247 Bailbonds

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  • George Zimmerman Bail: Judge Sets Trayvon Martin Shooter’s Bond At $1 Million

    George Zimmerman Bail: Judge Sets Trayvon Martin Shooter’s Bond At $1 Million

    In 2012 a Florida judge decided that George Zimmerman could be released from jail — the second time — if he posted a $1 million bail. When questioned, Judge Kenneth Lester said he believed Zimmerman might have been hiding money with the intention of fleeing America.

    Lester had originally set Zimmerman’s bond at a much lower figure — $150,000. When the judge found out from prosecutors that Zimmerman and his wife had lied about the amount of money they had, Lester revoked the lower amount and hit him with the $1 million.

    Despite being under electronic monitoring, the judge acknowledged that Zimmerman could have fled America and taken $130,000 of other people’s money with him.  Zimmerman raised the money through a website created for his legal defense but failed to mention the money at his initial bond hearing. Shellie, Zimman’s spouse, told the judge the pair had ‘limited resources’ as she was a student and George wasn’t working.

    “Under any definition, the defendant has thumbed his nose at the system,” Lester wrote in revoking the lower bond. “The defendant had attempted to manipulate the system when he was given the opportunity.”

    Florida law requires that defendants receive bond if they don’t pose a threat and can assure they’ll show up for trial. In addition to being monitored, Zimmerman was forbidden to open a bank account, get a passport and meet a 6 pm to 6 am curfew.

    Prosecutors told the judge that Zimmerman and his wife spoke in code during jailhouse conversations about how to transfer donations to separate bank accounts. In one instance, Zimmerman asked his wife how much money they had, “$155,” she replied. Prosecutors informed they judge they felt that was code for $155,000. In other conversations, references by the pair were made to ‘Peter Pan’ which prosecutors claimed were code for PayPal.

    In August 2013, Shellie Zimmerman pled guilty to reduced misdemeanor perjury charges for lying about bank transfers she made following Zimmerman’s arrest but before the bond hearing.

    Zimmerman’s lawyer, Mark O’Mara, questioned why his client was in jail at all saying Martin’s actions led to his death. O’Mara finally chose against calling Zimmerman to the stand the second time as Zimmerman apologized to Martin’s family during his first trip to the witness box.

    Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin, 17, on February 26 at a gated community in Sanford, Florida.

    Since Zimmerman’s acquittal, he has had other run-ins with the police including five incidents in 2013 and the following years.

  • Aw, shucks! Businessman sentenced to two years in prison… for falsely selling non-organic CORN

    Aw, shucks! Businessman sentenced to two years in prison… for falsely selling non-organic CORN

    Oregon Man Goes to Prison Over Counterfeit Corn

    Harold Chase, 55, managed to double his profits nicely by fudging on corn. Originally held on $1 million bond (retrieved by our Las Vegas bail bonds agents) Judge Ann Aiken gave Chase 27 months behind bars to think about his indulgence and the potential damage he could’ve done. Chase’s crime? He falsely labeled corn purchased from everyday growers as high-end, USDA-certified organic.

    Aiken also noted that Chase had harmed the community’s trust in the local farmer’s market as well as ignored the areas keen interest in pesticide-free foods. US Attorney Amanda Marshall told reporters that Chase’s crime not only harms the local community but damaged the organic industry.

    “The defendant willfully undermined an entire regulatory scheme because of greed,” Aiken said. “Consumers are supposed to know — and trust — what they are feeding to their families.”

    Chase dreamed up the elaborate scheme in November 2009 and almost immediately doubled his profits.

    For USDA-organic certification, produce cannot be grown with synthetic fertilizer, grown with pesticides or manipulated through bioengineering. As organic products cost more than non-organic products, there was a built-in incentive for Chase.

    Chase purchased the corn as he used different aliases when dealing with multiple (conventional) corn growers. Most of the produce was then sold to Oregon companies for their use in organic products.

    When handling the buyers, Chase claimed the corn originated from a USDA-certified organic grower. The buyers relied on the falsely labeled corn in their commodities which were sold, to the public, as USDA-certified organic.

  • Battle over bail bonds

    Battle over bail bonds

    A so-called “bailout” for the bail bond industry is dissolving into political gamesmanship as the legislation advances to the House floor.

    The sponsor, a future House speaker, stripped controversial language last month to disarm a skeptical panel — but restored a similar provision Monday with the consent of friendlier lawmakers.

    And now a prominent bail bond business is being criticized for hosting a fundraiser for state Rep. Sandy Adams just three days after she helped pushed the bill through her committee.

    “This whole thing smells,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Col. Jim Previtera.

    The measure would eliminate pretrial release programs operated in several Florida counties by limiting eligibility only to indigent, nonviolent defendants.

    It also revokes a county’s ability to charge a fee, with exceptions for court-ordered GPS monitoring and rehabilitation programs.

    BARBED EXCHANGES

    It’s a polarizing battle, drawing barbed exchanges in hearings as the bail bond industry fights what it sees as an overzealous government competing with business.

    The local entities — led by sheriffs — contend the measure will make it harder for defendants to get out of jail and cost taxpayers millions more to house and feed inmates awaiting trial.

    The debate consumed the House Criminal and Civil Justice Policy Council for more than an hour before it easily won approval. It now goes to the full House but faces an uphill battle in the Senate.

    In advancing it, Rep. Chris Dorworth, the anointed House leader in 2014, drew criticism for his tactics. He helped add a controversial provision after previously deleting similar language in a committee where he needed the support of a Democrat, who gave it an edge, 6-5.

    Dorworth said the new language was a compromise that lets judges determine if a defendant is indigent and able to participate in the pretrial programs.

    But Rep. Perry Thurston, a Plantation Democrat, suggested it appeared disingenuous.

    “I think it’s potentially an attempt to do through the back door what he couldn’t do through the front door,” he said.

    FUNDRAISER

    Adams, R-Orlando, who is running for Congress, is also drawing rebukes from critics.

    The president and lobbyist for Accredited, a prominent Central Florida bail bond insurer, hosted a fundraiser for Adams on March 29, just days after her House criminal justice budget committee passed the bill.

    “It is very clear to me that when you have special interests with influence, these influences sometimes get preference over taxpayer’s interests,” said Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats.

    Adams, a former sheriff’s deputy, said she supported the bill but didn’t lobby for it. She disputed the timing. “I never thought of it that way,” she said. “It had no bearing.”

    The event raised at least $10,000.

