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!

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

How to Help Your Child After an Arrest

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Being arrested can be a scary and traumatic experience for any child, and it’s important for parents to be as patient and understanding as possible. Supporting your child through the scary reality of the legal process can improve the trust your child has in you, which can strengthen your relationship. Here’s how you can help your child who’s been arrested. 

Look for the Right Lawyer

Instead of a typical defense attorney, you’ll need to find one who specializes in juvenile defense. Juvenile defense attorneys are trained to navigate the unique legal process designed for children, which is usually much more nuanced and complicated than the system designed for adults. A trustworthy juvenile defense attorney is your child’s best bet at leaving the trial with a clean record, while an attorney with little experience can do the opposite. The right attorney will also be able to explain everything to your child in terms they can understand.

Remind Your Child to Remain Silent

Even if you know your child is already aware of their right to remain silent, it’s still a good idea to remind them. Your child is under no obligation to give the police any information without an attorney there to help. An attorney’s job is to advise the defendant throughout the legal process, which includes any police interactions. Remind your child that answering police questions without a lawyer can have serious consequences on your trial and the outcome of your case. Tell your child to be respectful and cooperative to the police at all times, but to not answer any questions until an attorney can help. 

Listen to Your Child’s Probation Officer

After your child is detained, a probation officer will be assigned to decide what happens next. The first court hearing should happen within two days of being detained, and afterwards the probation officer will write a report recommending a course of action. Depending on your child’s record, health, behavior, and other factors, the probation officer will either recommend release, house arrest, or further detainment of your child. If your child is released, they’ll have to meet the requirements of the probation officer. This includes good school attendance, good grades, and no criminal activity. 

Give the Court any Important Information

The court won’t be able to give your child’s case a fair look unless you do everything you can to paint an accurate picture of your child. Give the court proof of any mental illnesses or learning disabilities your child has, since this will change the way your child’s case is handled. You could also try collecting character letters from family members and teachers about who your child really is. These letters are always reviewed by the court, and they could entirely change the outcome of your child’s trial.

Bail Family Members out Fast with Delta Bail Bonds

If your family member has been arrested, Delta Bail Bonds can help. We’re available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country, and we work hard to take care of your case as soon as possible. Our experienced bail bondsmen can help you navigate the complicated legal process with ease, so call or visit our website today!

31 Aug
Mark Monroe Bail Bond News, Bail Bonds Dallas, Bail Hearings, COVID-19 No Comments

Violent Offender Released Due to COVID-19 Murders Victim

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The United States bail system is vital to offer bail opportunities to low income defendants while keeping dangerous suspects behind bars. Violent offenders are typically given a very high bail price or are denied the option of bail. In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 through jails, many offenders have been able to get out on reduced bail to lower their risk of being exposed to the virus. This was a failure of the bail system that allowed a violent offender out of jail and resulted in the murder of his victim.

Violent Inmate Released on Bail

Ibrahim E. Bouiachi was in a jail in Maryland after being charged with rape in October of 2019. He was also facing strangulation and abduction charges after being reported to the police by his victim, Karla Dominguez. Originally, he hadn’t had the opportunity to get out on bail. But his lawyers argued that forcing him to stay in jail would expose him and his legal team to COVID-19. After the date of the trial was pushed back due to the pandemic, Bouiachi was released on a $25,000 bail despite protests from the prosecution.

Suspect Murders Victim Outside her Home

Karla Dominguez accused Bouiachi of rape, strangulation, and abduction in October last year, leading to his arrest. Her violent ex-boyfriend was being held in a Maryland jail without possibility of bail, until he was released on May 11, 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. On July 29, he fatally shot Karla outside of her Virginia home in the early morning hours. She was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds outside her apartment at about 6:20 AM. Bouiachi was found and chased by law enforcement until he crashed his vehicle, which gravely injured him. He was last cited to be in critical condition in a Virginia hospital. Karla Dominguez was native to Venezuela, where her family still lives. One of Karla’s close friends started a GoFundMe on August 3 to help her family with funeral costs after the tragedy.

Why was he Released?

