Two of the scariest things for any family member are domestic violence and getting the call that a loved one is in jail.
When the two are combined, the situation can feel overwhelming, confusing, and most of all, scary!
Families find themselves with unanswered questions as they often want to know what happens next, but don’t know where to look to find information about the bail process for these charges.
Domestic violence cases are taken very seriously in Texas, and the bail process can involve additional rules and court conditions.
At 1st Call Bail Bonds in Dallas, we understand these nuances and can speak with families facing this exact situation. Let’s get into explaining the process, situation, and how our bail bond agents can help you plan your next steps.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Texas?
When you’re arrested for a domestic violence-related charge, it’s typically straight to the local jail for booking.
Here, officers will:
- Collect your personal information
- Take your fingerprints
- Take photographs
- Record your charges
- Confiscate and store your personal items (i.e., phones, wallets, keys)
After booking, you’ll appear before a judge. This hearing is typically 24-48 hours after booking. Here, the judge reviews your case, decides whether you get bail, and sets the conditions that apply. During most domestic violence cases, this involves a protective order that requires the defendant to avoid contact with the alleged victim.
Determining Bail in Domestic Violence Cases
When making a bail decision, the judge must consider the following: Every bail decision is made by a judge who considers several factors.
These can include:
- The severity of the charge
- The person’s criminal history
- Whether anyone involved may be at risk
- Whether the defendant is likely to appear in court.
Sometimes bail amounts follow a standard schedule used by the county. In other situations, the judge may adjust the bond based on the details of the case.
How to Post Bail for a Domestic Violence Case
Once a judge sets bail, there are two key ways to post bail: a cash bond or a bail bond company.
With a cash bond, you pay the full bail amount directly to the court. As long as the defendant attends their mandatory court appearances, you’ll get most of that money back at the end of the case.
However, cash bail can be an expensive option, especially when domestic violence bail can range between $5,000 and $50,000 dollars. This is why many families in domestic violence bail situations choose to work with a bail bond company.
All it takes is to pay 10% of the bail to our team at 1st Call Bail Bonds, and you can secure release without coming up with all of the bail at once.
You won’t get this 10% back, but as long as all court dates are attended, this is all you will end up paying your bondsman.
Conditions That May Come With Release
Domestic violence is a serious charge that can come with some serious bail conditions.
Aside from the protective order we’ve mentioned above, some of the most common conditions include the following:
- Check-ins with a court officer
- Participation in anger management classes
- Restrictions on travel
It is very important to follow these conditions exactly as the court requires. Violating a bond condition can result in the bond being revoked and the person being taken back into custody.
How 1st Call Bail Bond Helps During Difficult Moments
Domestic violence cases are complex and can cause tension and uncertainty about what happens next.
At 1st Call Bail Bonds, our agents make it our priority to simplify the bail process. Whether you’re familiar with the bail process or it’s your first time working with a bondsman, we’ll help you from start to finish, and bring your loved one home!
We explain the steps involved, handle the paperwork required for the bond, and communicate with the jail to help move things along as efficiently as possible.
Above all, we honor discretion. We know how sensitive a domestic violence situation is, and we are here to be respectful in your time of need.
What Happens After Bail Is Posted
Posting bail isn’t the end of your legal journey. It brings the defendant home as the case continues through the court system.
After bail, it’s critical that the defendant attends all scheduled court appearances and complies with all conditions of their release.
After release is also a great opportunity for the defendant to obtain legal counsel and prepare their case before their first hearing.
Support When You Need It Most From 1st Call Bail Bonds
There’s no way around it: domestic violence charges are a nightmare for a family, but getting the help you need shouldn’t be. At 1st Call Bail Bonds in Dallas, our bondsmen are here to help you through your difficult time.
We are open 24/7 and can help with any bail at any cost. If you’re going through a domestic violence charge, let us help you get out from behind bars.
Contact us today to start the bail bond process.
