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Were They Really Arrested for That?

ArrestedPeople get arrested every single day. Of course, that’s nothing new. But you’d be surprised to find out some of the most outlandish and bizarre reasons for some arrest. Check out our list of some of the most off the wall arrests recorded.

  • During a traffic stop, 23-year-old, Ashley Huff had her bag searched by an officer where he found a spoon covered with a suspicious substance. Huff said that it was a spoon she had used to eat Spaghettios with earlier and had thrown it into her bag to return it to her friend. Not believing the story, officers conducted a field test and it came back positive, allegedly. She was charged with possession of a methamphetamine and spent a month and a half in jail before the lab results came back proving that Huff had been telling the truth all along.
  • In Lago Vista, TX, Gail Atwater had been stopped by police when the officer noticed that the two children in the backseat did not have on seat belts. This would normally call for a simple ticket for the violation. Instead, the officer arrested Atwater and she remained in jailed before posting bond. At hear court date, she ended up paying the maximum fine for a minor criminal offense of $50.
  • Wesley Force was arrested for dropping the “F” bomb in public. He ended up being released without bond but was sentenced to 10 days in jail.  The judge allowed him to serve that time at home while wearing an electronic ankle bracelet.

No one is beyond getting arrested. So if or someone you know ends up needs reliable bail bond services in Athens, GA, contact us at (706) 353-6467 or (800) 660-6467. The pros at Double “O” Bonding is here for you!

Common Bail Bond Mistakes That You Shouldn’t Make

In order to make the bail bond process a lot smoother, it is imperative to know what and what not to do. Unfortunately, mistakes can happen and it can bring more issues in an already stressful matter. To ensure the bail process is uncomplicated and your release isn’t delayed, here are common bail mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.

Bail bond mistakes

Know What Bail Bond Mistakes to Avoid.

Incorrect Contact Information

This is a bail bond mistake that will surely put you in jeopardy. When you apply for a bail bond, it is important that the address is absolutely correct. Putting down an incorrect address will make you look dishonest and could even get you sent back to jail.

Traveling On Bail

Some travel is unavoidable but before you go out of state, you need to notify the bail bondsman and the courts. As long as travel does not conflict with court dates it should be okay, but this is a bail bond mistake that could end up costing you your bail bond and the bail bond fee if the proper notification doesn’t take place.

Getting Arrested Again

Whether you get arrested for a new crime or commit the same crime again, the bail bondsman needs to know. The bail bondsman needs to know immediately because if a person is re-arrested, they can legally revoke the bond.

Not Following Bail Instructions

This is a bond mistake that can lead to no good. If you miss a court date or delay payment on a bond, this can lead you in serious trouble.

If you are needing bail bond services in Athens, GA, give the experts at Double O Bonding a call at (706) 353 – 6467 today.

Bail Bond Myths: Squashing 4 Common Myths About Bail Bonds

There are all sorts of bail bond myths that have been circulating for years. These myths vary from the bail bond process, how much money you owe, what you do once you are out on bail. Knowing what rules are true and false will help you navigate the bail bond process better. Here are four common bail bond myths for you to know.

4 Bail Bond Myths

Bail Bond Myth #1: You Can Only Pay in Cash

Considering bail bonds go up to thousands of dollars, it is kind of ridiculous to make someone pay cash only. However, every state and bail bondsmen are different, but for the most part, you can use cash, checks, credit cards, or even put up collateral.

Bail Bond Myth #2: You Can Negotiate Bail Bond Amount

Bail bondsmen have no say in how much your bail will be. They can help you get released but the judge is only on who can determine how much your bail will be.

Bail Bond Myth #3: You Can Only Be Bailed Out By A Family Member

If someone you know if over the age of 18 and has the resources to bail you out of jail, then they can do that.

Bail Bond Myth #4: Once You’ve Been Bailed Out, You Don’t Have to Return to Court

You must return to court after you’ve been bailed out. Forgetting to go to your set court date can lead to more trouble.

If you need bail bond services in Athens, GA call the professionals at Double “O” Bonding at (706) 353 – 6467 today!

 

Things To Know Before Contacting A Bondsman

Photo of contacting a bondsmanWhen a friend has been taken in by the police and assigned bail, you may be unsure how to proceed. In this situation, contacting a bondsman can help. However, there is some information you are going to need before contacting a bondsman. This information will tell the bondsman everything they need to get the ball rolling.  Make sure you have the following information to get started. 

Information to Have When Contacting a Bondsman

Where and Who Are They?

While you may know exactly who you are trying to help, a bondsman will need to know their full name and location in order to assist. Make sure if you have multiple police departments in your town that you find the correct full name and possibly the precinct number.

