There are many reasons that an immigrant could be allowed to immigrate to the United States. Among those legal reason is an immigrant that is seeking a visa as an asylum seeker. An immigrant can seek this type of visa if the person could not return to his or her country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

 The alleged persecution or fear of persecution must be well documented. Most asylum seekers arrive in the U.S. illegally, but legal non-immigrants could also apply for asylum, if they meet the requirements.  Asylum will be denied if the immigrant could be removed to a safe third country pursuant to a bilateral or multilateral agreement with the U.S. Also, asylum could be denied if the application was not filed within one year of arrival in the U.S. or if the immigrant’s previous asylum application was denied. If the immigrant is a persecutor, a security threat or has committed a serious crime, he or she likely will not be granted asylum.

 The process starts with the filing of Form I-589. The immigrant will be interviewed by an asylum officer who could grant asylum or refer the case to an immigration judge for further review. Once your case has been referred to an immigration judge, there is a possibility that it will be longer than a year for your case to be decided. In some cases, asylum seekers must wait out this long period of time in immigration detention until a decision is made.

As a matter of fact, people of United States of America have always welcomed immigrants from all over the world, as they have contributed towards the growth of America’s economy. Even the 43rd President of the United States of America, President Bush, on January 7, 2005 reaffirmed the resolve of the American people to welcome you to the U.S. with open arms, assuming that immigrants use legal means to gain entry into America.

The President, while acknowledging the contributions of immigrants to the development of the United States, stated “Many of you here today are Americans by choice, and you have followed in the path of millions. And over the generations we have received energetic, ambitious, optimistic people from every part of the world. By tradition and conviction, our country is a welcoming society. America is a stronger and better nation because of the hard work and the faith and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants.”  

There are many ways to enter America, though by far the best way is to enter as a legal immigrant. Should you decide to enter America as an illegal immigrant, the chances that you will need a knowledgeable and responsible bail bondsman will increase significantly. If you are detained for immigrations violations, it is important to know that 1800Libertad is there for you to help you secure your release so that you can carry on with your life once the judge has approved your application for bail.

Happy New Year! May this year bring happiness and peace of mind to our employees and to those that use our service. We at 1800Libertad will continue to offer assistance in the areas of immigration bond and traditional bail services. Our bi-lingual fully trained staff of professionals is able to respond to a clients needs during the confusing time that follows someone being arrested and placed in jail.

We are fully equipped to handle the most difficult situations that occur when someone is arrested. Our knowledge in both immigration and criminal bail bonds is second to none. We offer services twenty-four hours a day three hundred and sixty five days out of the year. Our agents are capable of answering any questions that you or your loved ones may have. During the sensitive time between being arrested and placed in jail awaiting bail, questions may arise. Questions that may come up can range from what rights you have, what do you do now that you have been arrested, what is a bail bond, what is collateral and what steps do you need to take to be released on bail to name just a few.

All of your concerns and questions can not only be answered by our agents via phone, but a great deal of information can be found on our website. We discuss the common types of bonds, the exact role of a bail agent and the responsibilities of a co-signer or obligator. Whether your crime deals with immigration laws or criminal laws, we are able to help. We have provided exceptional service in 2010 and will continue to do so for 2011.

We are thankful to those that have used our services and referred us to other people. Because of you we are able to offer our services in a multitude of states, helping people during an extremely difficult time. No one expects or tries to get in trouble, but unfortunately trouble does seem to happen when one least expects it. Ending up in jail is unpleasant and not everyone knows what to expect, what he or she should know or even what rights he or she has. Our team of professionals ensures that you will have all of the information you need. We can also discuss different collateral options to you and your loved ones, should your financial situation not be in a state where you can offer cash security.

Our website offers a vast array of information about the bail bonds process and the nature of bail bonds. We offer assistance in both English and Spanish. We will continue to make strides by providing the latest news regarding bail bonds in the United States. As we begin the New Year, we wish you well and thank you for your patronage.

