Jun 3 2021
What Do You Know About Bail Bonds?

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If you are like most people, then your answer to the question, What do you know about bail bonds?, is probably somewhere along the lines of not much. That is perfectly fine. Most people never need to know anything about bail or bail bonds. Unfortunately, sometimes things happen and a person finds themselves needing to post bail.

Sometimes the bail is for yourself. Other times the bail is for a loved one. Regardless of who the bail is for, chances are you are going to want some help with it. Aside from simply not knowing much about how bail works, you’ve also discovered that it is incredibly expensive. You can solve both of those problems by contacting Action Bail Bonding.

Since our founding in 1987, Action Bail Bonding has been helping Tennesseens deal with bail.

We know everything there is to know about the subject and are more than willing to share that knowledge with you.

Our bail agents are available to talk to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including holidays). They will always be there to answer any of your bail-related questions.

Aside from just explaining the bail process, we also work hard to make it cheaper as well. For instance, our bail bonds only cost 10% of your loved one’s bail. This means that you can save 90% just by coming to us for help. On top of that, we can set you up with a personalized payment plan and may even be able to offer you an additional discount if you qualify.

We do a lot for our clients here, including:

  • 24/7 Bail Bond Service
  • FREE Online or Phone Consultation
  • 20% Discount (to qualifying clients)
  • 0% Interest Payment Plans
  • Over the Phone Approvals
  • No Hidden Fees
  • No Collateral with Working Co-Signer
  • Easy to Understand Contracts
  • Discrete Service
  • Se Habla Español

No one should ever feel ashamed to ask for help, especially bail help. At Action Bail Bonding we understand that most people don’t need bail. However, when the time comes to bail someone out of jail, we are always there to lend a hand.

What are you waiting for? You can talk to a bail agent for FREE by calling Action Bail Bonding at 901-476-2245 or by clicking Chat With Us now.

 

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May 21 2021
Understanding Tennessee’s Jury Duty

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U.S. citizens who reside in the United States can receive a letter in the mail that summons them to serve on a jury. This is called jury duty. If selected to serve on the jury you’ll listen to a court case and use what you learned during the trial to decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Who is Eligible For Jury Duty?

In Tennessee, there are some people who aren’t required to respond to a jury duty summons. People who are exempt include:

  • Residents who aren’t U.S. citizens.

  • Anyone under the age of 18.

  • Anyone who demonstrates that they don’t have a strong enough grasp of the English language to adequately understand/discuss the details of the case.

  • Anyone who has been convicted of a felony and not yet had their civil rights restored.

  • Anyone who lacks the ability to care for themselves and is under a conservatorship.

  • Anyone who has received a jury duty summons within the last 12 months.

You can only be asked to serve on a jury that is taking place in the county you legally reside in.

How Long Does Tennessee Jury Duty Last?

Tennessee has what is called a one-day or one-trial policy for jury duty. This policy was adopted in 1999 in an attempt to make things simpler for jurors and their employers. The way this works is that a juror is not required to serve more than one day of on-call jury duty. This means that if the person is called into the courthouse for jury duty selection and isn’t selected, they have still fulfilled their one-year requirement and can’t be summoned for jury duty for a full twelve months.

If the juror is assigned to on-call or standby jury service they only have to remain on-call for five days. After that, they are released from jury duty for a year.
If you’re selected as a jury member for a trial case, you will have to sit through the entire trial. Once the trial is over, you’ll be released from jury duty for a full year.

Are You Paid For Jury Duty?

Tennessee does have a policy in place to make sure that anyone who responds to a jury duty summons is paid, but you won’t make enough to cover the cost of not going to work. The policy is that you’re paid $15 a day for jury duty. You’ll also receive a $0.34 reimbursement for each mile you have to commute to the courthouse. The mileage reimbursement only covers your commute to the courthouse, not home, and only kicks in if you’re assigned to a trial and have to make the commute more than one day. Some counties have a policy in place that covers the cost of public/mass transportation.

The exception to the $15 a day payment is government employees who receive their full pay plus their benefits.

What If You Neglect To Respond To A Jury Duty Summons?