What is the Booking Number?

In order to process things easier, jails and police departments assign a booking number to each person being processed. This will be a point of reference between the jail and the bondsman for the case they are calling about. You can get this prior to calling the bondsman from the police.

What is the Bail Amount?

Bail is assigned by a judge. If your friend was picked up on a warrant or specific charges, a bail amount may already be assigned. This will help the bondsman expedite things when they arrive or call the police.

Once you have all this information, contact your local bondsman for assistance. Need bail bonds in Georgia? Call Double O Bonding today at (706) 353 – 6467 for bondsman services. 

Christmas Crime: Not So Nice Santa Claus

Photo of christmasThe Christmas season is a time of spreading cheer and good will to your fellow man. So no bad could possibly happen during this peaceful, happy time… Right? Wrong. Crime continues despite the season. Some crimes are even more strange than normal! We’ve compiled a short list of the strangest Christmas crimes involving Santa Claus himself.

Santa Claus Christmas Crimes

A Very Two By Four Christmas

Everyone loves going to your local mall to see jolly Santa with the kids. However, one Santa was not so merry as he beat a lady with a two by four. She reportedly stole a significant sum of Hersey’s kisses from Santa. In retaliation, Santa knocked the woman unconscious with the weighty board. He was arrested and received the charge of aggravated assault.

Santa Had Too Much Christmas “Spirits”

One family was shocked and scared to find a drunken Santa stumbling through their yard. He continuously shouted about his missing reindeer, insisting people call him if they find it. The children at the scene reported that this Santa was an impostor because Santa does not drink alcohol. 

Taking Breaking and Entering To A New Level

This gentleman was not dressed as Santa when he decided to attempt his crime. Instead, he tried to channel Old Saint Nick. One man attempted to break into a home by diving into a chimney. However, he got stuck. Once rescued by the firefighters, he was sentenced to nearly a year and a half in jail. This situation earned him the nickname “Santa Claus Burglar.”

Remember to stay safe during this holiday season. If you need bail services, call Double O Bonding at (800) 660-6467 today!

What To Look for in a Good Bail Bondsman

good bail bondsmanWhen you or your loved one has been arrested, there are a million though that are going through your head all at once. But more than likely the main thought that comes up is, “How can I make bail?” This is the time that you need to depend on an agency that you can rely on, but how do you know which one is going to be the ones to get the job done right? We’re here to let you know some of the things to look for in a good bail bondsman.

  • Professionalism: Granted, you won’t typically find a bail bondsman in full three-piece suit, but they should be courteous and knowledgeable. Any good bail bondsman will have a functioning website, phone number, and promptly return calls when necessary. A certified bail bondsman also has a current bail license that you can validate by simply checking it on state’s regulatory agency website.
  • Transparency: It’s important to always ask questions, especially if this is something that you’ve never dealt with before. A good bail bondsman should be very transparent throughout the entire process and be very forward with any information that they have, whether it be about their personal company or the situation at hand.
  • High Recommendations: Although you can use a search engine to find a local bail agency, word of mouth is the best way to find a bail bondsman that you can trust. There are a lot of underhanded companies out there, even ones that will call you saying that they represent the jailed person when they really don’t. It’s easier to trust a bail bondsman that someone you know has dealt before or at least has good reviews online.

Luckily for you, Double “O” Bonding is one of the most reputable bail bond agencies in Athens, GA serving various counties throughout the state. Call us today at (800) 660-6467.

Could You Be Denied Bail?

Photo of gavel, justice, trial, court, judgeDepending on the crime committed, there are cases where the arrested person will be denied bail. Because of the Bail Reform Act of 1984, a judge can revoke the right to post bail if the person is considered a danger to society. These are some of the offenses a judge will look at to determine whether a person will be permitted to post bail:

A judge will look at the crime that has been committed. Violent crimes and crimes that have harsh penalties such as life in prison or the death penalty, will have their right to post bail revoked. Drug charges that hold a penalty of a minimum of ten years in prison lose their ability to post bail as well. The judge will also look at the criminal history of the detainee and whether they are considered a repeat offender.

If a person is considered too dangerous to be allowed to leave jail, the judge must provide evidence with their ruling to deny release on bail. The accused is allowed to offer counter evidence to challenge the decision and attempt to have their right to post bail approved. From there it is up to the judge to decide the threat level the person poses to the public if released.

If you or a loved one has been arrested but cannot afford to post bail, contact Double O Bonding for bail bonds in Athens, GA. We are available 24/7 to help you get out of jail fast. Call us at (706) 353-6467 for more information on the bail services we provide.

Are These Really Laws?