The holiday season is full of cheer, singing carols, great food and gift giving. Unfortunately the crime rate seems to increase during the holiday season. With the hustle and bustle of the season, late night shopping and traveling the crime rate surges as opportunities seem to present themselves. Everyone wants to have a great time during the holidays, but there is a fine line between having fun and committing a crime. Certain crimes spike in frequency during this time of year, and those can include:

1.     Vandalism (pranks – such as stealing church nativities and outside decorations)

2.     Online crimes including fraud, fake charities, false listings of being in need

3.     Burglaries (home and car)

4.     Shoplifting

5.     Identity Theft

6.     Traffic Violations (DUI/ DWI, accidents, speeding violations)

7.     Shoplifting

8.     Drug offenses

9.     Violent crimes and disorderly conduct

10.  Theft (including petty theft)

Holiday stress can create situations where the chances of committing a crime or being accused of committing a crime are more likely. Taking time to relax, work out any problems or make arrangements and take your time while traveling can reduce the chance for accidents and potential criminal activity.

Don’t expect the court system to be more understanding during the holidays. You may find that your first appearance is delayed due to the courts being closed for holiday dates.

With traditional financial offices and banks on reduced or limited hours for the holidays, finding a reliable, quality bail bondsman is even more vital. Another complication can be the inability to contact and confirm your legal representation.

If you find that you have been arrested during the holiday season, depending upon the type of offense, you may be granted the ability to be released on bail. Bail allows you to remain out of jail until convicted of a crime. Bail bond services are included twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty five days out of the year by 1800Libertad. A quality bail bondsman can post your bond so that you can spend the holidays with your family and loved ones.

Quality bail bondsmen will posses the education, training and resources to provide efficient and professional services any day of the year. They will be capable if understanding your situation, if the crime is criminal or immigration in nature, and be able to explain to you and your family the necessary steps of the bonds process. 1800Libertad possess high caliber bail bondsmen that are equipped to deal with any bail bonds situation. Contact an agent today to answer any questions that may arise.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

This holiday season give yourself the gift of a new career. Becoming a bail bondsman is a great idea for someone that wishes to have a rewarding and exciting career. A bail bondsman is a person who arranges the bail for an individual who is accused of a crime. The accused offers cash or assets as collateral, which is in essence a form of guarantee that they will abide by the Judge’s ruling to appear in court on a certain day and time. There are perks to having a career as a bail bondsman. The need for bail bondsmen is on the rise. The number of people requiring the services of a bail bondsman is on the rise, and economic issues make it difficult for the accused to post their own bail. As such, the need is there, and needs to be filled by qualified and dedicated individuals.

1.     Pay: The pay is above average. For bail bondsmen that work independently, they receive 10% of each bond that is posted. If the bail bondsman works for an organization, they will receive a fair wage, along with benefits such as paid leaves, vacations and health care benefits.

2.     Age: Anyone who is 18 years or older can apply for the license, if they meet the required criteria. They need to pass the academic test, which is different in each state, proof of residency and have their fingerprints on file to name a few.  In addition most states will require a minimum deposit in a FDC approved bank as well as insurance coverage.

3.     Fulfillment: The career of a bail bondsman can be exciting and rewarding. Helping individuals can be extremely emotionally rewarding. If you are the type of person who likes to help others, you will find that this career might be the right one for you. Unlike many professions in areas that allow you to care for others, a career in the bail bond industry does not require years of specialized education.

4.     Certainty: If you strongly desire a change in your career, one that will be virtually recession proof where you can have the freedom to work for yourself if desired and earn an above average income (100,000 a year plus), consider becoming a bail bondsman. There is nearly always a need for bail bondsmen and women, regardless of the current economic climate.

1800Libertad has the need for qualified bail bonds agents all over the country. If you are interested in working with 1800Libertad, submit your inquiry today.

