Our Justice System Over the Past 400 Years
How America’s justice system has changed is a very fascinating topic which can lead to many years of exploration and historical study. Our country’s full of fact and folklore regarding criminal justice. Below we have provided you with a quick snapshot of the key events.
First Settlers
The settlers that came to our shores first brought with them England’s common law. It was based on a premise known as Mens Reas, which means guilty mind, along with the Catholic Church’s influence. There was a lot of irony in this since a lot of colonists left England because of religious persecution.
William Penn
The colonial laws stayed the norm until the reform of the criminal justice system was promoted by William Pen before the American Revolution. Since he was a Quaker, he embraced the need for implementing practices that were more humane to the system, which included constructing reasonable criminal housing. Following the Revolution, the Constitution is what reigned over all of the freedoms and rights of the people. People who were innocent were given greater protections, some jurisdictions eliminated physical punishment, and a lot of prisons were built.
Civil War & Reconstruction
This is when the next big upheaval came. The south and north saw differently on equal rights and prisoners’ treatment since many of them were slaves who were freed. The nation’s focus changed again as a lot of immigrants came to the country. There was an escalation of social problems and we established rehabilitation.
Theodore Roosevelt
He was a big reformer back in the early part of the 1900s and he was the reason why a lot of the progressive ideas got rolling. This is where we saw the creation of things like the FBI, new laws for sentencing and the system for juvenile justice. This system continued evolving through our history’s next stages – WWI, Prohibition, Great Depression and finally WWII.
Post War
Everyone was happy when the wars end. But this saw another problem – war protests, drug use and race riots are what we saw in the 60s and 80s. The justice system had a backlash toward the tougher sentences as well as the system being expanded.
A lot of what we see today’s still rooted in getting tough on the problem of crime that’s given us the prisons that are too crowded and concerns that are related. It’s time for the system to change again so that justice can be fair to everyone again.
The Series of Events That Happen After an Arrest
If you have ever been arrested, you probably know what to expect. For those who haven’t been arrested or who know someone who’s been arrested, below are the steps that people go through after their arrest.
Miranda Rights are Read
When you’re arrested, many times the Miranda Rights are going to be read to you. Sometimes they aren’t read. The police only have to read them if they’re going to question you. You should remember that anything that you say can still be used in court against you. If you present information voluntarily, the officer can use what you’ve said without reading the rights.
When you’re being arrested and you decide you want to get an attorney, they have to stop interrogating you and you’ll be able to talk to one.
Initial Processing
When you’re arrested, you’re going to be handcuffed. Unless there are any unusual circumstances, you’re first going to go to that precinct where your arrest happened to be processed. You’ll be interviewed by an officer who will ask for your information, like your SSN, birth date, name, etc.. After your fingerprints have been taken, you’re going to head to Central Booking, where you’re going to be processed for your arraignment. This is when you go before the judge.
If you’ve never been in a jail, processing probably will come as a huge shock. It can be quite overwhelming and you’re going to be thinking about your future. Try remaining calm and keep in mind that you have rights to a trial. Nothing has been determined at this point.
Questioning
Based on what you’re being charged with, if you’re willing to talk, and whether the officers are interested in talking to you quickly, it’s possible that you’re going to be immediately taken to be questioned. This doesn’t mean you have to answer, and you can have a lawyer present, but it’s possible you’re going to feel pressure from the officers to answer. In just about every case, it’s a good idea to wait to answer questions until you’re represented.
Ability to Post Bail
Most of the people who are arrested can post bail, with the exception of serious crimes or rare instances. When you’re in jail, this is the thing that you’re thinking about the most.
Bail is able to be posted on the arrestee’s behalf. This is usually done through a bond or money. This is going to serve as surety that you’ll appear in court.
Initial Hearing
It doesn’t matter if you have posted bail – you should have a quick initial hearing. This usually will happen in several hours or two to three days. This is when your charges will be stated and what penalties come with those charges. This is also when you’re going to plead not guilty or guilty.
Plea Bargaining
Most criminal cases are resolved out of court because both parties (the defense and the prosecution) have made an agreement. This is called plea bargaining.
This is common because all sides benefit. You, as the defendant, will be able to avoid a long defense and possibly a much harsher punishment. On the prosecution side, they save the money and time that having a trial requires. Courts can also cut down how many cases they’re hearing.
The defense or the prosecution can start negotiating over a possible plea bargain. However, both sides must agree before it happens. A plea bargain will usually involve a defendant’s guilty plea to one charge or to lesser charges. The plea also might be guilty as charged, and the prosecution may recommend sentencing leniency.
