If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, you may be feeling confused and overwhelmed. You likely have many questions about the bail bond process and what will happen next.
To help you understand your situation, we’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DWI and bail bonds in Texas. Hopefully, you’ll never encounter a situation where you need them, but it’s a good idea to brush up on them anyway. Let’s begin with a simple one.
What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a type of surety bond posted on behalf of a defendant to secure their release from custody pending trial. The vast majority of individuals who are arrested for DWI will be eligible for some type of bond.
That’s the good news. The bad? It’s going to cost something if you plan to access your freedom and keep your life moving.
How does the bail bond process work?
A bail bondsman will post the full amount of the bond with the court on your behalf. In exchange for this service, you will be required to pay the bondsman a non-refundable fee (usually 10-15% of the total bond amount).
There are several advantages of working with a bail bondsman. First and foremost, it will get you out of jail quickly and allow you to resume your normal life. Bail bondsmen are also experts in the court system, so they can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process. Finally, by working with a bail bondsman, you can avoid having to put up your own money or property as collateral.
What are the eligibility requirements for getting a bail bond in Texas?
To be eligible for a bail bond in Texas, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid form of identification
- Have a verifiable source of income
- Have collateral to offer (e.g. property, jewelry, etc.)
- Not have any prior outstanding bonds
- Not have any warrants for your arrest
The eligibility requirements for getting a bail bond in Texas are in place to ensure that only those who are likely to show up for their court appearances can be released from custody.
By requiring defendants to have a valid form of identification, a verifiable source of income, and collateral, the Texas justice system can minimize the number of people who fail to appear in court. An experienced bail bondsman will be able to assess your situation and determine if you are eligible for a bail bond.
What happens if I miss my court date?
If you miss your court date, an arrest warrant will be issued for you and your bail will be forfeited. This means that you will lose the money posted on your behalf and remain in jail until your case is resolved.
What does it mean when a bond is ‘cash only’?
A cash-only bond means that the defendant must pay the full amount of the bond to be released from custody. These types of bonds are usually reserved for defendants who are considered to be a flight risk or a danger to the community. If you are unable to post a cash-only bond, you will remain in jail.
These bonds are seldom used in a DWI case. That’s because the majority of DWI defendants are not considered to be a flight risk or an ongoing threat to the community. There also are technological fail-safes in place designed to prevent them from operating a motor vehicle (breathalyzers that prevent a car from starting if the subject is intoxicated).
What is an ‘unsecured bond’?
An unsecured bond is also known as a personal recognizance bond. With this type of bond, the defendant does not have to post any money or collateral to be released from custody. Instead, they sign an agreement promising to appear in court and abide by any other conditions set by the judge.
Need a Bail Bondsman in Tarrant County?
If you or a loved one has been charged with DWI in Texas, it’s important to understand the bail bond process and what will happen next. We hope that this blog post has helped answer some of your questions. If you need assistance securing a bail bond, contact PCS Bail Bonds today. Our experienced professionals are here to help you navigate this difficult time.