Bouiachi wasn’t given the option of bail following his arrest. In fact, he was only granted bail after his lawyers argued that jail was a health risk to them and their client amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The prosecution raised serious concerns with the request, but he was still released on a $25,000 bail. Releasing inmates from jails is not the best option for public safety, especially if they weren’t given bail options before. High bail prices and denied bails are designed to keep violent offenders like Bouiachi in jail, and making bail more accessible to these offenders is bound to end poorly. In the case of Karla Dominguez, her life was taken because her attacker’s health was a greater priority to the court than her safety.

How Delta Bail Bonds Keeps You Safe

Bail bonds are essential to the safety of the public. They function to give low income inmates access to bail while restricting violent offenders from being released. Delta Bail Bonds cares about you and your family, which is why we’re available 24/7 to help you bail your loved ones out of any jail in the country. To speak with an experienced bail bondsman, call or visit our website today!

11 Jun
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds No Comments

What Types of Bail Bonds Are Available in Texas?

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If you’ve been arrested for the first time, you might be surprised to learn there are multiple types of bail. Texas law includes four types of bail bonds, and the one you’re faced with depends on the court, the severity of your offense, and how you decide to pay. This can be a confusing concept for anyone dealing with the legal process for the first time, so we’ve made a list of the different kinds of bail bonds available to you.

Personal Recognizance

If you’re a first-time offender of a non-violent crime, the court might release you simply on your promise to show up for all court hearings. This might be combined with other pre-trial diversion programs to help you get back on track and reduce the chances that you’ll offend again. This kind of bail is only granted after the court confirms this is your first offense, and that you have connections in the area, such as a family or job.

Cash Bond

Cash bonds are the least expensive bail bond available, usually costing $1,000 or less. These bonds are reserved for misdemeanors with no aggravating causes, and they can usually be paid in full by the defendant or with the help of a co-signer. It’s still recommended that you hire a bail bond agency to pay low bonds for added security. The defendant or co-signer can usually get most or all of their money back once the defendant shows up to their hearings.

Security Bond

When the defendant can’t afford to pay their bail, even with the help of a co-signer, their best option is to hire a bail bond agency. The biggest advantage of paying with the help of a bail bondsman is the defendant usually only has to pay ten percent of the bail to the agency, and a co-signer can help with the cost. This method comes with the risk of the defendant not appearing in court, which will result in a bail forfeiture and a warrant for their arrest. If the bail forfeiture goes through, the defendant and co-signer will be responsible for paying the entire bail amount to their agent.

Property Bond

Property bonds aren’t as common as cash and security bonds, but they give defendants with high bail amounts the option to still receive bail. The defendant or a co-signer must give the title to a property to the court or a bail bondsman, which they will get back once the defendant appears in court. The property must be located within the state, and it must be of equal or greater value than the bail amount. Popular properties include houses, vehicles, bank accounts, or valuable items like electronics and jewelry.

Get Out of Jail Fast With 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!

08 Jun
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

What Not To Do During Your Court Hearing

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In the days leading up to your court hearing, you’re probably wondering what you can and can’t do in the courtroom. If you have no previous experience in court, the thought of attending your hearing can be intimidating. At Delta Bail Bonds, we do everything we can to educate our clients about the legal process and courtroom etiquette, so we’ve put together a guide to what you shouldn’t do in court. 

Bring Your Children

It’s important for children to understand what’s going on with their parents, but bringing them to court isn’t productive. Most courtrooms don’t allow children once the session has started, and the courtroom staff isn’t responsible for taking care of your kids. Children bring unnecessary noise and disorder to the court, and most judges won’t be happy if you bring them to your hearing. It’s best to hire a babysitter or get help from friends or family, but we strongly advise against bringing anyone under 18 to the courtroom with you. 

Wear Casual Clothes

Judges and juries expect the defendant to show respect to the courtroom, which includes the way you dress. Don’t wear your casual clothes to court. This will reflect poorly on you, and it doesn’t make a good impression on anyone in the room. If you’re awaiting your trial in jail, ask a friend or family member to drop a formal outfit off at the jail or with your defense attorney, or else you’ll have to appear in the same clothes you were arrested in. 

Prop Your Feet on the Table or Take a Nap

Judges are very protective of their courtrooms, so it’s important to show respect to the courtroom as well as the judge. This means no propping your feet up, napping in the courtroom, or leaning your chair back. You’ll probably be in the courtroom for a long time, but that doesn’t give you an excuse to treat it like your living room. Stay seated and quiet in your chair, only standing when you’re expected to. 

