In life, there are rarely situations that are black and white. Even the Constitution, the steadfast code by which we are governed, had to be amended 27 times. Committing a crime isn’t black and white either. It’s not simply that good guys don’t commit crimes and bad guys do. Sure, there are a lot of bad guys that thumb their noses at the law and knowingly commit crimes but there are many others that are just people who get themselves into a bad situation that they can’t get out of. Maybe they are in the grips of a drug and alcohol dependency. Or perhaps they had too much to drink when they were out with friends and their judgments were as impaired as their ability to drive. Or they may not even be aware that they were committing a crime.
Spotlight On: Misdemeanors
In a perfect world, there would be no crime and everyone would live in peace and harmony. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. People commit crimes all the time but we can take some comfort in knowing that the majority of crimes being committed are misdemeanors and not felonies!
Is More Affordable Bail the Answer? (Hint: It’s Not.)
All over the country, legislators have been looking at and implementing bail reform aimed at keeping non-violent criminals out of jail if they cannot afford bail. In NH, new bail guidelines that lower bail amounts to make them more affordable have resulted in a rash of criminals being released on their own recognizance only to commit more crimes once they’re back on the street. Under the new rules, bail commissioners, or, as in other states, risk assessment tools, set bail and the criminals are arraigned at a later date. The goal is to not jail people simply because they can’t afford cash bail.
Spotlight on: Property Crime
One of the most common crimes that a person may be arrested for is a property crime. A property crime can be as big as embezzling millions of dollars from a company to as small as stealing a pack of gum from a convenience store. The property doesn’t need to be stolen for it to be considered a crime, it could be damaged, concealed, or destroyed as well. Let’s break down this category of crimes and look at the varying forms of property crime.
Test Your Bail Bonds Knowledge: Fact or Fiction?
You may think you know everything you need to know about bail bonds but do you really? Take our quiz and find out!
Bail Bonds are allowed in every state.
Infractions, Misdemeanors, and Felonies: Know the Difference
Everyone knows that misdemeanors are not as serious an offense as a felony. While felonies do generally mean more jail time, a misdemeanor may not just be the slap on the wrist that we may expect.
What Does a Bail Bond Agent Do?
If asked what a bail bond agent does, most people will say, “They get you out of jail” but few have more than a vague answer at best. The truth is, that while they do get you out of jail, they also have other duties.
Surprising Facts about Bail Bonds
Everyone knows about bail bonds. They know that if they ever get arrested, a bail bond agent is who to call to get out of jail quickly and back home where they belong. For most of us, the bail bond system is unfamiliar and something we hope we never need.
Why We Have a Bail System
When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, they are brought to a hearing where a judge looks at the details of the case such as the manner and seriousness of the crime, and considers details about the accused like criminal history and the likelihood that they would flee. They consult with a bail schedule (bail guidelines) and set bail.
What Not To Do In Court
If you’re appearing in court, you want things to go your way. The judge and jury (if it’s a jury trial) will scrutinize everything you do and everything you say so it’s important to be alert, respectful, and mindful of your words and actions. Once you know what NOT to do, you’ll be closer to a positive outcome of your trial.