EXPERIENCED HELP WITH THE BAIL BOND PROCESS IN COLORADO SPRINGS
At Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds, we understand how frightening and stressful it can be to learn that your loved one is in jail. We also recognize that one of your first concerns is how you can get them released as soon as possible. Our team has been in business since 1992, and we are here to help you through the often complicated process of posting bail for your loved one. We have guided thousands of people in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas through the intricacies of their matters. We know what steps need to be taken to get your loved one home.
When you turn to us for skilled help, we will go above and beyond to meet your needs. Once we have an understanding of the situation and know where your loved one is, our team of experienced agents will walk you through the process of posting bail for your loved one. We will develop the most effective plan of action for you and your loved one.
For the assistance you need in Colorado Springs, call us at (719) 390-3930 today.
Providing Compassionate Help for You and Your Loved One
At Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds, we know that every person and every situation is unique. That is why we deliver personalized attention throughout the bail bond process. Whether your loved one has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, our team will not cast judgment. We will focus on helping them get out of jail as soon as possible, allowing them to return home quickly and begin working on a defense to fight their charge.
Our mission is to ease some of the burdens you and your loved one are facing. We do that by providing help with understanding and sensitivity. Throughout the process, you and your loved one will be treated with the respect and professionalism you deserve. Our Colorado Springs team will be ready and available to provide the answers and guidance you need.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Depending on the situation, bail can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The defendant, or their friends or family members, might not have funds readily on hand to pay the entire amount. In such cases, they can turn to a bail bond company, such as The Bail Boys.
These agencies provide a promissory note to the court stating that they will pay the full bail amount should the defendant not appear for any of their scheduled hearings. In exchange for this service, the defendant, or their loved one, pays a small premium. In California, the fee can be no more than 10%. This means that if a person’s bail is set at $20,000, the defendant would only have to pay $2,000 to get released from jail.
Basically, a bond is a surety that the defendant will show up in court.
What’s the Difference Between Bail and Bond?
Although “bail” and “bond” are usually used together (and sometimes used interchangeably), they are different. Bail is money that must be paid to the court to secure release from jail. Bond is the written promise a bonding agency provides, ensuring that the defendant will go to court as required.
We have a convenient location in Colorado Springs right next to the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center and are ready to help. Contact us at (719) 390-3930.
Arrested in Colorado Springs?
When you get arrested in Colorado Springs, you will be placed in handcuffs and taken to the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. Once you arrive at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center, you will begin the booking process. During the booking and processing, you will be fingerprinted, get a mugshot picture taken, and answer questions about your background. Your information will then be processed into the computer system.
The booking process can take several hours to complete. Once you have finished the booking process, you will be given the opportunity to make phone calls.
What Determines the Amount of My Bail?
After you get arrested, you will have a bond or be held without bond until you are advised in front of a judge the following court day. The judge will determine the amount of your bail. There are a few things that the judge will consider when setting your bail. A judge will ask themselves a few questions when determining your bail, which includes:
- What is the defendant’s criminal history?
- Is the defendant a flight risk?
- Does the defendant have important family obligations?
- Does the defendant have a strong connection with the community?
- Does the defendant pose a public safety risk?
In addition to an amount of bond, the judge may impose conditions that you must follow. Some of these conditions could be travel restrictions, firearm restrictions, and no-contact orders. If you fail to abide by the rules that are given to you, you risk the chance of going back to jail.
C.R.S. 16-4-102 – Right To Bail – Before Conviction
Any person who is in custody, and for whom the court has not set bond and conditions of release pursuant to the applicable rule of criminal procedure, and who is not subject to the provisions of section 16-4-101(5), has the right to a hearing to determine bond and conditions of release. A person in custody may also request a hearing so that bond and conditions of release can be set. Upon receiving the request, the judge shall notify the district attorney immediately of the arrested person’s request, and the district attorney has the right to attend and advise the court of matters pertinent to the type of bond and conditions of release to be set. The judge shall also order the appropriate law enforcement agency having custody of the prisoner to bring him or her before the court forthwith, and the judge shall set bond and conditions of release if the offense for which the person was arrested is bailable. It is not a prerequisite to bail that criminal charge of any kind has been filed.
Once bond has been set you can call Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds, we will work out the details of the bond to have your friend or loved on released. Once bond is posted at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center your friend or loved one will be released in 2 to 6 hours.
Bail Bond Process
If you have questions about bail bonds or the bail bonding process, we hope this page can provide some help. Below are answers to questions we have heard from those looking for a bondsman. The information is fairly general so it’s best to call if you have specific concerns or need further assistance. Our professional bail bond agents are standing by to assist you anywhere in Colorado Springs and the entire State of Colorado.
Definition of Bail
Bail is an amount of money or other asset that is deposited or ‘posted’ with a court by a person who has been charged with a crime. It is possible to deposit bail on behalf of another person. The money or asset is the defendant’s guarantee of his or her presence at all court proceedings. Typically, the charged party will be held in legal custody until bail money or a bail asset has been accepted by the court. To learn more about what bail bonds are, read our blog about bail bonds.