There are many reasons for wanting to stay out of trouble with the law, and one of the consequences for getting into trouble is the chance that time in prison may be the consequence for violating the law. One of the major issues that the prison system has is that they are seriously overcrowded. Studies have been done in the past that show different reasons causing the overcrowding. These include:

• • The War on Drugs
  • Increased strict sentencing
  • Fewer individuals being released on parole
  • Economic issues
  • Increase in number of repeat offenders

Economic issues are also a part of why prisons are so very full. Due to economic strains fewer people have the means to bail loved ones out of jail, increasing the number of individuals in jails and prisons. Simply put, the people who are committing crimes or being arrested for being suspected of committing a crime does not have the financial means to post bail. Their loved ones do not have the means or the collateral, to post bail either. The conditions for the prisoners don’t improve at all when the prisons become overcrowded.

Inmates may find that their access to education, vocational and rehabilitation are decreased with the increase of the prison population. This can create a feeling of competition among an unsteady group of individuals. This feeling of competition can cause outbreaks of violence among inmates, making the safety of the facility questionable. Misclassification of inmates also occurs, thus putting inmates with lesser offenses right beside those serving for more violent crimes. Placing mentally ill prisoners in general population is also a factor that can increase the potential for violence in the prison. The solutions for this situation can be described as controversial at best. While there are no easy solutions to the problem, one thing is known to be quite effective. Don’t commit a crime, and if you are accused, have the resources and knowledge available to secure your bond.

Working with a trusted bail bond company can be a huge asset for the accused. The bail bond company is aware of the legal system and can be of great value to the accused, offering sound advice and being supportive during a very delicate time. A bail bondsman can explain what collateral is, along with your specific responsibilities during the time between when you are released and your court date. You will want to adhere strictly to the instructions given, failure to do so can mean that you are returned to jail when you forfeit your bail.

The problem of overcrowding in the prison systems in the United States is not a new one, it has been heavily discussed and debated for the past two decades. A solution may not be in sight for the near future, but not adding to the problem is a pro-active way to aid the situation. If you should find yourself accused of a crime, listen to your bail bondsman.

Violating a bail bond is a huge problem. Not only will you be in trouble with the courts, but your bail bondsman will not be too thrilled with you either. Bail is money that is set and paid, allowing an individual to be released from jail while they wait for your trial. Typically, one has to pay 10% of the total bail amount. Before you are able to bail out of jail, the judge will set the terms for your release. The accused has the obligation to adhere to the terms set by the Judge, along with being in Court on the assigned date and time. If one cannot afford their bail, they often enlist the help of a reputable bail bondsman.

A bail bondsman will post bail for the person that is detained. Most often they are able to do this with something being held as collateral. Collateral can come in the form of property, automobiles, anything of value that an individual owns free and clear. The bail bondsman is making a promise by posting your bail that you will appear in court and adhere to the terms set by the judge. If you do not adhere to the agreed upon terms, you are in violation of the terms of their release. When you are in violation of the terms of your release, there are consequences.

Being in violation of the terms of release can result in a number of negative consequences.

• Lose the ability to reclaim bail money (This might also include whatever you have put up for collateral.)
• Being deported if you are being charged with immigration related violations.
• Going to jail. If you go to jail, you can lose your job, your income, and benefits. This is just one of the consequences of going to jail. There are many more. Jail is not a pleasant place.
• Face additional charges relating to your missed court dates, for example.

No consequence is ideal for the person having to deal with them. Consequences occur because a person has not done what they should have done, and society believes that they must learn a lesson from their transgressions. Instead of avoiding your obligation to the Court, the judge and your bail bondsman it is advisable that the accused adhere to the agreement made. Don’t violate bail bonds agreements; it will be quicker and less painful to deal with the issue at hand, head on.

You’ve been arrested, you have contacted loved ones and possibly a bail bond agent and your stress level is at a peak. Despite how stressful this situation can be, it is important to remain as calm as possible. This is important for your health both physically and emotionally. Putting yourself through unneeded stress will not make your experience a positive one. Additionally, people who remain calm are better able to think clearly and not say things that could be detrimental to their case. Remain calm and think clearly is a good mantra for any detainee.

