Detecting Drugs in a Person’s System – Part 2
More about detecting drugs in a person’s system. Although alcohol is removed from a person’s bloodstream and body reasonably quickly, that is not the situation with other drugs. The “psychedelic” element, THC, contained in marijuana, is evident for over a month after it has been used. Because of the lengthy amount of time THC can remain in the system, there is no definitive way to detect impairment at a precise point in time. In comparison, cocaine is usually out of the body within a day or two. Thus, its presence can be a better indicator that a person is operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Elevated Crash Risks and Drug Recognition Experts The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration surrendered in communications to Congress that the present knowledge of drugs besides alcohol makes it impractical to precisely determine when raised levels of these substances cause a higher accident risk for a motorist. Because of this, some districts use “Drug Recognition Experts.” These are specifically trained police officers that are advanced in their ability to determine drug impairment in motorists. These officers are trained to closely survey a person’s behavior, eye mobility, and other factors suggestive of drug influence. Over forty states including the District of Columbia have created Drug Evaluation and Classification Programs to educate and equip these types of officers. Legalized Marijuana and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs There are an increasing number of states and cities that have legalized both the use of marijuana for medical and recreational use. This revision in the laws across the United States, and in Colorado, pours into the need to establish other ways of determining if a motorist is impaired because of the use of a drug, including marijuana. The education is likely to expand to other districts in the close immediate future. In addition, technology continues to advance in a way that is thought will make it straightforward for officers to determine if a motorist is impaired by marijuana at the time of citation or if its presence in a person’s system is leftover from prior consumption. See part 1 of detecting drugs in a person’s system.
DUI – Drugs in Your System – Part 1
Part 1 A considerable amount of media and popular awareness is towards driving under the influence of alcohol. Barely any attention is directed on driving while impaired by drugs, although operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs takes place with notable regularity nationwide. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in over 18% of accidents resulting in fatally injured drivers, the drivers tested positive for being under the influence of drugs. A person arrested for driving while being impaired needs to know their fundamental constitutional rights. This consists of understanding how the bail bond process works. After being arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, the court will settle upon a bond amount. Dependent on the amount of the bond, a person in jail on an impairment charge may connect with a bail bondsman. Once the experience of a bondman is employed, the person in jail must come up with a small percentage of the total amount of the bail. These funds are paid to the bail bond firm. Next, the bail bondsman posts the bond to the court, which grants permissions for the release from jail.
The Different Types of Jail Release Options
Learning about the different types of Jail Release Options. Getting arrested can be intimidating. Jail isn’t always a safe place for anyone being charged; even if your crime was minor there may be other violent criminals around you. It’s also more troublesome to arrange your defense strategy with your attorney from jail. Luckily, there are several choices to get out of jail while awaiting your trial. Citation Release In many circumstances for the average Joe/Jane, you may not even be taken to jail. This is primarily the case with traffic or parking tickets and minor violations of law. The officer will write you a citation at the scene of the incident and have you sign it. You are free until your court date Own Recognizance If you do not have a record and are not considered a possible flight risk, you may be discharged on your own recognizance. Simply put, the court trusts you to come back for your arraignment and does not require you to pay bail. You have to sign paperwork affirming your understanding to still attend your court hearing. This is the most ideal option and best-case scenario. You and your family won’t be out any money. Cash Bail If the court considers you a flight risk, or if you are accused of a previous crime, you must post bail in order to be released. Bail is payment held as collateral to assure you appear for your trial. If you miss your scheduled court date, you will lose the bail amount, and most likely have a warrant for your arrest. Property Bond If you can’t provide the funds to post bail, an alternative is to use a property bond. A property bond means using your home’s equity to obtain a bail loan. Your equity must be 150% of the bail amount, and this course of action may take a considerable amount of time. Surety Bond This is where we come in; If you can’t post bail on your own, or do not have enough equity in your home, another option is to get a loan from a bail bonds company. The process for a bail bond calls for you to pay a small percentage of the bail amount upfront. You then pay back the loan over a period of time. Surety bonds are usually the most efficient way to rescue yourself so that you can contact your attorney from the comfort of your home. If you or a loved one has been arrested, Contact us now at Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds and let us know how we can help. We are here 24/7 for you and if you prefer to call, we can be reached at 719-390-3930.