While it’s easy to understand that urge to ignore a jury duty summons, it’s something you’ll later regret. You’re legally required to respond. A failure to respond to the summons will result in you potentially being fined up to $1,500 and possibly even have to serve some jail time.

If an emergency comes up, you can’t simply fail to show up for jury duty. In the event of an emergency, you have to contact the courthouse as quickly as possible. If the judge feels the emergency is valid and severe, they will excuse you. This is true even if you’re in the middle of a trial jury. Be prepared to provide proof of the emergency.

 

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May 19 2021
About Our Online Bail Bonds Program

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If you live out of state, struggle with transportation or aren’t in a position where you can make a trip to the Action Bail Bonding office, but also need to arrange to bail a loved one out of jail, you should seriously consider our online bail bonds program.

What Is Our Online Bail Bonds Program?

Our online bail bonds program is quite similar to an online car insurance program. Instead of calling, you use the Chat With Us link which immediately puts you in touch with one of our bail bond experts. During the FREE bail bond consultation, our expert will listen to the unique details of your situation. They will also discuss how the Action Bail Bonding program works. If you want us to provide the bail for your loved one, the next step is going through our online bail application process.

How Our Online Bail Program Works?

Don’t worry. You won’t be overwhelmed by our online application. It’s quite straightforward and simple. First, you’ll have to provide some basic information which includes:

  • Date of Birth
  • Address
  • Current Employment
  • Driver’s License Number
  • Phone Number

The most complicated part is explaining the circumstances of your loved one’s arrest. Most people find it that it only takes them 10 or 20 minutes to complete the application. Since our bail expert has already discussed the situation, it doesn’t take long to approve the online bail application.

Once you’ve completed the application, we review it and discuss bail bond payment plans. At this point, you’ll be sent a copy of the contract that you’ll have to sign. You can do this by either using an electronic signature program or by printing the contract, signing it and scanning the newly signed form. In addition to the signed contract, we’ll also need a photo of your driver’s license or state-issued identification card.

How Long Before Your Loved One is Free?

We can’t predict how long it will take the courthouse to file the paperwork, but we can assure you that as soon as we approve your bail contract, we work as quickly as possible to pay your loved one’s bail and get them released from jail. In most cases, the entire bail process doesn’t take long at all.

Why Choose Our Services?

In addition to creating a simple, straightforward online bail bonds program, there are several other reasons you should consider using Action Bail Bonding when you or someone you love requires Tennessee bail.

Additional reasons to contact Action Bail Bonding include:

  • 24/7 Bail Bond Service
  • FREE Consultation
  • 20% Discount
  • 0% Interest Payment Plans
  • Over the Phone Approvals
  • No Hidden Fees
  • No Collateral with Working Co-Signer
  • Easy to Understand Contracts
  • Discrete Service
  • Se habla Español

We have people on hand who speak Spanish.

Here at Action Bail Bonding, we’ve done everything in our power to make the entire bail process as fast and stress-free as possible.

For a FREE bail consultation with a professional bail agent and to get additional information about how our online bail program works, just call Action Bail Bonding at 901-476-2245 or click Talk To An Agent Now to chat.

 

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May 18 2021
Understanding Proper Court Etiquette

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Proper etiquette is essential for making a good impression on other people, and this is especially true in the courtroom, especially for the defendant. The defendant is already in the courtroom with a disadvantage; this is the person who is being accused of a crime and is fighting against the charges so the jury finds him or her not guilty. While the jury and the judge deliberate and come to a decision based on the arguments brought forth from the defense and prosecution, the defendant’s appearance and overall courtroom etiquette leave an impression.

Here are some helpful tips on proper courtroom etiquette, which are especially helpful for the defendant:

  • Arrive a little earlier than the start time of the trial so that you can have a few moments with your lawyer.

  • If the defendant is out on bail, they should come to court dressed professionally and muted. This means no distracting and flashy clothing and jewelry. Hats and sunglasses should be removed. If the defendant was denied bail, then they will appear in their orange jumpsuit since they do not have access to their personal clothes.

  • Sit and stand straight. Do not slouch.

  • Speak only when asked to and speak clearly.

  • Answer only what is asked; do not freely provide other details and information.

  • Make eye contact with those who are speaking to you and when you are answering them.

  • Acknowledge the judge as “Your Honor.”