Increased stress can cause you to respond poorly by saying something unintentional or by reacting in physical manner that would be inappropriate. Taking a few minutes to breathe and remain calm are great ways to avoid making a bad situation possibly worse. While it is tough in this situation, it is even more important to consider your actions and words before they happen. It is important to remember that the officers that booked you are not at fault. Remaining calm may improve the communication you have with those officers. Calm communication is important when speaking with your family members and especially your bail agent, as he or she will be better able to help you if they have a clear accounting of the situation. It is not beneficial to anyone if you are stressed out and unable to articulate your position.

Suggestions To Remain Calm:

1. Stay centered and focused.
2. Think about what you are going to say before you say it.
3. Be respectful and polite.
4. Take the time to breath and do your best to not get overly excited.
5. Communicate in a clear and concise manner.

It is not easy to think about remaining calm in a very stressful situation, such as being arrested, but it is a critical thing to remember. You can always ask your bail agent for assistance regarding any questions or concerns you may have. If you do not yet have a bail bond agent, your attorney is also a great source of information and help. Their job is to be of service to you and communicating with them effectively will make sure that the entire process is dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Remember that you are your own best friend, and your own worst enemy. It is important to consider what you want to do in your future before you make any statements to the authorities, as once you have said or done something, you can never take it back.

For a greater majority of us, our only experience with bail bonds is what we have seen in movies or on the television. Unfortunately for some people, they get up close and personal with the bail bond system, and as always it is better to understand the situation that you are in rather than having to learn as you go. In this blog post, we hope to dispel some of the commonly held myths of bail bonds and the people who provide them.

Myth 1

Bail is the same as bail bond. This is a misconception. Bail is the amount of money that the court requires from an individual before they are allowed to leave jail. Usually, people do not have the total amount in ready cash to post as a cash bond, and are therefore dependent upon a bail bondsman who will post what is called a surety bond as a guarantee that they person arrested and bonded out will appear for all of his court mandated appearances. This is only a small portion of the actual cash required, but often the bail bondsman will require some sort of collateral in order to ensure that you will hold up your end of the bargain. If you do not show up, the bail bondsman will be required to post the full cash bond, and you will forfeit whatever collateral you have put up to secure your release from jail.

Myth 2

Bounty hunters are not bail bondsmen. Thought this is a common misperception due to the proliferation of television shows, the two are completely different. Bail bondsmen will hire a bounty hunter in the event that a person does not show up for his or her intended court appearances.

Myth 3

One bail bondsman might be less expensive than another. This is not true. Bond is set by the court and the bondsman must follow that guideline. Typically there is an administrative or other fee tacked on to this, they are relatively consistent from one bail bondsman to another.

Finding a good bail bondsman, one that will walk you through the court procedures is very important to any person who has been arrested. It is also important to make sure that you find a reputable bail bondsman. While being arrested and placed in a cell, whether through a criminal or immigration infraction, is a very scary and confusing for the individual and the family,  working with an experienced bondsman will help you get through the process with as little disruption to your daily lives as possible.

We don’t plan on ending up in trouble, but when we do we need to make sure that we find the right person to be our bail bondsman.  Just look in the phonebook, there are tons of them, but you want someone you can rely on in your and your family’s time of need.  What are some qualities that you want in a bail bondsman? Honesty, knowledge of the law, compassion and being forthright are qualities your bail bonds agent should possess.

Your bail bonds agent should understand the difference between the different crimes that landed you in trouble.  As a defendant, there is a difference between being arrested for a DUI and being arrested for Breaking and Entering.  Both have the possibility of carrying harsh sentences, but the details of each accused crime are different.  Your Bail Bondsman must be able to communicate effectively the steps that you must take to be initially released from jail, if that is an option for your case.  The Bail Bondsman should also be able to explain to your family and loved one’s what is necessary if bond is to be posted.  Being arrested is a difficult time for your family as well as the defendant, and compassion and empathy are necessary skills to possess.  The bail bond agent must understand that the process of bailing someone out of jail or posting an immigration bond can be time consuming, confusing and expensive.