Trial
If the charges brought against you stick and there isn’t an offered or reached plea bargain, you’re going to trial. You probably know this, but the prosecution will have to prove that you’re guilty beyond the reasonable doubt so that you’re shown to be guilty. You’re also going to be confronted by any of the witnesses that are brought against you. You also will be offered to testify.
These are the things that will happen after an arrest. Just make sure that you stay calm and don’t make any rash decisions.
A Short History of Bail Bondsmen
The system that involves posting property or money for the temporary release when a trial is pending goes all the way back to the 13th century in England. Commercially offering the bail bonds came from the need for balancing and giving people options even when they are middle or poor classes when they have been accused of committing a crime.
Bondsman accent percentages of the required bail and they’ll post the remainder for someone that has been charged and waiting their trial. In the years past, only the people who had ample property and money could be released. Entrepreneurs came to the realization that if they had enough capital, they’d be able to offer the court this security in the name of the defendant after they’d gotten a certain amount for insurance. There is additional fees involved when you use a commercial service, and this is the way that the organization gets their profits.
United States bondsman have been doing this since our country was founded. The bail bond laws have been refined and changed as the years have passed. These laws mostly address fairness when it comes to setting the amounts based on the rime that’s been charged. There have been practices changed by the bondsmen based on the state laws where they practice, but for the most part the basic concept’s remained the same.
This business of posting a bail bond for people who are court qualified provides a service that is much-needed. Those people who can’t procure the whole amount that the court sets find that this service is invaluable to them and their families.
Contact Us
We are located within walking distance of the Lee County and Hendry County Jails. We offer prompt, courteous services to obtain the quick release of our clients from Southwest Florida detention facilities. We also offer bond postings outside our local area through our Surety Network. We accept all major credit cards, Western Union, and personal checks.
7 Most Common Crimes in Florida
If you are moving to Florida or you’re thinking of moving there, chances are that you want to know what types of crimes happen there. Below are 7 of the most common crimes in Florida and some explanations of what they are and what their punishments are.
Continue Reading
Steps to Becoming a Bail Bondsman
A lot of people think about becoming bail bondsman. If you are interested in becoming one, it’s important that you know what the steps are for becoming a bondsman. Below are four steps that you need to take before you can get into this business.
Continue Reading
Top 10 Most Crime Ridden Cities in Florida
Florida vacations bring to mind theme parks, sandy beaches and a lot of fun. But if you go to the wrong part of Florida on vacation, you might also run into some crime and be robbed, raped or worse. Below are the most dangerous and crime ridden cities in Florida.
Continue Reading
A Guide to Joining the World of Bail Bondsman
Becoming one of the country’s bail bondsmen can be a risky but rewarding business. There are some states that won’t allow people who are arrested to post a bail commercially. But these types of companies are extremely popular in those states which allow them to exist. These are the steps that you want to take if you want to go into this business.
Continue Reading
A Short Guide to the Miranda Rights
When you are arrested, something that you should be read are the famous Miranda rights. This is actually a warning that police will give you after you’ve been arrested and you’re in custody. This warning’s purpose will depend on if you’re the officer or suspect. If you’re the suspect, it’s reminding you that you can remain silent per the 5th Amendment and you shouldn’t incriminate yourself. If you’re the officer, it helps with preserving your statement’s admissibility in the criminal proceeding.
Continue Reading
What are Fugitive Recovery Agents?
You have a friend that you helped with bail and they said they’d go to their court date. But now they’re missing and you have to pay the bond. You have no idea where they are or how to get in touch with them. What can do you do? The best thing that you can do is look into fugitive require agents for tracking them down and saving your money.
How to Know if Your Rights are Being Violated
When someone’s accused you of committing some type of crime, there are rights that you have, and these rights have been guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. If you’ve been accused, is there a way to know if you have rights that were violated? Below are some questions that you can ask yourself to see if your rights are being violated.
Continue Reading
Emergency Bail Bonds Services
A Way Out Bail Bonds is a family owned and operated bail bonds business that provides Emergency Bail Bonds Services for persons in Lee, Hendry, and Charlotte Counties on a 24 hour per day basis. Our agents are professionals who understand the tremendous stress you face when trying to arrange bail for a friend of loved one.
We are located within walking distance of the Lee County and Hendry County Jails. We offer prompt, courteous services to obtain the quick release of our clients from detention facilities. We also offer bond postings outside our local area through our Surety Network. We accept all major credit cards, Western Union, and personal checks.
What Happens Next?