Laws are put into place to regulate and maintain the integrity of society as a whole. Most laws have been in place well before any of us were around, so you could imagine some could be a bit outdated. Here are 10 of the most ridiculous laws in the state of Georgia.

  1. Acworth residents MUST own a rake.
  2. If you’re 16 years old or younger in Athens-Clarke County, you aren’t allowed to play pinball after 11:00 pm.
  3. If your store is going out of business, you need to obtain a business license to have a “Going Out of Business” sign.
  4. In Athens-Clarke County, selling alcohol in an adult bookstore is illegal.
  5. It’s against the the law to make strange sounds while at the fair.
  6. It’s illegal to live on a boat beyond 30 calendar days during a year, even if you’re just passing through the state.
  7. Members of the state assembly can’t receive speeding tickets if the assembly is underway.
  8. On Sunday, you cannot have an ice cream cone in your back pocket.
  9. You are not allowed to read your favorite book aloud in public after 2:45 am if you’re in Athens-Clarke County.
  10. You cannot bride someone with goldfish to enter a bingo game.

Granted, every state has their share of crazy laws, but we believe these are some wackiest laws in the country. And because they are still active laws, you can be fined or even arrested for violating any one of them. If you find yourself in a sticky situation and in need of bail bond services you can trust, be sure to call Double “O” Bonding at (706) 353-6467.

Celebrities Need Bail Bonds, Too!

bail bond services, person in handcuffsWe’re all human and we all make mistakes. Luckily, trusty bail bondsmen are here to help you through the situation when it has to deal with “Johnny Law”. But one thing that may come to you as a surprise is that not only regular people need bail bond services, celebrities do, too! Check out some of these well known stars that have been forced to utilize bail bonds on several occasions.

Katt Williams

This well known actor and comedian has had several run ins with the law where he had to seek the assistance of a local bail bondsman. Over the years, his situations have proven to be quite expensive, especially for his bail bondsman. For example, in 2009, Williams was charged with burglary in Georgia and his bail was $40,000, which was posted by his bail bondsman. Once he was released, Williams wasn’t able to make any payments on the posted bail and was later arrested for a second time for the lack of payment. He was then forced to pay his own bail of $10,000 to avoid being held until his hearing.

Lindsay Lohan

This starlet is most popular for her  issues with the law and time in rehab. After violating her probation on several occasions in 2010, she had to reach to her bail bondsman for assistance to post additional bail over an extended time to ensure that she remained out of jail until her hearing.

Nicholas Cage

The famous actor faced some severe charges, including disturbing the peace and domestic violence. Because of his public inebriation , he made a bad situation worse when he became involved in a physical altercation with the paparazzi. Cage ended up having to contact one of his good friends, Duane Chapman, better known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter”. Chapman was asked to post $11,000 to help Cage stay out of a tough situation.

So whether you’ve been charged with a DUI or drug possession, Double “O” Bonding is here for you! Make sure you give us a call at (706) 353-6467.

Bail Bonds Agents Aren’t the “Bad Guys”

It is completely understandable that you are not excited in the slightest to have to search for a bail bonds agent. In fact, that is likely a huge understatement. And who can blame you? Finding yourself in a situation where a friend or loved one has been arrested can be scary, overwhelming, and may find you in a tough spot, wondering how to best help out in the situation.

But when you find yourself in this spot, it’s worth it to quickly realize that bail bonds agents aren’t the so-called “Bad Guys.” It’s easy enough to associate anyone involved in this difficult process as an unwelcome presence in your otherwise peaceful life. (Police officers, judges, attorneys…they all get lumped in there too.) And while it’s understood that the days ahead aren’t easy or smooth, it’s worth noting that the standard perception of bail bonds agents is slightly skewed.

21704236_sThe role of a bail bonds agent has largely been distorted by the media and perceptions based on said media. In reality, bail agents are more like trusted insurance agents than they are bounty hunters. A fugitive recovery agent (the formal name of the much-sensationalized “bounty hunters” some have come to love while many hope to never encounter) has a very different role in the law-enforcement process. These two are commonly confused as the same person, but they couldn’t be more different.

When it comes to looking into bail options for a family member or friend who has been arrested, people may be surprised to learn that their bail bonds agent is actually an advocate for them…and for their loved ones! Sure, they help facilitate financial arrangements to bring the loved one home, but they are also a trusted, professional resource who can help navigate the many steps and obligations associated with posting bail.

Are looking for this kind of support as you plan to assist a loved one? Unsure where to start and what to do? Here’s an easy first step: give Double “O” Bonding a call at 706-353-6467. Let one of our professional, supportive bail bond agents help you get started and walk along side you the whole way!