Bail Bondsmen
A bail bondsman or bail bonding agent is a person or company that has the ability to issue a surety bond, or pledge money in the form of a bond, which will guarantee the appearance of a defendant at all court proceedings. Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds has been fulfilling this role for the citizens of Colorado Springs since 1992. In Colorado Springs as in most other cities in the State of Colorado, when a person is arrested, they are booked into the county jail. Once the bond has been set, the defendant is allowed to post bond for release. A bail bondsman can secure a defendant’s release by the posting of a bond. Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds is located one minute from the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center in Colorado Springs to assist the release of your friend or loved one in just a few minutes. Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds has a long-standing relationship with the El Paso County Courts and the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center in Colorado Springs.
If you are looking for a bail bondsman in Colorado Springs, call Dennis Blackwell. Our courteous staff, all who are licensed bail bondsman in the State of Colorado are ready to assist you 24/7 for your bail bond needs.
Common Types of Bail Bonds
A bail bond is how a defendant guarantees his or her presence at court proceedings. The most common type is an “appearance bond.” A friend, relative, or a bail bonding agent can post an appearance bond on behalf of a defendant.It is sometimes possible to obtain a “personal recognizance bond” or a “property bond” when permitted by the court.
Personal Recognizance Bonds
A “personal recognizance bond” permits the defendant’s release from custody on “personal recognizance” or a promise to appear as required by a court. This type of bond must be authorized by a court and voids the need to deposit money or an asset. If the defendant fails to appear at any court proceedings an arrest warrant will be issued. In any case involving defendant’s prior conviction felony within the last 5 years, defendant’s prior conviction of a class 1 misdemeanor within the last 2 years, felony charges, class 1 misdemeanor charges, or defendant’s previous failure to appear on a bail bond will require the district attorney’s consent to obtain a personal recognizance bond.
Property Bonds
If allowed by a court, defendants may deposit valued property to guarantee appearance at all court proceedings. Property bonds may only be obtained from a court and will be held by the clerk until a verdict has been reached. Some jurisdictions allow unencumbered equity in Colorado real estate to serve as a property bond. Equity of no less than 1&1/2 times the bail amount is required. Some courts do not allow real estate to be used as a property bond. Requirements and procedures for property bonds vary between jurisdictions.
Bail Bonding Agents
A bail bonding agent is authorized to deposit a defendant’s appearance bond as a guarantee that he or she will appear whenever required. Bail bonding agents are paid a premium, which is usually nonrefundable, to post the bond. Agents must be licensed by the State in which they operate and have an appointment from an insurance company or be qualified cash bonding agent. If the defendant fails to appear, the court may order the bond “forfeited” and require the bail bond agent to fulfill the full amount of the bond. Bail bonding agents have the right to apprehend, return the defendant to custody, or use collateral taken for the bond to pay the bond forfeiture and costs.
Bond Conditions
All defendants must agree to meet certain requirements known as “conditions” or “bond conditions.” The most important of these is personal appearance at all court proceedings. Failure to attend hearings may result in an arrest warrant being issued and loss of the entire bond amount. In addition, “Failure to Appear,” is a criminal offense that can be added to the defendant’s existing sentence and result in imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year as well as loss of eligibility for probation or suspended sentence. (’18-8-212, C.R.S.) Other standard conditions a defendant must agree to include staying in the state in which they were convicted while released on bail and acknowledging the existence of a mandatory restraining order that prohibits contact with the alleged victim and witnesses. Lastly, defendants are typically required to send immediate notification to the court if there is any change in residence or mailing addresses.
Appear At All Court Hearings
The most important condition of a bond is the defendant’s agreement to personally appear at each and every court proceeding. The defendant is responsible for knowing when and where those hearings will take place.
Failure To Appear As Required
If a defendant fails to appear in court a warrant for arrest may be issued, bond may be revoked, or the amount required for bond may be increased. In addition, a completely new crime, known as “failure to appear” may be charged. Lastly, the entire bail bond may be forfeited and the valued property or amount of money deposited may be lost.
Missed Court Appearance
If you or someone you know has missed a court appearance, it is important to act quickly. If bond was posted by a bail bonding agent, contact them first, right away. The bail bonding agent may choose to arrange for “consent of surety” which you can to the court clerk. Upon receiving consent of surety from your bail bonding agent, the clerk may issue you a new court date. If you posted bond personally then go to the court clerk immediately and try to make new arrangements for a new appearance date. Be aware that a warrant was probably issued for your arrest and “Failure to Appear” may have been charged. For more Colorado Bail Bond information download the following PDF from the State of Colorado website:
http://www.dora.state.co.us/insurance/pb/bail.pdf
The Right To Release On Bail
For a majority of offenses, excepting murder and certain violent felonies, the charged party will be released from custody as soon as bail money or a bail asset is accepted by the court.