Bail Bonds | Pros and Cons
With any choice, there are advantages and disadvantages. Maybe you or a loved one made a choice that has landed them in jail. There are also pros and cons to bailing yourself or a loved one out of jail with a bail bond. Considering this fact, people naturally have a lot of confusion about the bail bond system. After all, most people have no need to know the process of how to bail a friend or family member out of jail. This is an easy list of some pros and cons of using a bail bond when bailing someone out of jail. Pros Bail bond companies are open 24/7 90% cheaper than the bail itself Get expert help from professional agents Can be paid for with a payment plan Rescues your loved one from jail Cons Don’t get the bail bond money back in the end Can only get help in the state where the company is licensed Not all bail agents are trustworthy Clearly, from this list, the benefits of securing a bail bond greatly offset any disadvantages. A bail bond from Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds is an affordable way to bail someone out of jail. On top of being reasonable, you will draw on the help and experience of a professional bail agent. You can trust that our agents are always here to help our clients first. Contact us now at Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds and let us know how we can help. We are here 24/7 for you and if you prefer to call, we can be reached at 719-390-3930.
Are Bond and Bail the same thing?
Bail vs. Bond The words “bail” and “bond” are often synonymous when talking about jail release. However, they are different. Bail is the amount a defendant pays to be released from jail. A bond is placed on a defendant’s behalf in the amount of bail, typically by a bail bond company, to secure his or her release. Bail is not designed to be a punishment; it is a simple way of ensuring a defendant will follow certain conditions and come back to court. Bail is like collateral to ensure the defendant will be present for the other parts of the case. The amount may be lost if the defendant fails to appear or violates the conditions of the release. So, while they are similar to each other, they are not the same thing.
How Is Your Bail Bond Amount Determined?
The courts look at several conditions when measuring the amount of bail and the type of bond to be provided by the defendant. The judge will consider and conduct themselves upon the following criteria: First, the amount of bail shall not be unjust When a person is charged with a transgression punishable by fine only, the amount of bail shall not exceed the amount of the maximum penalty. Although there are many, one variable in determining bail amounts is the defendant’s current employment status and history. Directly related to that is his present financial condition. Bail cannot be set at an amount that would be oppressive. This is why you may see high bail amounts that scare many people away from looking at them as an option. Family is important They are a vital support system, which is why the nature and extent of these relationships can weigh heavily on the court’s decision. The identity of persons who agree to help you in attending court at the proper time and endorse a positive character reference and reputation play a part in that decision. As well, the current and former households can influence the court’s final decision by knowing if the defendant has strong ties to the community and is not likely to flee the jurisdiction. The defendant’s criminal record Probably most obviously, the defendant’s prior criminal record plays an extensive part in determining the bail bond amount, along with the current offense charged, the probability of conviction, and the likely sentence. This could be if the defendant has previously been released pending trial, and whether he appeared as required. Prior actions can help you or hurt you in this process. What sets us apart from other bail bond companies is our experience and our compassion. Of course, our clients come to Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds to get out of jail faster but at the same time, we understand that many who reach out to us have no previous experience with bail bonds. We will help you through the process and maintain the utmost discretion with your case. Contact us now at Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds and let us know how we can help. We are here 24/7 for you and if you prefer to call, we can be reached at 719-390-3930.
How Bail Bonds Work in Colorado
A bail bond agent, or bondsman, is any person or corporation that will act as a surety and accept pledges of money or property as bail for the appearance of persons accused in court. Although banks, insurance companies and other similar institutions are usually the sureties on other types of contracts, such individuals or companies are hesitant to put their depositors’ or policyholders’ funds at the risk typically involved in posting a bail bond. Bail bond agents on the other hand, are usually in the business to cater to criminal defendants, often securing their customers’ release in just a few hours. Bail Amount Colorado law considers several components a judge must review when determining the bail amount. Some factors include the severity of the crime the defendant is accused of, past criminal history, employment status, financial circumstances and the defendant’s family dynamics. Surety Bond A surety bond can be secured from a bail bondsman to obtain the defendant’s release from jail. The bail bond agency will generally charge a non-refundable fee of the bail amount for its assistance and will post the entire amount to the court. The bail bond amount will be returned to the agency in full once the defendant appears in court. Release Once the defendant’s bail is placed they may be released from jail. If they are being held in a city jail, discharge may take place within 15 minutes to 2 hours. However, because county court is more heavily occupied, release may take up to 8 hours. Collateral In addition to a percentage fee, the bail bond company may also request that the defendant arrange further collateral, usually valued at the full bond amount. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bond is forfeited and property may be seized, along with other valuables including bank accounts, cars, houses and jewelry. If you ever need bail bonds Colorado Springs or bail bonds Pueblo CO we have you covered! Our Dennis Blackwell team is always available! Contact us today!
