Attorney Writ Bonds: Immediate Jail Release and Professional Service
Call for Immediate Jail Release (214) 799-3961
Helping a recently arrested friend or relative is undoubtedly a stressful situation which can be frustrating, confusing and even emotional. I understand that most people landing on this webpage are not far-removed from a conversation with jail staff or police who perhaps made the situation even worse. These articles are intended to educate people before making a tough decision. However, if you have a friend or relative in jail and prefer to speak with an attorney immediately please call 24 hours a day: (214) 403-6522
The Default Process
Hardly anyone prepares for legal emergencies, especially criminal ones. If being in jail is the problem, naturally, getting out is the solution. But how do you get from A to B?
There is a short list of ways to be released from jail after a recent arrest. Posting a bond is certainly an option in any county in the United States. But here in the State of Texas, you may have recently learned that your friend/relative has no bond set, and it doesn’t sound like anyone is in the hurry to get it that way.
The law says that a person is entitled to a reasonable bond during the pendency of a criminal charge. By default, a bond is set when the jail brings the incarcerated person before a judge or magistrate who determines the amount at which to set the bond. The opportunity to see a magistrate may take a couple of hours or it may take a couple of days.
Depending on the city, determining when a bond will be set can be nothing more than a guessing game. Some cities may employ a magistrate to visit their jail and set bonds, while others will physically transport inmates to the county jail for a formal bond-setting. Commonly, a late evening arrest followed by a late morning transport to the county jail will arrive too late for a magistrate to set a bond and result in yet another night in jail before bond is set.
Attorney Writ Bond
In Collin and Dallas Counties, the alternative to the magistrate process is to hire an attorney to file what is known as an attorney writ bond (short for writ of habeas corpus). Because writ bonds incorporate both the legal profession and the jail bond business, writ bonds come from two sources: (1) full service criminal law firms, and (2) bondsmen who employ attorneys. Understanding that jail-release is only a small part of a larger picture, using a full-service criminal law firm to file an attorney writ bond just makes sense.
In an era of educated consumerism, there is no shame in wanting to know exactly what kind of services you are purchasing, even when under the pressure of the friend or relative who wants out of jail. When hiring a full-service criminal law firm for immediate jail release, you should expect a service with a variety of benefits:
First and foremost, an immediate jail release (normally within 2 hours).
Hiring an attorney secures a professional service which comes with immediate advice and counsel.
Although little may be known about the facts of the case, an attorney can explain legal procedures and alleviate panic by eliminating uncertainty.
As criminal attorneys, we want to help. We understand that jail release is only part of the solution. Many clients take advantage of free follow-up consultation which focuses on the pending criminal charge.
As criminal attorneys, we owe fiduciary and ethical duties to our clients and prospective clients. Unlike a bondsman, an attorney must put his client’s best interests first.
What Types of Charges are Eligible for Attorney Writ Bonds?
An attorney may file a writ bond for the following types of cases:
1. Class A Misdemeanors
2. Class B Misdemeanors (DWI, Theft, Marijuana and Possession Offenses)
The following are not eligible for attorney writ bonds:
1. Class C Misdemeanors
2. Traffic Tickets
3. Felony Cases
4. Family Violence Cases
What Cities Allow Jail Release by Attorney Writ Bond?
Collin County:
All cities
Dallas County:
Addison, Balch Springs, Coppell, Desoto, Farmers Branch, Garland, Highland Park, Irving, Mesquite, Richardson, Sachse, University Park, Wylie