Speak Directly to the Judge Without Permission

When you’re in court, there’s a list of rules about how you can interact with the judge. You need to stand when the judge enters the room, introduce yourself only if prompted, and refrain from speaking to the judge directly or approaching the bench unless you get permission. If you have any questions for or about the judge, consult your defense attorney first. Some judges will also have a specific set of rules for their courtroom, which will be announced at the beginning of the session. Listen closely to these rules and commit them to memory. 

Get Bailed Out Fast With Delta Bail Bonds

If you’re facing jail time while awaiting your day in court, call Delta Bail Bonds immediately. Our bail bondsmen can post bail for you or your loved one anywhere in the country, 24/7. Don’t miss out on work, school, bills, or important family time by staying in jail. Call us or visit our website to get in touch with an experienced bail bondsman today!

07 Jun
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds No Comments

What Happens if You Violate Probation in Texas?

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Violating your probation comes with the risk of serious consequences that most likely won’t be worth the reward. It can also impact your reputation with legal entities and lead to worse sentencing if you’re ever convicted again. Even as a first-time probation violator, you risk being hit with jail time for your actions. If you’ve violated your probation and don’t know what to do, here’s everything you need to know about what happens next.

You Might Get Jail Time

Even if this is your first violation, judges have the right to revoke your probation and sentence you to jail time for your original sentence. Whether or not your probation is revoked depends on the severity of the conviction and your violation, as well as the discretion of the judge. With so many factors, it can be nearly impossible to tell what consequences you’ll face. 

Felony and Misdemeanor Probation Violations

If you violated probation on a felony charge, you’re most likely to face jail time. Felony probation isn’t taken lightly by judges, and violating it might show the judge that your behavior hasn’t changed. As a result, your probation will probably be revoked and you’ll be forced to pay for your actions in jail.

Misdemeanor probation is a little different, but it can come with the same punishment for violation. Depending on the seriousness of your misdemeanor charge, you might face anything from extended probation to revocation and jail time. 

Failing to report to your probation officer is usually taken seriously by judges, and it’ll most likely result in your probation being revoked even if your conviction is relatively minor.

Minor Probation Violations

If your violation is minor, like failing to complete community service hours or falling behind on court fees, you most likely won’t be sentenced to jail. With minor violations of less serious probation, you’re probably going to receive an extended probation and a warning about the consequences of violating probation again. Once again, this depends on the judge’s discretion, so it’s hard to know what exactly you’ll be punished with.

How to Challenge Revocation of Probation

If you feel like you’re being wrongfully accused of violating your probation, speak with your defense attorney about challenging the revocation. When you challenge your judge’s decision to revoke your probation, a hearing will take place where the court will be forced to show evidence of your violation. If they can’t produce the proper evidence, your probation cannot be revoked and the judge’s decision will be reversed.

Get Out of Jail Fast With Delta Bail Bonds

If your loved one has been arrested, Delta Bail Bonds can help. Our experienced bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country, day or night. You even have the power to choose the terms of their release if you believe they need to change their behavior. Help your loved one get home and back to their life when you get help from Delta Bail Bonds. For more information, or to get in touch with a bail bondsman, call or visit our website today!

05 Jun
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, COVID-19, Dallas Bail Bonds No Comments

How Can I Post Bail and Maintain Social Distance?

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The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t stop you or your loved ones from being arrested, and it’s extremely important to know how you can navigate the legal system while maintaining as much social distance as possible. Here are a few ways you can post bail for your loved ones while still doing your part to keep a social distance and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Phone Calls

If you want to skip the hassle of in-person meetings or email exchanges, most bail bond agencies will take you through the entire bail process over the phone. You’ll be able to answer questions which will help identify where your loved one is being held, and you can even make card payments over the phone and receive the invoice over email or have it mailed directly to you. Phone calls allow you to get the entire process done at one time so you can pick your loved one up from jail as soon as possible.

E-Mail

Email is an extremely quick way to post bail for a loved one. All you have to do is get in contact with the bail bond agency, and then you’ll be sent an email with all the forms you need to fill out. If you can’t afford the entire bail premium and need access to a payment plan, ask your agency about any additional paperwork you’ll need to submit to be eligible for any payment plans offered. Once you get the forms, all you have to do is print them out, sign them, and either scan or take pictures of them to send back.