    Deborah Jallad, the Accredited president, said she is a friend of Adams and also rejected any insinuations about the close timing of the vote and the fundraiser.

    State law forbids lawmakers from raising campaign cash during the 60-day legislative session but provides exemptions for those running for Congress.

    All together, Accredited donated $15,000 to state lawmakers in the 2010 cycle and other bail bond companies added thousands more.

    Dorworth, the sponsor, received more than $4,000. He said it didn’t influence his efforts.

    Originally posted on Miami Herald

  • Las Vegas Detention Center Inmate Information

    Las Vegas Detention Center Inmate Information

    All individuals arrested on a misdemeanor offense within city limits are booked into the detention center located at 3200 Stewart Avenue.

    Search for an Inmate

    Processing and Bail
    Processing of arrestees is designed to reduce the anxiety level for new arrestees. The booking process ensures:

    • Arrestees are properly identified.
    • Paperwork submitted by arresting agency is complete and accurate.
    • Arrestees’ personal property, money receipts and other miscellaneous items are properly recorded.
    • Arrestees are seen by medical for a health screen.
    • Completion of the fingerprint process.
    • Arrestees remain in custody pending court arraignment, bail, bond, release on their own recognizance, and/or sentencing.

    Bail information can be obtained by calling (702) 229-6460. The bail unit is located at 3200 Stewart Avenue and can be accessed through a pedestrian gate off Stewart Avenue. On-street parking is available.

    Inmate Visitation Schedule

    Saturday
    Unit 1            6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    Unit 3 –         7 a.m. – 10 a.m. (North Las Vegas males ~ general population)
    Unit 4 –         9 p.m. – 10 p.m. (males only)
    Unit 7 –         9 p.m. – 10 p.m. (males only)

    Sunday
    Unit 2 –         7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
    Unit 5 –         7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
    Unit 6 –         7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
    Unit 7 –         9:30 a.m.– 10 a.m. (females only)

    All visitors must be pre-approved prior to visitation. Inmates are required to submit the name (first, middle and last) and date of birth of all persons seeking visitation privileges. Each visitor shall produce proper photo identification prior to securing a visit. On-street parking is available at the blue visitation gate located midway between Mojave and Pecos on Stewart Avenue. Please allow at least 30 minutes check-in time prior to visitation. A person may be denied visitation if he or she:

    • Is wearing improper attire.
    • Is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
    • Is a convicted felon.
    • Has been incarcerated at the Detention Center within the last six months.
    • Has outstanding warrants.
    • Is on active probation, parole or any other form of conditional release.
    • Shows substantial evidence to constitute a threat to the inmate or security of the facility.

    Legal Visits
    Legal visits are provided Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call (702) 229-1786 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday to schedule an appointment time. All visitors, including attorneys and anyone accompanying the attorney, must be pre-approved. A valid picture identification card is required for admittance.

    Mail Rules
    Mailing address:

    Example:
    Inmate Name:                 John Doe
    ID#:                                998877
    Facility:                           City of Las Vegas Detention Center
    Address:                         3300 Stewart Avenue
    City, State, Zip Code:     Las Vegas, NV 89101

    • Inmates are authorized to receive written correspondence.
    • Do not send photographs as they are not permitted.
    • Packages are not permitted.
    • If inmates receive unauthorized mail, it will be returned. If it does not have a return address, it will be returned to the post office dead letter file.

    Placing Money on an Inmate’s Books
    You can place money on an inmate’s books:

    • Online – at the Access Corrections web site.
    • By Phone – call (866) 345-1884 toll free.
    • In Person – using a deposit kiosk located inside the Detention Center Administration Building at 3300 Stewart Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101.  The kiosk is available 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.

    All three options accept credit/debit card payments and the kiosk also accepts cash. Money deposited is posted immediately to the inmate’s account.

    Effective July 5, 2009, money orders will no longer be accepted to deposit money in an inmate’s account.

    Property Release
    There are two ways property releases can be initiated: the inmate housed in the units can request a property release form from an officer, or an outside person can request the property release form at the bail window. Both requests require the completion of a property release form. All property requests will be processed during the designated times only. Property releases will entail releasing all of the inmate’s property or all of the inmate’s money. This includes property/money releases for bail purposes.

    Property release times are:
    Day Shift   8-10 a.m.
    Night Shift 8-10 p.m.


    Classification and Inmate Programs
    While in custody, inmates receive a wide variety of support services including 24-hour medical care, personal and group counseling, weekly religious services, library, commissary, visitation and recreational activities.

    While at the detention center, inmates are assigned a variety of jobs. Job assignments are designed to prepare the inmates for re-integration into society by teaching them work and social skills.

    Release Information
    For the safety of the inmate, we do not give out the release time, which varies daily. Male inmates are released at the corner of 1st Street and Lewis Avenue. Female inmates are released at the corner of 1st Street and Lewis in daylight hours. After dark, female inmates are released at City Hall, located at Stewart Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.

    General Information
    To obtain information about inmates housed within the city detention center, please call (702) 229-6444.  For other area detention centers, please contact:
    Clark County Detention Center, (702) 671-3900
    North Las Vegas Detention Center, (702) 633-1400
    Henderson Detention Center, (702) 267-4652

    For questions not answered above, please use the following numbers:

    • CLV Inmate Information, (702) 229-6444
    • NLV Inmate/Bail Information, (702) 633-1400
    • Bail information, (702) 229-6460
    • Attorney Visits, 229-1786
    • Warrants, (702) 38-COURT
    • Administration, (702) 229-6617

  • Is Bail tax deductible?

    No. Bail is not tax-deductible. Bail is actually not like a tax. The only reason that you might think it was like a tax is because it is a payment that is made to the government. However, bail is actually a guarantee that helps to ensure that you will return to court in order to stand trial for a crime that you have been accused of committing.

    When you are arrested and put into jail, you are given the option of posting bail. If you post the full amount of the bail on your own (without the help of a bail bonding agency) then you will get a full refund for the amount of the bail bond as long as you turn up in court to stand trial. The only time that you will actually lose money in a bail situation is if you enlist the help of a bail bonding agency.

    A bail bondsman will generally require a down payment for the amount of the bail that is about ten percent of the total bail. The bail bonding agency will then provide the additional 90 percent of the bail bond for the court. As such, you are paying the bail bonding agency to pay for your bail. The bail bonding agency will then get a full refund of the amount of money that was required for your bail. However, you will not get any of that money back.

