The Texas bail system is intended to keep local residents safe from defendants accused of crimes pending the outcome of their trials. Recently, local Texas bail reform has advanced tremendously. The initiatives focus on defendants accused of violent crimes. Others focus on those who are accused of minor offenses. Local bondsmen, be wary. The laws may only appear to be made with the resident’s best interests in heart.
For example, on one hand, Texas legislators had to think of the bail system in a way that was fair and constitutional. To make bail reforms that were too severe would be inhuman and unjust, so many heated discussions took place in the House. By the time these laws were passed, Texas residents were happy. As a bail bondsman, you should be, too. Even then, there are some details about bail reform you’ll want to know. Here’s some information about details and changes concerning the bail system in Texas.
No Bond for Defendants Accused of Certain Types of Violence
The bail system makes avoiding jail difficult for people accused of violent offenses. Local Texas bail reform led to a significant change. There’s no bond for people charged with sexual assault crimes or those charged in connection to human trafficking cases. Locals were relieved when the news was passed. Given social media’s impact on communities, word traveled fast. Most locals were pleased to know of the change.
Federal bail bonds are the last thing a defendant accused of violent acts wants to worry about managing. But with tougher laws passed, prosecutors believed in the power of the legislation. To the justice system, no greater progress has been made in bail reform. Not for many years. For the public, the news is good. Texas is deterring criminals. Local Texas bail reform is working. The charged suspects have another problem to worry about entirely.
Felony bail bonds are for suspects charged with violent offenses. In this case, law enforcement has gathered sufficient evidence to believe a violent offense has occurred. Or, in the case of human trafficking, the suspect is accused of perpetuating the crime. Given the evidence at hand, the bail reform initiatives seem to lead to signs of positive change. Safer communities. People accused of the most violent offenses can’t get bail.
Minor Crimes Means No Need for Bail
Fortunately, while Texas took strides in justice, officials showed remarkable compassion with the passing of new laws aimed at people accused of minor offenses. Charges related to shoplifting, petty theft, and crimes that don’t harm others mean there’s no need for bail. For many people accused of nonviolent offenses, it’s a step forward in protecting citizens and staying fair.
As a bail bondsman, think of the accused suspects who’ve come into your office and you’ve learned the stories. Those who stole some food to feed their children. Or defendants accused of trivial offenses that are mostly the result of a misunderstanding. Local Texas bail reform is moving in the right direction. That’s clear with the new initiatives. Keeping non-violent offenders out of jail seemed to be important to officials across the state.
For one, flooding jails will only lead to faster overcrowding rates than what the state is already seeing. Whether locals believe crime is increasing or not, the jails are full, as are most jails in the United States. Given the number of criminals held in jail, the reforms have an impact on overcrowding in jails which is connected to mental health issues among inmates. Overall, it’s clear that the bail reforms were necessary. Most Texans were glad the changes went through.
Judges Must Consider Past Criminal History When Setting Bail
Let’s face it, bail bondsmen are on the right side of the law. That means you too, want to know about the prior criminal history of the defendants who step foot in your office. No longer is it a possibility that this information can be ignored. An affordable bondsman must know. Judges will not consider the past criminal history of a defendant when setting bail.
As a licensed bail bondsman, you’ve put a lot of thought, effort, and pride into maintaining your business. Your reputation matters more than anything, and the last thing you would do is get caught up with a defendant who was manipulative and somehow deceiving you. The Texas bail reform changes accomplish the same benefit. Rather than let people accused of violent crimes in the past waltz out of the judge’s chambers, judges will apply more scrutiny and observation. It was a winning day for Texas residents.
Texas residents were forced to think about the effects of violent crime in their area, and how powerless they must feel to stop it. Crimes ranging from increased gang violence to drug trafficking and murder rock the state of Texas and leave residents crippled in fear. Now that the judges will consider the previous criminal record of the defendant, Texas residents can feel safer knowing vital information won’t slip through the cracks. As a bail bondsman, you can feel proud of the new laws. Texas legislators were looking out for you, too.
Previous Violent Convictions Mean Higher Bail Amounts
Another way to help reduce violent crime? Local Texas bail reform has made a huge stride. Now, if defendants were convicted of violent crimes in the past, they’ll face higher bail amounts, and have a harder time avoiding jail. The advancements in bail reform are meant to keep Texas residents safer. When it comes time to do a bail bond consultation, as a bail bondsman you should know this. It’s safer and more secure for you to be working with someone who had to pay a higher bail amount if they were previously convicted of a violent crime.
