail is usually set very high in an attempt to make it difficult for the average person to afford their release. This is where a bondsman comes into the picture. When purchasing a bail bond, the buyer will be expected to cover 10% of the bond’s total, while the bondsman will cover the rest up-front. Make sure your family knows how to access your finances to pay your bail bond. 

Delta Bail Bonds

When you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, the arrest process can feel like a nightmare. You can end up in police custody without any idea of what to do next. Getting out of jail and back on track with your life is important. It is important to work with a bondsman that understands the necessity of freedom and can move fast to secure your release. 

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!

04 Jan
Mark Monroe Tips and Advice, Dallas Bail Bonds No Comments

How to Resolve Warrants with A Bail Bonds Agency

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You may have a great deal of stress and anxiety knowing that you could be arrested at any time because you have an active warrant on you. There are many possibilities why you might have an active warrant out for your arrest. You may have missed a court date, failed to pay a fine, or have been associated with a crime, the best course of action to resolve your active arrest warrant is to turn yourself in. There are several ways to handle this process. You could turn yourself in and pay the full amount of bail, which may be a large sum of money that could be better spent on family expenses or the fees for a good defense attorney. You could also post a bond with Delta Bail Bonds. This will allow you to pay just a portion of your bail amount and return home until your hearing. 

How can you work around a warrant for your arrest without actually being arrested? This may surprise you, but depending on the original crime, it can be a simple process.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a judge’s approval to arrest someone immediately upon contact because of breaking the law in some form. In other words, the arrest is immediate.

What to Do When You Have a Warrant 

First thing is to gather all your information. You need to find out:

  • How much is the warrant?
  • Why do you have a warrant (what are you accused of)?
  • When was it issued?
  • Is it a state or federal issued warrant?

Have your warrant in hand and call your district or county clerk’s office. When you have all of the above information, you can move forward by taking care of your warrant.

How to Take Action

Taking action can spare you from future stress and keep you from getting into a bigger financial bind. Here’s a closer look at what you should do if you have an active warrant.

Post a bond – With a bail bond, you pay a portion of your total bail and agree to attend your court date so that you do not have to spend time in jail before your trial.

Talk to an attorney – The money that you save by not paying all of your bail could be used to hire a defense attorney who can help you with your case.

Delta Bail Bonds

When it comes to legal advice there’s something that many people are not aware of: reputable bail bond companies offer free consultations, legal insight, and tips and advice. Call us before you come and we will have all the necessary forms prepared for you to fill out, saving you time and expediting the process. Delta Bail Bonds is here for you with experience in the Dallas court system. We can help! Just give us a call and we will save you or a loved one from the embarrassment of an arrest and the hassle of missing work. We’ve helped clients resolve their warrants for over 30 years, and we will help you, too.

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