    To recap, bail is not tax deductible and is not actually a tax.

  • Outside bail agents face charges if try to make arrest in S.C.

    Outside bail agents face charges if try to make arrest in S.C.

    If a bail agent from another state tries to make an arrest in South Carolina, they may face stiff penalties although there is no written law to stop them.

    “We are not going to allow anyone to come here and arrest someone,” says Willie Seawright with the state’s Department of Insurance in Columbia. “If we find out, we will take action.

    “We run a tight ship in South Carolina,” says Seawright who is over the department that regulates professional and surety bail agents as well as runners. “If you are not fully informed, you cross state lines and you may be looking at kidnapping charges.”

    But bail agents have a different view. Bottom line – there is no law to stop agents from coming in to South Carolina to make an arrest.

    “South Carolina does not have a law that says an agent from another state cannot arrest a client here,” says Mike Curley, president of state’s Bail Agents Association.

    It’s an unwritten rule, Seawright says. But it’s in accordance with the state laws, he says.
    No one can act as a bail agent in South Carolina without being licensed and one requirement is that the person has to be a resident, according to the state’s Code of Laws 38-53-90.

    “You may present this to these agents, but you can’t make them follow the rules,” Seawright says.

    Still, South Carolina is not the only state that has these rules. North Carolina has taken a similar stance.

    “Even if they are licensed in another state, they must be licensed here to act as a bail bondsman,” says Kristin Milam, spokeswoman for the North Carolina Department of Insurance. “It is a misdemeanor so we can arrest them. Our investigation’s division can arrest some body who is acting as a bail bondsman without a license and actually we have made those kinds of arrests in the past.”

    Curley says he isn’t aware of any such law in North Carolina.

    “We go there all the time” Curley says. “I’ve never had any trouble in North Carolina.”

    Mark Cartret, president of the North Carolina Bail Agents Association, says a properly licensed surety from another state may come in his state and arrest their “skip” at any time.

    “Whomever said outside agents cannot come into North Carolina and arrest their skip is factually wrong,” says Carteret, who has been licensed as a bail agent for 15 years. “Out of mere reciprocity alone, licensed bondsmen and their agents operate here all of the time, apprehending skips.
    “I have been to more than half a dozen states to apprehend skips and never had any problem. I have also did pick-ups in Canada and Mexico, working with the proper authorities of course.”

    At question is the interpretation of the U.S. Supreme Court  ruling Taylor vs. Taintor which says bail agents can pursue their clients into another state.

    “They may exercise their right in person or by agent. They may pursue him into another state; may arrest him on the Sabbath; and if necessary, may break and enter his house for that purpose,” according to the 1872 ruling, which has not been overturned.

    “Everyone has changed their laws to make sure their citizens are protected,” Seawright says. “A lot of bail bondsmen may use the Supreme Court ruling to their advantage to get their clients, but you have to look at the laws of each state. In some states you can’t perform the duty of bail bondsman or runner.”

    This has been a hot topic many times says Linda Braswell with the Professional Bail Agents of the U.S. – the only national association for bail agents.

    “The uniform extradition code gives you the right to pursue a defendant, but it doesn’t give you the right to cross state lines if it goes against that state’s version,” Braswell said.

    An estimated 14,000 commercial bail agents nationwide secure the release of more than 2 million defendants annually, according to Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report. Four states do not allow commercial bail including Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon and Wisconsin.

    “Some states are doing nothing but creating a haven for people to run to,” Curley said. “If you don’t let a bondsman come in and get the people they are looking for, that’s what you’re creating.”

    The regulators say the agents have to go through law enforcement and they will make the arrest, although it’s not written in the law.

    “Let me know when that happens,” Curley said. “Law enforcement is not going to help you unless the person is in the NCIC.”

    And mainly felonies are entered into the national crime database for offenders, officials say.
    Seawright says if bail agents fail to contact the local law enforcement and have them make the arrest, the insurance department’s legal office will write up the violation and forward it to the Attorney General’s office.

    So far the state hasn’t had any reports of a violation.

    Officials with the Attorney General’ office in both states says the issue lies with the regulators.

    States such as Georgia has it in their law that bail agents have to contact the local law enforcement before making an arrest.

    In Georgia, bail agents are regulated by law enforcement.

    “They must go through the sheriff’s department,” says Fulton County Sheriff’s Sgt. Gerald Johnson. “They just can’t come into our state and start taking people. That doesn’t happen. They can go to jail for that.”

    Johnson said the agents can be charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and other violations based on what happens at the scene.

    Frank Richardson, a bail agent in South Carolina, says to be safe he always contact law enforcement before entering that state to make an arrest.

    Still to wait on an officer to arrest a runaway client is not prudent, he says.

    “Sometimes you can’t even get the police in your city to assist you to pick your person up,” Richardson said. “A lot of times they won’t do it.”

  • Bounty Hunter William “Cobra” Staubs Wants His Freedom Back

    One of the people at the center of the Haleigh Cummings case is William Eugene Staubs, aka “Cobra,” a bounty hunter from Fort Lauderdale, FL, who has been involved in several high profile cases over the years, including the O.J. Simpson case and the take-down of an alleged terrorist in Fort Campbell, KY.

    Despite an impressive record, which, by his count, includes the capture of over 8,000 fugitives – 199 of whom he says were child molesters – Staubs now finds himself at the center of his own criminal investigation – a case which he claims has been manufactured to silence him.

    According to Staubs, he got involved in the Haleigh case just weeks after the tot was reporting missing by her father, Ronald Cummings.

    “Pastor Richard Grund (father of Jesse Grund – Casey Anthony’s former fiancé) got a call from a woman who was involved in the case, and she told him that there was something really wrong going on in this little girl’s disappearance,” Staubs said in an interview with Criminal Report Daily. “She said ‘we need some type of investigator. These people are poor; they don’t have any money.’ So Pastor Grund contacted me, and we discussed it. I asked him what he thought and he said, ‘I will tell you right now; it isn’t going to be easy. It is going to be dangerous, so I suggest you prepare yourself.’ So I called journalist Art Harris and asked him to come down to Satsuma to go behind the scenes with me, and I headed down there to get started.”

    Staubs says that within his first week in Satsuma he was able to meet with Haleigh’s family and local police, during which time he uncovered a lot of inside information in the case. In addition, he also claims to have actively searched wooded areas in an attempt to find Haleigh.