  • Act and speak calmly and with courtesy. Do not let your anger grow.

  • Make sure your cell phone is off or at least on silent. If applicable, leave your young children at home with a sitter. You do not want any disruptions.

  • Use the restroom beforehand so you do not have to use it in the middle of the trial.

  • As much as possible, let your lawyer do the talking. Again, speak only when asked to.

  • Do not interrupt or speak over others. If there is an objection, your lawyer will be ready.

  • It is okay to ask to have the question repeated or reworded. It is okay to say you do not understand or do not remember, but you must be honest.

A defendant’s appearance in court offers insight towards how seriously they are taking this situation. If they show up dressed sloppily, sit slouched in the chair, and make small gestures like smirking, rolling eyes, twiddling thumbs, tapping shoes, and constantly looking around and checking their watch, the judge and the jury will take this to mean that they are not serious about the situation. This could hurt them.

However, if the defendant shows up dressed properly and presents him or herself in court with the right courtesy and mannerisms, then the jury and judge will see that this is a person who is mature and ready to face this situation the right way.

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May 5 2021
Consequences Of Ignoring A Jury Summons

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The idea of a jury sounds like a great aspect of democracy right up to the point when you get a jury summons. It’s perfectly natural to wonder what would happen if you choose to ignore the letter telling you that you need to report to the courthouse and be considered for jury duty.

While ignoring a summons to appear for jury duty might not seem like a big deal to you, state’s are starting to really crack down on those who do. The exact consequences of skipping out on a jury summons can vary from one district to another, most courts will issue a bench warrant. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the cops will knock on your door, but it does mean that if you get pulled over, when the patrol officer runs your name through their computer system, they’ll discover the warrant and arrest you on the spot.

Even if you get lucky enough to never cross paths with a police officer after a failure to appear for jury duty bench warrant has been issued, the bench warrant can have an enormous and negative impact on your life. There’s been at least one report of someone from Tennessee getting denied when they tried to rent an apartment. When the person investigated the reason, they found that skipping jury duty resulted in a bench warrant that had popped up when the landlord ran a background check. That person hadn’t even lived in Tennessee when the court sent the summons. It took some time, but the individual was able to prove that they hadn’t been a Tennessee resident. They worked closely with the Tennessee state patrol and were eventually able to get the bench warrant dropped.

In Georgia, a woman who ignored a jury summons was sentenced to three days in jail. In Massachusetts, approximately 48,000 residents were charged a $2,000 fine after they failed to obey a jury summons.

A recent report indicated that Action County collected more than $940,000 from people who didn’t honor a request to sit on a jury.

When all is said and done, it’s in your best interest to obey the jury summons. If you have a exceptionally good reason for not being able to honor the request, talk to the judge. They may accept your excuse and let you off the hook.

 

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May 5 2021
Can Police Search My Vehicle Without A Warrant?

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Pretty much every driver has experienced the slight panic of seeing a police car behind them while driving even if they haven’t done anything wrong. That shows how much people don’t want to get pulled over. On those occasions where people are pulled over, they can then find themselves worrying about the officer searching through their vehicle.

Despite what people might think, police officers and other law enforcement officers cannot just search a vehicle without reason or a warrant. This is a protection granted to every United States citizen under the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. The Fourth Amendment prohibits law enforcement agents from conducting unreasonable searches and seizures. The amendment also sets forth guidelines for how warrants are issued.

When Is A Warrant Unnecessary?

If a law enforcement officer ever wants to search anything, including a person’s vehicle, they usually need a warrant. However, there are 5 instances when a warrant isn’t required for an officer to conduct a legal search of a vehicle. These instances are:

  1. Consent was given.
    If a driver gives the officer their consent, then the officer can search the vehicle without a warrant. The consent for the search has to be given voluntarily, not under duress from threats by the officer.

  2. There is probable cause.
    Probable cause is when the officers have reliable information from an informant, can see contraband in the car or the driver is acting suspiciously. In these instances, an officer can search the vehicle without a warrant since they have evidence that would have earned a warrant, but they had to act quickly because vehicles can be easily moved.

  3. An occupant is being arrested.
    If someone in the car is being arrested and the officer have reason to believe there is evidence in the vehicle, then they can search it without a warrant. This also applies if someone being arrested was within reaching distance of a vehicle and the officer suspect the person may have hidden something within it.