When an individual is arrested, they will be taken to a local law enforcement station for processing and booking. Processing and booking includes fingerprinting, pictures, and nation-wide computer database searches. It can take many hours, but in smaller jails generally happens more quickly. Bail cannot be arranged until the arrest process is complete.
Bailing Somebody Out of Jail
Generally, a bail bond company will be contacted by phone to begin the bail procedure. During the initial phone consultation, most companies will ask for information about your situation in order to determine the risk involved in the bond and begin the approval process.
Once the bail bond is approved, the customer will need to sign basic bail bond documents including an application, Indemnity Agreement, and receipt. After the paperwork is finalized and payment has been made, a licensed bondsman will “post” the bail bond at the jail.
Emergency Bail Bonds Services in Fort Myers
These are our most frequently asked questions about the bail bonds process. Our licensed bail agents can provide you with information specific to your case. For answers to your bail questions, please call us 239-628-1888.
Bail Bonds for Tourists in Florida
If you are on vacation, or a tourist, and someone close to you has been arrested, the last thing you have is time to wait.
A Way Out Bail Bonds promises quick and efficient and emergency bail services for Florida tourists and visitors.
At A Way Out Bail Bonds, we are there to help you with quick emergency service and confidentiality.
We make sure this tough time your loved one is going through, can be dealt with as painlessly as possible with our emergency bail bonds services.
Emergency Bail
Emergencies happen – be prepared. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure the fastest release from jail. We understand that this is not an easy time for you or your friend or family member, and we do all we can to help you get through it as quickly as possible.
Serving All South Florida County Jails & Courts
If you are visiting and a loved one is in jail in Southwest, Florida and in need of bail, contact A Way Out Bail Bonds. A Way Out Bail Bonds covers all South Florida courts and jails.
Florida Bail Bondsman
A Way Out Bail Bonds is a bail bonding company serving clients in Southwest, Florida. Our professional staff understands the tremendous stress on the families, as well as the defendants when arranging bail for a friend or loved one.
Trustworthy service you can rely on:
Bail Bonds – Immediate release, continuous status checks on warrants and bonds, and more
About Us – Learn more about A Way Out Bail Bonds and read what we’re all about
Call 239-628-1888 anytime of the day or night for 24/7 emergency bail bond services!
Why are Bail Bonds Allowed?
What Bail Does
Bail allows people to get out of jail while they’re waiting to have their case taken to court. The history of bail bonds dates back hundreds of years and has been reformed many times over the century. Currently, US bail policy is the result of many years of legislators balancing civil liberties with public safety.
The Bail Process
When a person is charged with a crime, they have the option of posting bail. The bail amount is set by The Court according to the charges. If the person doesn’t have the money, they use a bail bond agency. The cost of the bail bonds is 10% of the total bail amount.
How do I pay for the Bail Bond?
When arranging bail, companies generally need payment in advance of “posting” a bond for the release of a detainee. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Most of our clients pay using credit card.
What happens when a person is arrested?
When an individual is arrested, generally, they will be taken to a local law enforcement station for processing and booking. Processing and booking includes fingerprinting, pictures, and nation-wide computer database searches. It can take many hours, but in smaller jails generally happens more quickly. Bail cannot be arranged until the arrest process is complete.
What is the procedure for bailing somebody out of jail?
A bail bond company will be contacted by phone to begin the bail procedure. During the initial phone consultation, most companies will ask for information about your situation in order to determine the risk involved in the bond and begin the approval process.
Bail Bonds Documents
Once the bail bond is approved, the customer will need to sign basic bail bond documents including an application, Indemnity Agreement, and receipt. After the paperwork is finalized and payment has been made, a licensed bondsman will “post” the bail bond at the jail.
judges can deny bail in cases where the defendant is likely to flee the jurisdiction or when they pose a very real and serious threat to others.
About A Way Out Bail Bonds
A Way Out Bail Bonds is a family owned and operated bail bonds business that provides fast, reliable, and confidential bail bonding services for persons in Lee, Hendry, Collier, and Charlotte Counties on a 24 hour per day basis. Our agents are professionals who understand the tremendous stress you face when trying to arrange bail for a friend of loved one.
10 Huge Bail Bonds
It Costs A Lot To Bail White Collar Criminals Out Of Jail
Michael Milken’ 250 million dollar bail bond is the highest in US History. Milken was at the center of the largest criminal investigation in Wall Street history in 1989. He was charged with 98 counts of insider trading and alleged to have made nearly $1.8 billion.
This is a look at 10 mind-boggling bail amounts set for high flight-risk individuals.