The truth, and the unfortunate problem, is that people accused of violent offenses are those most likely to take advantage of you. The stakes are higher, the sentences are longer. The penalties for these crimes are stiffer and more severe. For those reasons alone, people previously charged with violent offenses will feel inclined to jump bail. As a bail bondsman, there’s nothing more annoying than that possibility. The bail reforms mean a win for you.
Remember, bail bonding services aren’t about giving people a second chance. People convicted of violent offenses in the past will have great difficulty adjusting to society, namely because the consequences of their actions stick around. In this case, previously convicted violent offenders will have to pay substantially higher bail amounts. Hopefully, the penalties will lead to a reduction in violent crime.
Bail Bondsman Must Charge a Fee for Defendants Charged with Violent Offenses
For violent offenses other than human trafficking and sexual crimes, defendants can still post bail, but a bail bondsman will charge an extra fee from their end. As a bail bondsman, you don’t have to necessarily think of this as a way to make extra money. Think of it as a token of security. There’s evidence against the defendant and the potential for them to fee. At least, you’re getting extra money upfront.
As a bail bondsman, you take on a great deal of responsibility. You feel somewhat responsible for the defendants who have paid you money for their release. Even then, you only have so much impact. It’s up to the bail system to accomplish the rest. When everything has to work right, defendants are still treated fairly, so the Texas locals didn’t initially hear an outcry.
As a bail bondsman, you should be excited about the news. Running a business isn’t easy and a bail bonding service has to abide by state, local, and federal laws. It takes knowledge and commitment to stay on top of your goals as a bail bondsman. Seeing that you can get extra money that provides you with a little more security? All bail bondsmen should consider it a win.
Locals Filed a Class Action Lawsuit Alleging Bail Reform Was Unfair
Local Texas bail reform didn’t go without some outcry, however. Many Texas residents felt the new bail reforms placed an unjust amount of financial pressure on defendants. Given the average bail for most non-violent offenses, you can see why a bail bonding company would realize that a defendant would think it’s unfair. Citizens in Texas revolted. It wasn’t a riot, but their voices were heard.
As a bail bondsman, you’ve probably had your fair share of clients who were suffering financially. Even if employed at multiple jobs, these defendants couldn’t keep enough money in the bank. Their bills and debt were overwhelming. If you personally felt that the person standing in front of you was innocent, it would be hard not to see the bail reforms as not being slightly unfair. But for the average Texas resident, the changes were well thought out. Still, the challenge for residents in poverty is present.
A bail bond agent can only accomplish so much at once. A defendant who’s struggling financially isn’t entitled to any special arrangements. As a bail bondsman, you have to be hard on your clients. If you want them to respect you, share your views on bail reform. Local Texas bail reform happened for a reason. It may be up to you to make sure your clients understand.
Sentences for Bail Jumping Remain Consistent
The good news is, sentences for bail jumping in Texas remain consistent. In Texas, a conviction for jumping bail could land you in jail for a year and result in a $4,000 fine. Given the financial implications, it’s not hard to see most of your clients will feel compelled to play by the rules. The new bail reform initiatives don’t allow much room for your clients to take advantage of the system.
Now, a suspect who’s charged with a crime can go to jail for an entire year for a crime that may have netted the defendant no jail time at all. Most Texas residents tend to believe the sentences remain the same not primarily because of bail reform. Rather the bail bond company and Texas residents alike should know: the sentences have to be appropriate and fit the crime. Given the cost and expense to the city, bail-jumping won’t be taken lightly. It looks like a bail bondsman like yourself won’t have to worry too much about bail jumping in the future.
Still, it helps to prepare in the event that some of your clients who have been accused of more serious offenses may consider fleeing the area. It’s important to remind them and walk through the agreement they’re making. They have to know it’s serious. They’re making a financial investment to be free from jail. As a bail bondsman, the last mistake you want to make is to give your clients reason to believe running is okay. With all the complications that bail jumping presents, it’s well worth your time and effort to counsel your clients as soon as you get the chance.
Working with a defendant who has been accused of non-violent crimes makes you feel like you’re doing business. You don’t mind at all. The good part about Texas bail reform? The laws have been changed to make it harder for people accused of violent offenses to ever make it out of jail. These laws do a great job to protect the public starting from the moment charges are filed. No longer will extremely dangerous suspects be granted bail. The law doesn’t allow it. As a Texas resident working in a Texas business, it wouldn’t be surprising if you felt some sense of relief along with the other residents.
Why is that you ask? Because you’re running a business. A bail bondsman business is a legitimate company providing an honest service. Make sure your clients know you’re doing them a favor. Look ahead to the future and see how the changes in the bail system will benefit your business.