Do not be afraid to ask your potential bonds agent important questions to make sure they have a solid understanding of the bail process.  They should understand the difference between criminal bonds and immigration bonds and the types of bond the Judge can request. There are surety bonds, cash bail, property bonds, released on personal recognizance, unsecured personal bonds, secured personal bond, pre-trial release bonds and bail review. Once the bond is posted, the defendant can usually be released. It is imperative that the defendant fully understands the conditions of the bond.  The bond acts as a promise that the defendant will show up at the court date appointed by the Judge.  If  someone other then the defendant posted the bail bond, that individual must understand the consequences if the defendant decides to ‘jump’ bail. The individual posting bond must also understand what can and cannot be used as collateral for the bond.  These are all details that a reputable and responsible bail bond agent and bail bond agency will provide.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Know your rights, the bail bondman will probably charge you 10% of the bond, make sure you have discussed the rates and have an understanding of the fees. Bonds vary by state, as laws vary by state, the bail bonds agent or company needs to have a firm grasp of what is required in your state. Remember that you are dealing with a professional, and they should act accordingly, in your best interest.

Keep in mind that there are things the bail bonds agent will expect from their client, in order to make this entire process run smoothly. Being truthful is the main thing that is expected on both ends of this working relationship.  Having to deal with bailing a loved one out is a frightening enough experience, make sure that you understand what to expect from your bail agent and what they expect from you.  This will ensure a good working relationship that will benefit both parties.

They have been around since 1898, established by Tom and Peter P. McDonough in San Francisco. Bail bondsman are exclusively found in the United States.  A bail bondsman is any person which will act as surety and pledge money or property as bail for the appearance of a criminal defendant in court.  They are usually in the business of catering to criminal defendants.  This is not  a traditional nine-to-five schedule.  It takes certain skills to be effective as a good bail bondsman.  It also takes an understanding of people and what exactly your duties will be.

Do You Have These Skills?

• Good verbal skills: When a person is emotionally upset due to the stress of a loved one or even a good friend being held in jail, it is very important that they understand what they are signing. Good verbal skills and honest communication are vital to their understanding of the legal processes and the chances they are taking to free someone from jail under their signature on the dotted line. They need to understand their responsibilities as the co-signer or obligator.

• Patience: People are going to ask you questions when they are having trouble understanding the process of how to free someone from jail. It is especially important to answer each question completely as to avoid confusion. You want the people involved to have a complete understanding of the situation, the risk and the responsibility.

• Empathy: Imagine talking to someone whose loved one has committed a crime? You should choose your words carefully and have empathy for the people involved.

• Confidence: This is necessary when dealings are conducted with the court in order to set limits on the amount of money needed to have someone released.

• Follow through: Amy delays can cause complications, on you and your business along with complications for the individual and family that may be involved..

What does the job entail:

It is important to remember that each state has different requirements for becoming a bail bondsman. A bail bondsman acts as an agent for someone that has been arrested and has had their bail set.  The bail bondsman will receive a call from the arrested party saying how much they will have to pay in order to be released, until their court date. The bail bondsman may ask for additional collateral to reduce the risk of flight by the client.  This will be above the usual ten to fifteen percent of the total bail that has been charged.

A bail bondsman must understand the characteristics of a variety of crimes, this knowledge is obtained through proper training.  There is a difference between drug possession and armed robbery, in accordance to how to deal with the client and an understanding of how the court will deal with those offenders. A bail bondsman must also understand the differences between criminal bail bonds and immigration bail bonds.

A bail bondsman must be licensed and they must have insurance.  This offers protection from clients who fail to appear.  These clients are often referred to as ‘jumpers’. This is something that a future bail bondsman must consider as a risk.  If the client becomes a ‘jumper’, the bail bondsman is required to pay the originally ordered bail.   The bail can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Other considerations, a bail bondsman does not work the typical 9-5, as stated earlier.  They are often getting calls at all times and are technically on-call 24/7.  It is also important to realize that this is potentially dangerous work, it is not predictable and can be physically demanding. It is not a career choice for everyone, but it is extremely rewarding for the right individual.

If you are interested in becoming a bail bond agent, you must be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Your first step should be to check if the state in which you want to become a bondsman allows commercial or private bail bond services.

If you are a licensed bail bond agent and would like to find out more information about becoming a 1-800-Libertad Network Member, submit an inquiry.