    Moments after arriving on the scene, Staubs was joined by two police officers, who stood watch as he threw the man to the ground and handcuffed him (click here to view video of the event as shot by Art Harris) before putting him into his vehicle for transport to the county jail. It was during that trip that Staubs says he received a call from people at the insurance company, who, he claims, said they had changed their mind, and told him to release the man.

    The company in question, Continental Heritage, has not returned calls to Criminal Report Daily regarding the case; however, in a May interview with artharris.com, they said they never gave Staubs permission to make the pick-up.

    “Cobra called me to say what he wanted to do, and I made clear [that] he in no way represented Chuck’s Bail Bonds, C.E. Parish or Continental Insurance. As a private citizen, he can go talk to someone, but I told him, ‘Do not represent yourself as an agent of the company,” general agent Roger Capener told Harris, adding, “I just don’t understand Cobra. He’s made pickups before, even caught a terrorist with bombs. But after he called a friend of mine in the business to intercede for him on Snodgrass, I said, ‘Where is this guy coming from?’ Then he calls back and says, ‘Don’t worry, I got the guy handcuffed.’ I said, ‘Are you CRAZY? Are you nuts? Have you lost your mind?’ You don’t do things like that, even if you have permission from a company to go talk to a guy.’ He’s a loose cannon. Who would give permission to wrestle a guy to the ground and put handcuffs on him? That’s an instant lawsuit in our business … What Cobra did was stupid.”

    As a result of the incident, Staubs was arrested and charged with a single felony count of false imprisonment. He was placed in the county jail and held for a brief period of time before being released on a $5,000 bond.

    “They told me that what I done was illegal and I asked them to please look at the state statute – that I am equal to a police officer and that I have the right of arrest and I can detain him for as long as I need to,” Staubs said. “It doesn’t say in the statute that if, at any time, the insurance company starts arguing with the pickup guy, that you can charge him with false arrest or false imprisonment. You can’t. They violated me … What it’s come down to is the insurance company is trying to protect their assets and everything. They say we never authorized him, so now I am in a fight … They are charging me with one statute and another statute says I am innocent.”

    Staubs believes that the entire ordeal came about, in part, due to information he uncovered in the Haleigh case – information that he says made certain people uncomfortable.

    “I tried to help them in any way I could,” he said. “Me being a bondsman and a private investigator, I can work real good. [If] they didn’t want me there, they should have had the nerve [to tell me] just like they told Geraldo [Rivera] to leave [and] Tim [Miller] from EquuSearch to leave. They should have told me, ‘Hey Cobra, we got this. I appreciate everything you tried to do, but we got this and you’re kinda making some folks nervous.’”

    According to Staubs, prosecutors have offered him a deal in exchange for admitting he was wrong; however, he claims to have turned it down.

    “They offered a deal. They tried to give me a PTI [pre trial intervention]. Well a PTI is 18 months, but the problem is there is a clause in there that I have to admit that I did wrong. If I did that – being an officer of the county – my testimony would no longer be reliable.”

    If convicted of the charge against him, Staubs faces a 5 year prison term and the possible revocation of his bondsman license. Neither option is very appealing to him; however, he says the possibility that he might miss his daughter’s upcoming wedding weighs on him even more.

    September 18, 2009

  • Different Bail Bond Amounts for Various Offenses

    I have noticed a huge difference in the amount of bail from one offense to the other. What kind of categories draw what kind of bail amounts? For example, would there be a difference between bail for speeding and bail for an OSHA violation?

    You’re right in noting that there can be a huge difference the amount of bail from one offense to the other. In general, the assumptive bail for crimes can range between about $7,500 and $1 million, depending on the offense and other factors that the judge might take into consideration when determining the bail amount. A judge might also deny bail or let a defendant out of jail on his or her own recognizance.

    There are five basic penal code categories, which are:

    • General
    • Welfare and institutions
    • Health and safety
    • Business and Professions
    • Vehicle Codes

    When you look at the bail amounts for penal code violations within each of these categories, you will find that many of the violations are within the same assumptive bail band. Plus, while some criminal violations may seem like the same thing, the penal system views them differently. For example, burglary may have an assumptive bail between $15,000 and $30,000 for violation of penal code 459. However, burglary with explosives violated penal code 464 and has an assumptive bail of $50,000. It should also be noted that burglary with explosives is a felony, while burglary with tools (penal code violation 466) is only a misdemeanor, but it has the same assumptive bail rate.

    In terms of the difference between bail for speeding and bail for an OSHA violation, as you can imagine, there are a number of variations to each penal code violation that can change the assumptive bail amount by a great deal.

    In any event, when it comes to posting bail, the bail bonding agencies will treat every type of penal code violation the same way. Bail bondsmen will general post bail no matter what the penal code violation, as long as the defendant is able to come up with a ten percent down payment on the amount of the bail.

  • Bail FAQ

    Everything you need to know about Bail

    History of Bail Bonds

    The concept of bail dates back to the origination of English law. Sheriffs knew that long periods of time could pass from the arrest to the trial date or preliminary these sheriffs managed the jail and were frequently the bail officers. At that time, jails were easy to escape from; and keeping someone in prison was costly and problematic. By law, a sheriff whose prisoner escaped was hung for the offense. In addition, the jail environment was unsanitary; and prisoners could die before trial. Bail bonds posted by friends and family, who took the responsibility for the accuser’s court appearance, then became the prison release of choice. The thought behind this idea consists of the belief that the family will keep track of the accused instead of forfeiting their property, Due to the strong family tie; it was assumed that the accused would appear for trial to protect the interest used for his bail. In addition, bail prevented the punishment of imprisonment until the accused was found guilty of the crime. These ideas later became part of the U.S. legal system and are protect in the right to due process in the event of a criminal offense.

    Pretrial Detention

    May be ordered by a judge when defendant is a threat to the community or risk of flight.

    Why Bail Bonds Work

    Being private enterprise more defendants will appear for trial with out cost to taxpayer or government.

    Bail Licenses

    In many states, the bail bondsman is required to obtain a license from the state insurance commission. The minimum age requirement to obtain a ba1l bondsman license is 18 years old, In many instances, twelve hours of pre-licensing class time are required. This class time covers the legal aspects of providing bail bonds, including the rights of the accused and ethical a business practices. A surety company bond for usually 1 thousand dollars is also required to be filed along with the state department of insurance application. Copies of all of the agreements used in business should also be provided for review by the insurance commission. Fingerprints are also required to be on file with the application. Applicant must pass the department of insurance’s written exam. Most licenses are issued to individuals and are valid for one year. License renewal requires an additional fee and six additional classroom hours. For additional information on the bail bond licensing process, contact your state insurance commission.