  4. An occupant is being temporarily detained.
    Otherwise known as stop-and-frisks or Terry stops, these occur when officers reasonably suspect a person of being involved in criminal activity. The officers are allowed to temporarily detain the person and search them or their vehicle for any weapons or drugs.

  5. The car has been impounded.
    Law enforcement officers are allowed to search vehicles that have been impounded to take inventory of the vehicle.

If a person’s vehicle is searched without a warrant for any reason other than those mentioned above, then the search was illegal and any evidence that may have been found within the vehicle will have to be ignored during the trial.

They Need A Warrant

The Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution was created by the Founding Fathers to protect citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures that were commonly conducted by occupying British forces at the time. They wanted to ensure that US law enforcement agents didn’t become as corrupt as their enemies had been.

If a driver is ever pulled over, they should know that unless the officer has good reason to suspect them of any wrongdoing, the officer cannot search the vehicle without a warrant. To do so would be against the law, and therefore any evidence that the officer may have found could be dismissed in the court case since it was acquired by illegal means.

 

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May 3 2021
The Truth About Unemployment Fraud

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Unemployment fraud in Tennessee is hardly a new concept, but the pandemic has pushed it to new heights which have resulted in it overwhelming an already strained system.

What Is Unemployment Fraud In Tennessee?

The term unemployment fraud refers to the act of collecting unemployment benefits that you don’t really deserve.

Common examples of unemployment fraud include:

  • Continuing to collect unemployment benefits after you’ve returned to work.

  • Providing false information on your unemployment application.

  • Failing to report earnings from a part-time or freelance job.

  • Lying about how much you earned during an average workweek prior to applying for unemployment.

  • Using a false identity when applying for unemployment benefits.

The Impact Of Unemployment Fraud During The Pandemic

Since the pandemic hit, unemployment fraud cases have sky-rocketed. The Labor Department estimates that 10% of the unemployment benefits paid out during the pandemic have gone to people who don’t really need it and who are actually committing unemployment fraud. 10% doesn’t seem like much until you find out that it exceeds $63 billion.

While all states are struggling to deal with The Truth About Unemployment Fraud, Tennessee has been hit particularly hard. Experts estimate that fraudulent scams have resulted in draining approximately $11 billion dollars of unemployment money in Tennessee. Another $19 billion has gone into suspicious-looking accounts that require additional investigation.

Consequences Of Unemployment Fraud In Tennessee

If you’re currently collecting unemployment benefits that you’re not technically entitled to, don’t assume that you’ll get away with it forever. Even if no one has looked too closely at your situation right now, it’s reasonable to assume that once the pandemic is over, steps will be taken to crack down on unemployment fraud. It’s likely that many cases that were filed during the pandemic will be investigated and charges will be filed.

Tennessee’s Employment Development Department (EDD) is responsible for investigating unemployment fraud cases. They are experts at this type of white-collar crime and are meticulous about combing through unemployment applications, tax records, and financial histories and looking for signs of unemployment fraud. If they feel that they’ve collected enough evidence to mount a solid case against you, they work with the local prosecutor and file charges.

Unemployment fraud is one of Tennessee’s wobbler offenses. If you collected less than $950, you’ll be charged with a misdemeanor. If the amount is more than $950, you face felony charges.

If you’re found guilty of misdemeanor unemployment fraud, you face:

  • Having to make full restitution
  • Six months in jail
  • A $1,000 fine

If you’re convicted of felony unemployment fraud, you’ll face:

  • Having to make full restitution
  • A $10,000 fine
  • Spending a year in prison

The best way to avoid an unemployment fraud charge is to be completely honest about your work, income, and job application history. If you discover that you made a mistake on your unemployment application, report the issue right away.

 

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Apr 22 2021
Difference Between Infraction, Misdemeanor And Felony

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The terms “infraction,” “misdemeanor,” and “felony” have probably flown across your ears every now and then – from video games to television to movies to the morning news. But do you understand the differences between the three? Some people may think they are simply synonyms for each other. But, they are not and it is important for all Tennessee residents to understand the differences to these charges:

  • INFRACTION – fines must be paid but the defendant will not be put on probation and they will not face jail time. Infractions do not appear on criminal records.