What If I Can Pay My Own Bail?
One of the most common questions asked for a bail bondsman, “Do I need to get a bail bond, even if I have the money to pay for my bail?” There are a several things to consider when answering this question. First thing to keep in mind is that your bail might be considerably higher than what you can afford. (But you’re not alone, in fact, Fifty-seven percent of Americans don’t have enough cash to cover a $500 unexpected expense.) If this is your situation, it’s always best to speak with someone in the business to get advice. That being said, even if you do have the funds to post your own bail, it might not be the best idea. Your two choices are Put down a modest amount for a bail bond, insuring that you keep a cash reserve in the bank for when you’ll need it, or you could Possibly drain your account to an uncomfortable level, bailing yourself out. There’s a strong possibility that you’ll have other financial needs once you’re out and will need to use your hard earned money to take care of those things.
Mistakes to Avoid When Posting Bond
Below is a non-exhaustive list of common mistakes to avoid when posting bond to help you navigate through the process. Lying to The Court and Bail Agency You’re already facing some trouble and lying will damage any credibility you have. There will be consequences with the court, police, and the bail agency if you are dishonest. Keep in mind that there isn’t just verbal lying to consider. Lying on paperwork (like writing down a fake address) will also have repercussions. Failure to Appear in Court If you don’t show up in court, your bail is forfeited and you will likely face further consequences. You’ll be warned of this and it’s important to take that warning seriously. On top of the legal consequences, the cosigner of your bond is someone who loves and cares about you and if you skip out on your bail, they may risk losing their collateral and face having to pay the full bail amount. Failing to Read The Conditions There will be specific conditions to your bail and violations of these conditions can be some of the least pleasant of charges. You must show up in court, travel may be prohibited, and you may need to stay away from the alleged victim. Failing to comply with any of the conditions gives the DA leverage to tack on additional charges which could include mandatory jail time, taking probation off the table. Read and understand the conditions of your bond to be sure you’ll avoid extra penalties. Getting Arrested a Second Time Don’t get arrested again. Period. It’s the worst thing you can do before your court appearance. Getting arrested again runs the risk of impacting your previous charges, being slapped with a more aggressive sentence, and could leave you needing a second bond. Additionally, you could be left with an unpaid bail accruing added interest and fees. It’s best to stay on your best behavior while you’re out on bail. What sets us apart from other bail bond companies is our experience and our compassion. Of course, our clients come to Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds to get out of jail faster but at the same time, we understand that many who reach out to us have no previous experience with bail bonds. We will help you through the process and maintain the utmost discretion with your case. Contact us now at Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds and let us know how we can help. We are here 24/7 for you and if you prefer to call, we can be reached at 719-390-3930.
How to Handle When a Loved One Is Arrested? A Helpful Checklist
How do you handle it when a loved one is arrested? Here at Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds, we understand the confusion and stress that comes when you, a family member, or a friend have been arrested. There is no way to adequately prepare for such an unexpected moment in one’s life. It is with the knowledge of how hard it is to prepare that we have created this guide to help you understand the steps you may need to go through. Below we have outlined some key events that can take place when someone you care for is arrested. Step 1: Establishing What Has Happened Initially, there is going to be some confusion as to what has happened. There are three ways to establish if someone has been arrested. The first is to wait for a phone call from your loved one. This is a good option if you suspect they may have been arrested. If you have not heard from them for an unusual amount of time, it may be time to check around local jails. A page detailing the contact information of detention centers and municipal courts is posted at the top of our website for convenience. Step 2: Considering Your Options Once you have established where your loved one is, you now have some decisions to make. If they are placed in jail, do you want to post their bail? If so, then Dennis Blackwell is happy to help! We offer 24-hour bail bonds through our bondsman in Colorado Springs. Bail bonds are a good way for families to get their loved ones home without adding additional stress to the situation. Step 3: Showing Up to Court If your loved one gets out on bail or not, they are required to show up to their court date. We hope this post about what to do when a loved one is arrested was helpful. We have additional resources to help you find that date on our website! If you have any more questions, contact us whenever! We are here to help you through this process!