    Bail Bondsman Code of Ethics

    The behavior of bail bondsmen is covered by a code of ethics. The code of ethics specifies the bond agents’ duties regarding their clients, community, and competition for clients. Bondsmen owe their clients the best effort to post bail within a specific time frame. A bond agent also has the obligation to turn down clients in certain instances. Specialized bonds should be handle be experienced bond agents. A bond agent should tell the client if they’re unable to handle the bonding situation. Bond agents have the responsibility to exercise care and protect the personal property put up for collateral aspects of using collateral should also be familiar to the bond agent. Bondsmen are liable for negligent acts regarding the collateral or business dealings. The bond agent should not discriminate based on race, religion, or national origin. The bond agent should also operate fairly to avoid conflicts with other licensed bond agents. The bondsman should make every effort to explain the disclosure agreements and bail documents. Additional information on the code of ethics can be obtained from a bail bondsman in your area.

    Confidentiality Relationship with Bail Bondsman

    A bail bond service provides a confidential source of funds for your bail. The services of a bail bond agent can prevent you form going to friends, family, banks, and other financial sources to obtain the bail amount. Using a bail bondsman allows you to complete the paperwork in one sitting. This prevents headaches and allows you to focus on your defense. You can easily determine and sign over collateral items at one time. It prevents the need to transfer funds at a numerous financial institutions. The bonding services allows you to maintain some control over your defense. You can easily determine and sign over collateral items at one time. It prevents the need to transfer funds at a numerous financial institutions. The bonding services allow y0o to maintain some control over your circumstances and the information regarding the charges pending against you. Bond agents work in your corner to gain you release as soon as possible. Although confidentiality is not guaranteed by the code of ethics most Bond agents use discretion.

    The bondsman should provide complete disclosure of the bond process and release advice while and attorney is present if possible. For additional information on bail bond agent confidentiality, contact a bail bondsman. Bail bond services offer many convenience features. Bail bondsmen are familiar with the procedures to gain your release from jail. They can use their experience to help you gain a faster release. A great majority of bond agents are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or all hours of jail operation. This allows you to gain release when a bail amount is known. Bond agents are able to complete the paperwork in normally one meeting, either in their office of at the jail facility. Bail bondsmen have the ethical obligation to inform you of any facts that would normally be of interest to you while applying for a bail bond. They will explain the disclosure forms so you understand what you’re signing. Some bail bond agencies can even help prevent arrest by posting a bail bond for you in another jurisdiction where you may have a charge pending against you. Speak with a bail bondsman to learn more about their convenient service features.

    Payment Arrangements

    When you need to post bail, payment arrangements van make a big difference, may bail bond agencies now accept credit cards to cover the premium payments needed to secure the bond. Automatic teller machine cards may also be accepted at some agencies depending on the charge, some motor vehicle emergency clubs my provide bail bond assistance. The majority of them cover exclusively traffic violation nm and guaranteed bond amounts vary. Financing premium payment may also be available. Payment arrangements are the sole discretion of the bond agent. Bond agents can request the maximum legal premium payment to take less with additional installment payment plans. Payment agreements are specific to each bail bond. The more willing the bond agent is to work with you to come up with the funding for a premium payment; the faster you or your family member can be released from jail. Contact a bail bondsman for specific information on payment arrangements available in your area.

    Premium Payments

    Premium payments represent the bail bondsman’s fee for securing your release from confinement. This fee is normally restricted by law to a certain percentage of the bail amount. For example, if bail is 10 thousand dollars then the premium fee of ten to fifteen percent would be 1 thousand or 15 hundred dollars. Depending on the charges and the duration of the t5rial, another premium payment may be required. Generally, the premium paid is only valid for one year. The remaining amount of the bail bond is covered by collateral. The premium amount is not refundable, regardless of the disposition of the charges against the accused. The collateral will be released, assuming the court has come to a decision and bail terms were satisfied. If you flee the court, or “jump bail”, the entire premium payment and collateral will be seized by the bonding agency. Paying premium payment to bond agents can save you money and allow you to manage your money instead of paying a cash bond to the court for the entire bail amount. A bail bondsman can provide additional information on premium payments.

    Bail Conditions

    Bail conditions can vary depending on the type of bail, the restriction of the court, and the bail bond agreement. One necessary condition of bail is the obligation to appear at any and all court appointment and grails. Bail for release, appeal procedures, and parole applications can limit your travel to within a certain area courts may give permission to travel if you provide detailed information about your plans to the court officer. Bondsmen also have the right to impose restrictions on their terms of bail if you have a drug problem and refuse treatment; a bondsman can make treatment completion a requirement of the bond. An Agreement with this condition can send you back to jail if you fail to complete the treatment. Mandating treatment in this manner can ensure that you get needed help. Additional conditions may include continued employment or meeting scheduled appoints with court officers. An attorney or bail bondsman can provide additional information on bail conditions.

    Bond Indemnitor

    Bond indemnitors, or co-signers, have the responsibility of paying the bail bond’s premium payment and adhering to the contract agreement. Bond premium fees are generally valid for only one year. If the term of bail runs longer than a year, Additional premium payments are required. Bond indemnitors can be family, friends, or even the accused. A co-signer, or guarantor, has the most to lose should the accused not show for trial appearances, In addition to forfeiting the premium payment, co-signers can lose items used as collateral to cover the remaining bail bond balance. Bond indemnitors can impose conditions of release on the bail bond agreement, for instance, completing a drug treatment program or mental evaluation can be required to maintain the bail bond release. If a person on bail attempts to flee, the co-signer can have the bail bond privilege revoked. A bail bondsman in your area can provide additional information on c0-signing or guaranteeing a release bond.

    Using Collateral

    In order to obtain a surety bond, the bondsman will require collateral in addition to the premium payment percentage before the bond can be issued and release gained. Collateral for the outstanding bail bond amount can include nearly anything of resale value that your. Equity in a home can be considered collateral assuming there Is not a second mortgage for the amount. Cars may not be considered collateral unless you own them free and clear of nay financing institution. Once a large item is used as collateral, you may keep possession and continue to use it while the bondsman holds the item’s title. This includes houses, boats, motor homes, and cars. Smaller items of value, like jewelry, computers, cameral and firearms, will need to be surrendered to the bondsman. The bondsman will keep thee items in a secure location for the duration of the bail. Only the resale value of the items will be used towards the necessary collateral amount-not the amount paid. Your collateral is returned after charges are dropped, sentence is determined, or innocence is proven. A bail bondsman in your area can provide additional information on collateral.

