Last updated 8 months ago
A man was recently arrested in Millville, NJ, after pretending to be a bounty hunter. Edward Collins, 27, was illegally making arrests throughout South Jersey while working for various bail bond agents, according to Vineland police. At the time of his arrest, Collins was wanted for kidnapping and theft by extortion.
The fake bounty hunter went so far as to illegally handcuff a woman at her home in Port Norris, then bring her to a business where he held her until her friend could bring her “bail.” After the woman reached out to her bail bondsman about the situation, Collins returned again and brought the woman into the police station where he then paid her bail himself. When the woman explained that her “bail” was already posted by a friend, the case became a red flag to police who then started investigating the case.
On Friday, September 21, an anonymous source alerted police that Collins was in the city of Millville after he recognized Collins from a photo in The Daily Journal. Four officers immediately headed to the area in which Collins was spotted and found the imposter in a parked car. When Collins realized that he’d been found, he took off running before he was caught and taken to a local hospital for a medical exam.
Police believe there may be others who have been victimized by Collins. In March 2011, he was arrested after being linked to an alleged sexual assault incident in Millville. After being released from the hospital on September 21, Collins was held in Cumberland County Jail on a $300,000 bail, according to Police. He has now added “resisting arrest and eluding charges” to his arrest file.
If you have any questions about the bail bond process, don’t hesitate to contact 24 Seven Bail Bonds. If your loved one is currently being accused of criminal charges, give us a call at (732) 993-7408 and we’ll help you post bail.
Last updated 8 months ago
Police officers are trained and legally obligated to keep citizens safe from harm. When a police officer approaches you, it’s always a good idea to cooperate and comply with reasonable instructions; however, you should know how to exercise your rights in order to avoid unfounded arrest and the need for a bail bondsman.
Remaining Silent
If you are pulled over or otherwise questioned by a police officer, you are under no obligation to answer questions that could potentially incriminate you. Beyond politely providing your name and requested identification, your best bet is likely to remain silent. All you have to do is announce to the officer that you would rather not answer any more questions. If he does not have the grounds to arrest you, he will likely back down.
Refusing Searches
Since police officers represent authority, you may be tempted to do whatever they ask of you. When an officer asks to see inside your trunk, for example, your first instinct may be to comply. However, you have the right to refuse searches of your body, vehicle, or home if the officer doesn’t have a warrant or if no evidence of illegal activities is in plain sight.
Asking Permission to Leave
Most of the time, speaking with a police officer is completely voluntary—it’s only when you’re being detained that you’re required to stay. If you believe a police encounter is being drawn out unnecessarily, you should ask the officer if you are being detained or if you’re free to go.
Getting Arrested
Once an officer places you under arrest, you shouldn’t resist in any way. Your poor behavior and circumstances of arrest could be used to convict you in a court of law. If it truly is a wrongful arrest, you, a judge, and your lawyer will sort it out later.
Soon after an arrest, a judge will set an amount for bail. If this amount is too much for your friends or family members to cover, they should contact 24 Seven Bail Bonds. We’ll help you make bail so you don’t have to endure jail for a minute longer than necessary. Call us today at (732) 993-7408 for more information about bail bonds.
Last updated 8 months ago
According to the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, taxpayers are now spending $31,000,000 on government-funded pretrial releases versus the $25,500,000 they paid in 2008. This daunting number exists despite the fact that crime has continually decreased during this time. Typically, the cost of these pretrial releases should rise or fall with the crime rate. However, these operating programs continue to take the money of taxpayers.
In an article written in response to an editorial piece in the Tampa Tribune, Attorney Peter Antonacci argues that commercial bail bonds actually outperform government programs while costing taxpayers nothing. Antonacci explains that “the cost comparison should be to compare both forms of release: one is government-funded, which costs (according to OPPAGA) around $500 per defendant, while the other (bail) is funded by the defendants themselves and costs taxpayers absolutely nothing.”
The Tampa Tribune editorial piece, entitled “Bail Bond Boondoogle,” revolves around a legislation that would reduce pretrial release programs, which would result in fewer tax dollars being spent. However, Antonacci goes on to argue that this session is not actually pushing such a bill. He suggests that we look at these government-run programs as welfare programs for criminals.
If you would like to read more about what Antonacci has to say regarding the benefits of bail versus a pretrial release program, click here. If you have any questions about the bail bond process, don’t hesitate to contact 24 Seven Bail Bonds. If your loved one is currently being accused of criminal charges, give us a call at (732) 993-7408 and we’ll help you post bail.
Last updated 8 months ago
Though posting bail will get your loved one out of jail, it will not free him from his court obligations; in fact, it’s a guarantee that he will continue the trial process. When a loved one is arrested, your first instinct may be to pay the bail amount in full. Before you do, you should consider hiring the services of a bail bondsman. Here’s why:
Financial Savings
When you post bail out of pocket, you’ll get your money back as long as the defendant fulfills all of his obligations. Still, being without thousands or tens of thousands of dollars for several months can be hard on your finances. Also, if your loved one skips bail, your full bail amount will be irretrievable. When you seek the services of a bail bondsman, you’ll only pay 10% of the set bail amount. Though you won’t get that 10% back at the end of the trial process, it’s still much less of a financial commitment.
Help with Paperwork
Like most people, you probably have very little experience with the criminal justice system. When you post bail for your loved one, you’ll need to fill out paperwork. Though most aspects of this paperwork are straightforward, a small mistake could delay or jeopardize the bail process. Luckily, a bail bondsman has the experience necessary to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Avoiding Investigation
If law enforcement officials suspect that the arrestee’s bail money came from an illegal source—such as a bank robbery or drug deal—you may become the subject of an investigation. Even if the bail money came from completely honest means, you’re better off seeking the services of a bail bondsman and avoiding the possibility of an unjust investigation.
If you have any questions about the bail bond process, don’t hesitate to contact 24 Seven Bail Bonds. If your loved one is currently being accused of criminal charges, give us a call at (732) 993-7408 and we’ll help you post bail.
Last updated 8 months ago
A recent in-depth report by the New York Times shines a bright light on the ineffectiveness of New Jersey’s solution to the budget-strapped and overcrowded prison system, halfway houses.
“At the heart of the system is a company with deep connections to politicians of both parties, most notably Gov. Chris Christie,” said New York Times reporter, Sam Dolnick.
To read the full article click here.
While some hail New Jersey’s halfway house solution as an “innovative example of privatization,” the reality is that these structures have mutated into a “shadow corrections network where drugs, gang activity, and violence including sexual assaults, often go unchecked.”
The most unfortunate trend of this new correctional system is the ease with which inmates can escape. According to an analysis done by the New York Times, almost 5,100 inmates have escaped from New Jersey’s privately run halfway houses since 2005.
Skipping bail has serious repercussions for everyone involved in the transaction. At 24 Seven Bail Bonds, we’re here to help you understand the legal process and the importance of showing up for your court dates. When you need help with bail and navigating the court system, call our professional team at (732) 993-7408.