  • MISDEMEANOR – fines must be paid and the defendant is subject to probation and up to 1 year in county jail.

  • FELONY – fines must be paid and the defendant is subject to probation, up to 1 year in county jail, and 1 year or more in state prison.

Simply knowing these consequences should hopefully be enough to steer you away from potential trouble. But if you are ever in need of a bail bondsman in Tennessee, Action Bail Bonding is ready to help. The company has offices all over the state and with over 30 years of experience in reuniting loved ones, they can help you too!

You can reach Action Bail Bonding 901-476-2245 or click Talk To An Agent Now to chat and get your FREE consultation.

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Apr 9 2021
What Is On Your Criminal History Background Check?

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Anyone who has ever been arrested is going to be concerned about what happens when they apply for jobs and housing – there’s always that piece of information on the application where it asks if you’ve ever been arrested or convicted of a crime. It also says the hiring committee and landlord may do a background check on you first if they wish. Though not as scary as when you were actually being arrested, this is still quite a nerve-racking thought. What will they find out? How will my past behavior affect my current hopes and aspirations?

Background checks reveal records of any misdemeanors and felonies of the defendant. It will show whether the person was convicted or not. However, only records of the past 7 years will show; so if the person has a conviction that happened 10 years ago, it will not appear during the background check. As a record, it still exists, but that piece of information would not be available to others to see in this case. A background check will also not reveal any arrests that did not lead to a conviction.

Criminal histories do not prevent good opportunities for people trying to better themselves. But it can be important for employers and/or landlords to know and be aware of this information for professional and legal means.

If you or a loved one is ever in need of a bail bond, which releases a defendant from jail, Action Bail Bonding can help you with that. We are a professional bail bond company in Tennessee with more satisfied clients than other bail companies. Consultation is FREE for all. So talk to one of our skilled bail agents and get your questions answered and learn just how we can help you by contacting us online or on the phone at 901-476-2245. Ask about cheap bail bonds and discounts we offer. We are conveniently open 24/7.

To learn more about services we offer at Action Bail Bonding, call 901-476-2245 or Chat With Us now. Consultation is always FREE!

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Apr 9 2021
Understanding Assault With A Deadly Weapon

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Assault with a deadly weapon is basically what it sounds like. It means you are accused of assaulting someone and at the time you had something that could have been considered a deadly weapon. Like most legal issues, assault with a deadly weapon isn’t as simple as we would like it to be.

What Is A Deadly Weapon?

The first issue that comes up during assault with deadly weapon trials is if the object was deadly. Most of us hear deadly weapons and we instantly think of things like guns and knives. We don’t usually realize that many of the things that are simply laying around your house could be considered a deadly weapon in the right situation. In the heat of the moment, a shoe, pen, heavy beer bottle, or dog leash could become a deadly weapon. There have even been situations when a person bit or clawed an opponent and was charged with assault with a deadly weapon due to the sheer amount of damage their teeth and nails did to the victim.

Why It’s Important To Understand What A Deadly Weapon Is

Assault with a deadly weapon isn’t a simple thing in Tennessee, in large part because it’s one of the state’s wobbler laws. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

If you’re convicted of felony assault with a deadly weapon you could spend the next four years in a state prison and be hit with up to $10,000 in fines. You’ll also probably have to go through a felony probation period.

If a gun is involved, the situation becomes even more complicated. If you have a simple handgun during the assault, the DA has the option of charging you with a misdemeanor. However, if the gun was a machine gun, an assault weapon, a semi-automatic, or a .50 BMG rifle, you’re automatically hit with felony charges. If you’re found guilty of felony assault with a deadly weapon that included one of the listed firearms, you could be sentenced to twelve years in prison.

Potential Defenses In Assault With A Deadly Weapon

Just because you’ve been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, that doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. There are several, legal defenses you can use, including:

  • Someone was mistaken and you weren’t in possession of a deadly weapon at the time of the assault.

  • You didn’t intend to use the weapon.

  • You acted in self-defense.

Because assault with a deadly weapon in Tennessee is complicated, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced defense attorney as soon as you hear the charges.

 

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