    Removing Bond Liabilities

    The liability of bail is removed once the terms of the bail have been satisfied. This includes attendance at all the court proceedings. Once the defendant has been vindicated or charges have been dismissed, the bond is considered void. The defendant is still liable for any fines or penalties regarding the case. The bail bondsman will return any items used as collateral to hold the bond. The bond agent will verify the exoneration with the courts prior to releasing nay lies ns. However, if an outstanding premium payment is due to the bail bondsman, the liability is kept until the payment is paid in full. The indemnitor, or co-signer, of the bond is liable to the full bond amount if the bond is forfeited due primarily to the defendant “skipping” the court proceeding. Bail bondsman expenses are also included until the court exonerates the bond. If the defendant is sentenced for a crime and remanded to the court, the bail collateral is released to you. The premium payment to the bail bondsman is the exception. It’s kept for guaranteeing release and court appearances. For additional information on the removal of bond liabilities, contact a bail bondsman.

    Withdrawal of Bail

    The primary condition of you bail requires you to appear in court. However additional condition may be part of our terms of release. These conditions can include completion of a substance abuse treatment program or checking in regularly with some agent of the court. If you inform someone of an intent to flee the court, your bail can be withdrawn. A bail agent can even terminate your bail with little to no cause and request that you be remanded to confinement. If you leave your job, can’t be found or indicated you would run from the courts, a bond agent may withdraw your bond and return you to jail. If you pose a threat to the community or commit a crime while on bail, the court my deny bail and, n effect, withdraw the existing bail privilege. An attorney or bail bondsman in your area can provide additional information on bail withdrawal.

    Right to Arrest

    Bail bondsmen, in many instances, have a greater license to arrest than local law enforcement. The Supreme Court decision of “Taylor versus Taintor” holds that once bail is proved, “the principal is regard as delivered to the custody of his sureties. Their dominion is a continuation of the original imprisonment.” The arrest is not considered a new process but an extension of the original arrest for the bailed charge. The bondsman may at any time cancel the bail privilege and return the defendant to confinement a bail bond agent may choose to hire an en\forces to being in the defendant. Bondsmen or their agents are not required to obtained additional warrants or extradition papers. A bail bondsman or their agent can break and enter the residence of the defendant for the purpose of arrest. A bond agent may be required to register with local law enforcement prior to making an arrest of the defendant. Failure to notify local officials can result in fines and potential jail time of the agent. Additional information on the right to arrest can be provided by an attorney or bail bondsman Extradition. Although the bail bondsman’s right to arrest can include extradition, many special circumstances may be involved.

    Bounty hunters have the right o arrest an accused individual who has fled the court. However, the process of returning them to the court can be somewhat the bail enforcer may have to register with the local legal authority prior to the arrest. Failure to do so can result in fines, jail time, and even kidnapping charges for the bounty hunter. Many bondsmen have the arrest warrant and other necessary documents available, so a court appearance in the city or state where the arrest occurs is not necessary. The extradition authority of the bounty hunter does not carry over to international law. So if the accused individual has traveled out of the Unites States, the extradition would be subject to the international agreements made between the two countries involved. State law varies as to the recognized authority of a bounty hunter to arrest and extradite accused individuals. A bail bondsman can provide additional information on extradition procedures.

    Bounty Hunters

    Bounty Hunters, or bail enforcers, are often hired by bail bondsmen to locate, arrest, and return the accused person to court. Bail enforcers share the rights to arrest with the hiring bail bond agent. These rights may vary from state to state for example in the state of Florida only a licensed Bail bonds person may affect an arrest. It is a criminal offense for any other person then the Bail bonds person or a law enforcement officer. In these type arrests there are no need to obtain search warrants or extradition documents within the United States. Breaking and entering is permitted by Licensed Bail Agents or in some states by bail enforcers if the residence is that of the individual they are tracking. However, the bounty hunter needs to be certain they have the right person. Or both the bondsman and the bounty hunter are liable or damages and lawsuits for false arrest. Many states require bounty hunters to register with local law enforcement prior to making an arrest. Failure to notify the local agency can result in fines and even jail time for the bounty hunter. The rights to arrest held by the bounty hunter don’t transfer to foreign countries. Charges of kidnapping can result for arrests in foreign countries. According to state statues some states allow bounty hunters to carry firearms and should be trained in the legal aspects of their position. Contact a bail bondsman for additional information on bounty hunters in your state.

    Skipping Bail

    Skipping bail is the term used to describe a charged individual who fails to make the mandated court appearances. When an accused person skips bail; the court issues a bench warrant for their arrest and court appearance. Bail is normally forfeited at a specified time period thereafter. Once the individual has skipped, a bail bondsman may try to locate them through whatever means possible. This can include hiring the services of a bounty hunter. “Tracking a skip,” as it’s sometimes referred to, can involve role playing on the part of the bounty hunter. This deception is legal and can often lead to obtaining information on the location of the accused. However should the bounty hunter causes property damage during the arrest, the bondsman can also be held liable for the costs. If the accused is returned to court prior to the forfeiture date, the bail amount has not been paid and the collateral may be returned. State law varies on the rights and obligations of bounty hunters in tracking an accused person. For additional information on skipping bail, contact a bail bondsman in your area.

    Federal Bonds

    Bail bonds for crimes in U.S, District courts are considered federal bonds. These bonds serve the same purpose as other types of bonds. They release you from jail on the guarantee you’ll appear at all court proceedings. Federal offenses include any interstate crime. There is no schedule of bail amounts for individual offenses. The judge, during an arraignment hearing, determines the bail amounts. It’s not uncommon to have the bail amounts in federal cases be set at high levels, making obtaining release more difficult. A bail bondsman is able to write federal bonds for a premium charge. The normal premium charge is ten percent of the bail amount. However, the premium amount may be as high as 15 percent of the set bail. Federal bonds are subject to forfeiture, should you miss your court appearances. The date of forfeiture is determined by the court judge. Forfeited bonds are paid to the U.S government. A bail bondsman experienced in federal bonds can provide bail agreement.