-
Michael Milken – $250 million Bail
-
Julius Meinl V – $133 million Bail
-
Raj Rajaratnam – $100 million Bail
-
Bernie Madoff – $10 million Bail
-
Bernard Ebbers – $10 million Bail
-
Dennis Kozlowski – $10 million Bail
-
Jeff Skilling and Andrew Fastow – $5 million Bail
-
Marcus Schrenker – $4 million Bail
-
Barry Minkow – $1.5 million Bail
-
Ken Lay – $500,000 Bail
About A Way Out Bail Bonds
A Way Out Bail Bonds is a family owned and operated bail bonds business that provides fast, reliable, and confidential bail bonding insurance services for persons in Lee, Hendry, Collier, and Charlotte Counties on a 24 hour per day basis. Our agents are professionals who understand the tremendous stress you face when trying to arrange bail for a friend of loved one.
History of Bail Agents or Bail Bondsman
What is a Bail Bondsman
A bail bond agent, or bondsman, is any person or corporation that will act as a surety and pledge 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 entities are reluctant to put their depositors’ or policyholders’ funds at the kind of risk involved in posting a bail bond. Bail bond agents, on the other hand, are usually in the business to cater to defendants, often securing their customers’ release from jail in just a few hours.
Bail bond agents are almost exclusively found in the United States and the Philippines. In most other countries bail is usually much less and the practice of bounty hunting is illegal.
The First Bail Bonds Business
The first modern bail bonds business in the US, the system by which a person pays a percentage of the court-specified bail amount to a professional bonds agent who puts up the cash as a guarantee that the person will appear in court, was established by Tom and Peter P. McDonough in San Francisco in 1898.
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
Bond agents have a standing security agreement with local court officials, in which they agree to post an irrevocable “blanket” bond, which will pay the court if any defendant for whom the bond agent is responsible does not appear.
The bond agent usually has an arrangement with an insurance company, bank or another credit provider to draw on such security, even during hours when the bank is not operating. This eliminates the need for the bondsman to deposit cash or property with the court every time a new defendant is bailed out.
Contact Bail Bond Agents in Fort Myers
When you need bail, time is of the essence. That is why our offices are open 24 hours a day and conveniently located within walking distance of the Lee and Hendry County Jails. A Way Out Bail Bonds also servers Glades and Collier counties. No mater where you are, we are here for you.
Visiting Hours & Information: Hendry County Jail
Hendry County Jail Visiting Hours
VISITING HOURS: Weekdays: 7:30pm-09:30pm (sign in 6:30pm – 7:00pm)
Weekends: 1:00pm-03:00pm (sign in 12:00p.m. to 12:30pm)
MAILING ADDRESS:
Inmates Name
P.O. Box 579
Labelle, FL 33975
Monday – G-Pod
Tuesday – B-Pod
Wednesday – D-Pod, Juveniles, Medical
Thursday – H-Pod
Friday – C-Pod
Saturday – E & F Pod
Sunday – A-Pod
VISITORS – Please note: In order for you to participate in visitation, the Visitation Requirements listed below must be followed.
A. Visitors must be at Hendry County Jail at least 30 minutes prior to visitation to sign in.
B. Visitors must be on inmate’s visitation list.
C. Only the inmate can place you on their visitation list. Adding or deleting names to the inmate’s visitation list is done on the first of each month.
D. Visitors must have picture I.D. that contains current address & Date of Birth
1. This includes all state D.L. & I.D. cards. We will also accept military and school I.D.s. This does not include picture credit cards, wholesale clubs, and etc.
2. Juveniles (12-17) must have proof of age (birth certificate) and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
E. Both the adult & juvenile must be on the visitation list.
**NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 12 IS PERMITTED FOR ANY REASON***
You will not be permitted to visit if you have these things on your person.
A. Purses, Cell Phones, etc, must be left in your vehicle.
B. Food, Drinks & Tobacco in any form ARE NOT PERMITTED**
C. Visitation clothing must not be revealing in any way.
D. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be at least knee length.
E. All shirts (blouses) must have sleeves, cannot show stomach area and cannot be see-through.
Once you enter the visitation area – you are not permitted to leave and return. If you leave the visitation area, your visit is over.
YOU ENTER THE VISITATION AREA – YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE AND RETURN. IF YOU LEAVE THE VISITATION AREA, YOUR VISIT IS OVER.
Visitors can leave money in the Inmate’s canteen account by using the kiosk located in the lobby. The kiosk will accept cash, credit cards or debit cards. Money orders are no longer accepted.
**HENDRY COUNTY SHERIFFS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DENY OR TERMINATE ANY VISIT**