Fax

We understand why you wouldn’t want to make a card payment over the phone or in an email, which is why we also give you the option to fax your documents directly to us. If you own or are able to access a fax machine, start by asking for the blank documents to be sent to your email. Once you receive the required paperwork in an email, print and fill it out before faxing everything directly back to us. Once you’ve faxed everything in, it might still take several hours for your loved one to get out of jail. We will send you periodic updates after you’ve posted bail so you know exactly what’s going on with your loved one. 

Cash Payment

If you can’t afford to pay with debit or credit, or if you don’t want your payment to be recorded in your spending history, you can also make the bail payment in cash. Just give us the information we need over the phone or in an email and then drive to our agency to drop the money off without having to leave your car.

Bail Your Loved Ones Out With Delta Bail Bonds

If your loved one is facing jail time after an arrest, Delta Bail Bonds can help. Our experienced bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to post bail for your loved one in any part of the country, and we’re always dedicated to giving you the fast, respectful service you deserve. Call or visit our website to get in touch with an experienced bail bondsman today!

03 Jun
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds No Comments

Does Greg Abbott Have the Authority to Impose Bail Restrictions?

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It can be heartbreaking to hear that a loved one has been arrested, and not being able to help them get out on bail can be even worse. Greg Abbott’s recent executive order makes it impossible for some inmates to get out on bail, and many politicians are questioning the constitutionality of this restriction. 

At Delta Bail Bonds, we do everything we can to get defendants out on bail and back to their lives. We can find your loved ones and post bail for them anywhere in the country, and our bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to help you when you need it. 

Greg Abbott’s Bail Restriction 

Greg Abbott recently passed an executive order which prohibits bail for anyone who’s ever been arrested for a violent offense unless they can pay the bail amount in full. Many have taken issue with this order for a few reasons. 

First, it discriminates against low-income inmates by forcing them to stay in jail because they can’t afford their bail right away. It also targets individuals with violent records, even if their current charge isn’t a violent crime. One of the biggest issues with this order is the timing: this executive order was passed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, after it had already been reported that the virus spreads faster in jails. 

How This Restriction Puts Inmates at Risk

Greg Abbott’s executive order means more defendants will be forced to stay in overpopulated, unsanitary jails. Inmates in jails can’t socially distance because they don’t have enough space to stand 6 feet apart, and they don’t have access to necessities like face masks and hand sanitizer. Even the cleanest jails don’t meet the CDC’s recommendations, and COVID-19 is spreading faster among jails as a result. Despite the efforts from multiple counties to thin their jail populations and provide more testing for the virus, Greg Abbott’s new bail restriction is bound to have detrimental effects on the health of inmates in every Texas jail.

Is This Restriction Constitutional?

Unsurprisingly, Greg Abbott is already facing lawsuits for his new bail restriction. Criminal defense organizations, Harris County misdemeanor judges, and the NAACP of Texas sued Governor Abbott last week, stating that his executive order violates the separation of powers by overruling the discretion of judges, and that it creates an unconstitutional wealth-based system. We have yet to see how this lawsuit will play out, but it finally seems Governor Abbott is being held accountable for his unconstitutional actions. 

Get Bailed Out Fast With Delta Bail Bonds

If your loved one has been arrested, Delta Bail Bonds can help. Our talented bail bondsmen can locate and post bail for your loved one anywhere in the country, 24/7. The bail process can be overwhelming for the loved ones of a defendant, but having an experienced bondsman at your side can make this challenging time easier. If you want to help your loved one get out of jail and back to their life, call Delta Bail Bonds to get in touch with a bail bondsman today. 

01 Jun
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

Can I Leave Texas While Out On Bond?

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If you’re out on bail, it’s always best to await your trial at home and use your free time to connect with your family and meet with your attorney. Unfortunately, some travel plans can’t be rescheduled or canceled just because you’re on bail. If you have a mandatory work trip or family obligations that can’t wait, you’re probably wondering about the rules of traveling while out on bond. We’ve put together a list of everything you need to know about traveling while bonded out so you can navigate the legal system better.

Why Bondsmen Discourage Out-of-State Travel

Even if you’re allowed to travel out-of-state while out on bond, your bail bondsman will probably discourage you from doing so. If a client leaves the state on a trip and becomes a fugitive, it can reflect poorly on the bondsman and make it harder for them to find jobs in the future. For this reason, it’s quite taboo for defendants to travel while bonded out and you’ll most likely be advised to stay home while you’re out on bail.