    Bail Agreements

    Bail agreements constitute a contract between the indemnitor of the bail and the bondsman. Generally the agreement includes the following bail information: the date a bail assigned, the judge assigning the bail, the charge and court with which it’s filed, and the names and contact information for the bond so-signer. The bail amount is also described in the contract. Upon signing the bond agreement, the cosigners assume the responsibility for the charged individual to appear in court and answer any charge listed. The agreement also states that if the arrested party fails to make the court proceedings, the bond agency will pay the bail amount listed if ordered to do so by the court. In the event of forfeiture, the agreement allows the collateral securing the bail bond to be seized by the bond agency. Frequently the agreement will also site the legal sections applicable to the agreement. Signatures by the bond agency and guarantor are required for the contract to be binding. Additional information on bail agreements can be obtained from a bail bondsman.

    Surety Bonds

    Use of surety bond involves a series of contracts with a bondsman, or bond agent, for the bail amount. The bondsman interviews the arrested individual and the guarantor prior to assuring that the accused will appear in court. This information provides the bail agent with a reasonable determination of whether the accused will make the designated court appearances. Contracts can also contain various conditions of guaranteeing the release, such as completing drug treatment, Bonds are usually written for a premium percentage of the bail’s full amount. Collateral from the guarantor is then used to secure the remaining bail amount. The bond agent is liable to the court for the full bail amount, in the event of the accused’s failure to appear. This guarantee is made by using the assets and property of the bail agent’s insurance, or surety, company. The surety company is usually licensed for operation by the insurance commission of the state. For additional information on surety bonds, consult a bail bondsman or an attorney.

    Appeal Bond

    Motions for release on bail are filed once the municipal court has handed down a quilt decision. When the case is appealed, the attorney also draws up the bail application for release pending the appellate court ruling. Appeal bonds require that a premium percentage be paid to the bond agent. However most bail bond agents require that the appeal bond be backed by cash collateral for the full bail amount. This means that instead of using property as collateral, you would need to provide a cashier’s check, certificate of deposit, letter of credit, or cash for the full bail amount. If the municipal court verdict holds the sentence is then enforced; and the collateral for the bound would be returned. Failure to appear in court would mean forfeiture of the bail. The “skip” would then be a fugitive from justice and subject to arrest and extradition to carry out the sentence. An attorney or bail bondsman can provide you with additional information on appeal bonds.

    Immigration Bonds

    Immigration bonds, like other court bonds, guarantee the appearance of an individual charged with a legal violation in court. Bonds for immigration charges are posted with the immigration and naturalization service instead of a standard jail facility. The basic eligibility requirements are the same as for other types of bonds, including the annual premium payment paid to the bail bondsman. Immigration bonds differ from normal court bonds due to the difficulty they present for the bond agent. Normal licenses for bail bonds are not sufficient for immigration bonds; a causality insurance license is required. Bonds posted for immigration charges are also subject to immediate forfeiture should the arrested individual not appear in court. Some bond agents have found additional immigration bond difficulties to include language barriers and working within the operation hours of the immigration and naturalization service. Processes for collecting on collateral also vary in immigration cases. For additional information on immigration bonds, Contact a bail bondsman experienced with these bonds.

    Property Bond

    Depending on the jurisdiction of the case, an individual may be able to use property to gain release. The individual posts a property bond with the court. The value in the property may need to be twice as high as the bail amount. This means that property equity of twice the bail amount needs to be held free and clear by the owners. In some instances, a court appointed appraiser will access the property value. Other jurisdictions may accept the certified tax assessor’s statement of property value. All owners of the property listed on the warranty deed or tax statement must sign in agreement to use their property as bail security. Several states prohibit the use of the arrested individual’s property in release bond. The court secures a lien against the property for the bail amount. In the event the person fails to appear for court proceedings, foreclosure action may be taken against the property. This allows the court to collect on the outstanding bail amount. For additional information as to whether property bonds can be posted in your area, consult an attorney or court officer.

    Cash Bonds

    Cash bonds are posted by friend, family, or yourself when you’re arrested for a crime. These bonds require the full bail amount and are not financed through a bail bondsman. You thereby guarantee your own presence in court. The court holds and restricts the total bail amount until the case is concluded. Posting a cash bond can consequently tie up necessary living funds and savings. Once the case is finalized, the bail is returned to you. Failure to appear for trial forfeits the bail to the court. The court then issues a bench warrant for your arrest. It’s intended that you will have more to lose and a greater incentive to appear at court proceedings by either restricting the full bail amount of issuing an arrest warrant. In cases involving drug trafficking, all bail money must have proven origination from non-drug sources before it can be used as bail. For additional information on cash bonds, contact an attorney or court officer.

    Own Recognizance

    Release on your “own recognizance” gets you out of jail without bail money of bond. You’re on your honor to return for the court proceedings. If you fail to return for trial, a bench warrant is issued; but you suffer no financial hardship. In order to determine your eligibility for an “own recognizance” release, a court administrator or judge will interview you while you’re in custody. Many times this interview is even conducted over the phone. The interview provides the information an official needs to make a recommendation to the court. While this recommendation is important, high volumes of requests permit little time to perform back ground searches and verify the information provided by you. An “own recognizance” release protects your right to due process. If you’re unable to make bail, this release can allow you to return to employment and regular living while awaiting trial. For additional information on an “own recognizance” release, contact an attorney in your area.

    Pretrial Release

    A pretrial release which allows a release from confinement prior to a trial can take several forms. Depending on the charge, release may be withheld. The right to bail or release is part of the due process legislation. It prevents potentially innocent people from losing their jobs, falling behind on bill payments, and suffering other difficulties as a result of imprisonment. Pretrial releases consist of bail bonds, citation releases, and release on one’s own recognizance. Many pretrial release programs are funded through local tax dollars. The programs also save funds by releasing individual who pose no harm to the community until their trial. When accused individuals are released, they’re no longer an expense of the local community’s prison system. Should the accused party not appear in court, no financial hardship is incurred? However, a bench warrant is issued for their arrest. If they’re found guilty of the charge, they may receive a harsher penalty and additional charges for the initial failure to appear. Contact a local attorney to learn more about pretrial releases.

    Citation Release

    Citation release is a form of pretrial release. A “cite out”, or citation release, is issued by the arresting officer. This citation informs us of the date that you must appear in court. The cite out is usually provided after the arrest, resulting in little or no time in confinement. The court appearance depends solely on your honesty. Failure to attend the court proceeding will result in a bench warrant issued for your arrest. In some instances, incomplete booking can make an additional arrest for failure to appear more difficult. By receiving a “cite out” no financial obligation or bail is required and no financial loss is incurred if you fail to attend the trial proceedings. The ability to receive a citation release can allow offenders of smaller crimes to return to relatively normal living until the trial. This release also protects your rights and presumes you “innocent until proven guilty.” An Attorney can provide additional information on obtaining a citation release.

  • Paris, Snoop and Mel. Who Else Got Jailed and Bailed in 2006?

    Paris, Snoop and Mel. Who Else Got Jailed and Bailed in 2006?

    2006 proved a tumultuous year for many celebrities. Many charges of drunk driving and other bad behavior had stars arrested – and posting bond.

    We bring you an overview of the stars that got into hot water in 2006:

    Paris gets plastered

    In September 2006, Paris Hilton was arrested on DUI charges. She just barely met the minimum limit for driving under the influence (she registered .08, the minimum for a DUI arrest in the state). She was released on a recognizance bond and left shortly after arriving at the police station.

    Busta gets Busta’ed

    Rapper Busta Rhymes was arrested for allegedly being involved in an altercation in late 2006. The incident led to a court appearance, where Rhymes was arraigned on misdemeanor assault charges and posted bail of $3,500.

    Natasha Lyonne – Whoa! Don’t get caught with your pets down.

    Natasha Lyonne arrested In December 2006, American Pie actress Natasha Lyonne turned herself in at a New York court after a bench warrant was issued for her arrest in January. The warrant stemmed from a 2004 incident of alleged harassment and trespassing. Lyonne allegedly threatened her neighbor, broke a mirror in the neighbor’s apartment, and threatened to sexually molest the neighbor’s dog.

    Lyonne was also arrested on DUI charges in 2001 and released on $2,000 bail.

    Wesley tries to snipe the IRS

    In early December 2006, actor Wesley Snipes was arrested at the Orlando International Airport for tax evasion. Snipes was indicted on federal criminal charges for his role in a tax avoidance scheme that allegedly included him seeking $12 million in fraudulent refunds and failing to file six years of tax returns. Snipes claimed he never misrepresented his income. The case is ongoing.

    Rip gets Ripped

    Rip Torn – Ripped as a MoFo Actor Rip Torn was arrested for drunk driving in early December 2006 following a collision and refused a sobriety test. Rip also received a DUI charge two years previously for which he was acquitted.

    Snoops in tha Dogg House

    Snoop Dogg in tha Dogg House In early December 2006, rapper Snoop Dogg was arrested near Los Angeles on weapons and narcotics charges. A police search of the star’s car found marijuana, cocaine, and a firearm in a false compartment of the rapper’s car. The star was booked, and bail set at $60,000, which the rapper paid. This is not Snoop’s only brush with the law in 2006. In October, he was arrested at Burbank Airport after a gun and marijuana was found in the celeb’s car. At the time, he was booked and released on $35,000 bail. Earlier in December, Snoop surrendered to California police after he allegedly tried to carry a baton onto an airplane at Orange County John Wayne Airport. He posted $150,000 bond and was released.

    Mel Gibson – Oi Vey!

    Mel Gibson Arrested One of the most notorious DUI arrests of the year came in July 2006, when actor and director Mel Gibson was pulled over. As the star was being booked, he reportedly went on an hate-filled tirade filled with anti-Semitic slurs. At the time of his arrest, Gibson blew a 0.12% breathalyzer. He pleaded no contest to drunk driving in August.

    It’s Saturday Night… and I’m getting hammered!

    Tracy Morgan, actor and star of “Saturday Night Live” and NBC’s “30 Rock” was arrested for DUI in 2006. The actor was ordered to turn over his driver’s license.

    I see drunk people

    Haley Joel Osment Arrested Haley Joel Osment, famous child star from “The Sixth Sense” was involved in a car crash in 2006, and was arrested for DUI after he failed a breathalyzer test. The actor was released after posting $15,000 bond.

    How do you like these apple martinis?

    Director Gus Van Sant was arrested in December 2006 in Oregon for drunk driving. The director is known for movies such as “Good Will Hunting,” “Drugstore Cowboy,” and “My Own Private Idaho.”

    Mos Disorderly

    In August, actor and rapper Mos Def was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct in New York City. According to the NYPD, Mos Def pulled up outside Radio City Music Hall (after MTV’s Video Music Awards) in a flat-bed truck and began an impromptu perform, quickly attracting a large crowd. The purpose was to raise awareness for people who still need assistance due to the 2005 hurricanes. The rapper was detained by police for several hours before being eventually released on bail.

    Iron Liver Mike

    Mike Tyson Mug Shot Boxer Mike Tyson was arrested in December 2006 after his car struck a police cruiser. The athlete failed sobriety tests and was arrested on drunk driving and cocaine possession charges. He was released without bail, but will need to take drug and alcohol tests.

    DMX Gets B-U-S-T-E-D

    Rapper DMX was ordered to appear in court in June after he was found to be driving without a license. He did not appear in court and an arrest warrant for the star was issued. The rapper refused to pay the $25,000 bail and spent one night in a White Plains, NY jail.

    50 Cent Rapper – $300K Car

    Rapper 50 Cent was pulled over in 2006 for an unsafe lane change. He was arrested because his driver’s license was expired and because his Lamborghini was unregistered and uninsured. He was later released.

    Duane “The Dog Chapman” Hunted Down

    Dog the Bounty Hunter Mug Shot Duane Dog Chapman, the star of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” was arrested in 2006 for extradition to Mexico. The arrest was related to a three-year-old case that stems from the fact that bounty hunting is illegal in Mexico. He was released on $300,000 after appearing in court and after being ordered to wear an ankle monitoring device.

    Jason Wahler – Who? Does anyone really watch this?

    “Laguna Beach” star was arrested in New York in September on charges of disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance, bribery, and resisting arrest. Later that same month Whaler and a female friend were arrested for battery. Wahler posted a bail of $20,000 and was released.

    Willie Nelson (we love Willie too much to make fun of him)

    Willie Nelson was arrested for possession of marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms. Nelson was cited for possession and released.

    Lou Diamond Phillips – (LDP hasn’t done anything interesting enough over the last 20 years to make fun of him)

    Actor Lou Diamond Phillips was arrested for domestic battery after an argument with his girlfriend turned violent. The girlfriend called 911 after locking herself in a bathroom to get away from the actor. The actor was held for 10 hours before being released on $50,000 bail.