Talk to Your Bail Bondsman

Before getting in your car or on a plane, discuss your travel plans with your bondsman. Keeping your bail bondsman informed on your plans will help them trust you, and it’ll give them a chance to remind you of the things you can’t do while bonded out. If you aren’t allowed to travel due to the type of bail you’re on, consulting your bondsman means you’ll find out early on whether or not you can travel. Your bondsman might ask you to call or text them every day, and you should follow this rule while travelling. Staying in touch while you’re out of state will give your bondsman some peace of mind, and it’ll help them to keep tabs on you while you’re away.

Circumstances That Prohibit Travel

If you’re on a felony bond, you’ll be restricted from travelling outside of a specific area. Your judge will most likely suspend your passport and set the boundaries of your bail during a felony bail hearing.

If you’ve missed court dates or skipped bail in the past, or if the court has any other reason to deem you a flight risk, you won’t be able to travel. You’ll have to stay inside your state while you wait for your trial. 

If neither of these apply to you, you’ll probably be allowed to travel while bonded out. Just remember to speak with your bail bondsman in advance and adhere to the terms of your bail, even while you’re travelling. 

Facing Jail Time? Delta Bail Bonds Can Help

If you or a loved one has been arrested, Delta Bail Bonds can help. Our bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country, and we accept collateral and payment plans for anyone who can’t afford their entire bail. For more information, or to get in touch with an experienced bail bondsman, call or visit our website today!

30 May
Mark Monroe Bail Bonds Dallas, Dallas Bail Bonds, Tips and Advice No Comments

Are Sobriety Checkpoints Legal in Texas?

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In America, driving with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08 is a crime that comes with a variety of consequences, including jail time, probation, and fines. Some states allow police officers to set up roadblocks and checkpoints to enforce this law, while others have outlawed the practice. Many Texans wonder whether or not this method of arresting intoxicated drivers is legal, and even questioning whether or not it’s constitutional. Here’s everything you need to know about sobriety roadblocks and checkpoints in Texas.

Sobriety Roadblocks and Checkpoints in Texas

Sobriety roadblocks are generally defined as areas blocked off by the police so they can test every driver who passes through. Sobriety checkpoints are places where officers are stationed to test drivers based on a pre-selected numeric value (such as every five vehicles). 

There are twelve states in the country which have outlawed sobriety checkpoints and roadblocks, including Texas. The practice isn’t specifically outlawed in the Texas penal code, but it was ruled to be a violation of the 4th amendment in a 1991 court case. The same ruling stipulated that roadblocks can only be used if guidelines are established by Texas Legislature. 

Implied Consent

One important thing to know about DWI law is that Texas police officers operate under the concept of implied consent. This means that, by driving on Texas roads, you are consenting to be pulled over for sobriety testing at any time. You do not have to consent to being tested, and you can’t be involuntarily tested except in a handful of rare situations. However, your refusal to undergo a sobriety test can result in a license suspension and is also admissible as evidence in your trial.

Are DWI Roadblocks and Checkpoints Constitutional?

In the 1991 court case mentioned earlier, sobriety checkpoints were ruled to be a violation of the defendant’s 4th amendment rights, which include safety from unwarranted searches and seizures. This ruling has been challenged by many Texas lawmakers and lobbyists, but there’s no telling if or when it will be reversed in a new court case. 

If you’re being charged with a DWI and you feel you were tested at an unconstitutional checkpoint or roadblock in Texas, get in touch with a DWI defense lawyer right away. Instead of refusing to undergo sobriety tests, politely ask to talk to your DWI defense attorney. A DWI defense attorney will make sure your rights were respected at the time of your arrest, and they’ll be able to prove the unconstitutional nature of your arrest if a checkpoint was used.

Arrested on A DWI? Delta Bail Bonds can Help

If you or a loved one has been arrested, you should hire a bail bond agency to post bail for you. Delta Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to post bail anywhere in the country, and our experienced bail bondsmen will tell you everything you need to know about how to navigate the legal process with ease. We’re willing to accept payment plans or collateral if you can’t afford to pay your entire bail, and we get to work as soon as possible to get you out of jail fast. Call or visit our website to get in touch with an experienced bail bondsman today!

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