The Three Basic Types of Bail

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You’ve likely heard the term “out on bail”, but do you know what it really means? Bail is set by a judge in order to ensure that a person accused of a crime appears in court to answer the charges against them. Upon meeting the bail conditions, a suspect is released from pre-trial custody with the understanding that they will present themselves at an upcoming court hearing. While there are several variations, bail generally falls into three main categories.

The Three Basic Types of Bail

Surety Bonds

Probably the most common type of bail, a surety bond is one in which another person agrees to be responsible for the court-determined bail amount if the accused does not appear at the designated time. If a person doesn’t have a friend or family member able to serve as the guarantor, they’ll need to turn to a surety bail bondman Yadkin NC. It is common for the bondsman to charge a percentage of the total bail as an upfront fee.

Cash Bonds

If the bail is set low enough, or the accused has access to sufficient money, a cash bond may be appropriate. As the name implies, the entire amount of the bond must be paid to the court in order to gain the defendant’s release. Once the defendant’s case has been decided, the money is returned, sometimes minus a small administrative fee.

Personal Recognizance Bonds

Most often granted to first-time offenders and those accused of nonviolent crimes, including white-collar crimes, this is definitely the most advantageous option for the defendant. Requiring no money upfront, the recognizance bond releases the individual from custody based on their personal promise to return to court as ordered and to not commit any crimes prior to the trial.

While the information above outlines the three basic categories, keep in mind that the specific types and permissible terms of bail vary by jurisdiction across the country.

Tips to Take Legal Measures Properly After an Accident

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Car accidents are the roughest ride one can get if God forbid they take place. The injuries taking place after an accident get even more overwhelming when emotions go into turmoil. Millions of car accidents occur all over the world. Fortuitously, in these accidents, most of the damage goes on the property instead of the owner. But in some unfortunate circumstances, the damage also goes onto the person resulting in various injuries. Injuries may be minor or fatal, and in cases of a miracle, the driver may even come out unscathed.

This article will talk about the legal measures that one should be aware of if an accident occurs. These tips are essential to remember as they include legal procedures one must follow to avoid unfavorable circumstances. Whether you are involved in the accident or a standing witness, these tips will help you in both cases. It is better to shield yourself and your welfares than be aloof and walk away as you can get charged as an offender. 

Taking legal measures will protect your rights and interests and will also be favored by the law. They’re vital to avoid any other mishap or fine charged intentionally or unintentionally taking an illegal step. It will save you from much trouble regarding the police, the insurance company, and the law.

If someone hits your car, you can file a case against them to get your damage rightfully fixed. But for that, you must take legal measures to ensure that everything is under legal prosecutions and the law favors it. Contacting the police, the paramedics, and staying till they arrive are some of the necessary parts one must play.

Lawyers play a massive role in helping you to cover the indemnities by presenting your case in the best way possible. After an accident, always hire a car accident lawyer as the lawyer will help you win your case and get the benefits. A lawyer won’t charge you for his services until and unless he wins the case. It is a win-win situation, as you won’t be going through further financial damages that may be caused by an accident. Your insurance company will cover vehicle damages, medical bills, and other important details if you win the case. 

Legal Measures to Take After an Accident Occurs

Rights Protection

It is one of the most vital steps to take after an accident takes place. Hire a lawyer to strengthen your case and protect your best interests, which insurance companies usually don’t have for you. It is better to consult your lawyer before giving any statements to your insurance company. As insurance companies want statements soon after the accident, it is better to wait for your lawyer’s order. Otherwise, you may get ripped off your money by insurance companies who don’t have your best interests at heart.

Stay 

Never drive away from an accident scene, be it a major or minor. The law will take you as a guilty offender and charge you for it. Always stay till the paramedics or the police have arrived. It will stop the problems from arising if you don’t leave the place; otherwise, the law will hold you guilty. Avoid unfavorable consequences by remaining there till the police arrive. 

Guard the Scene 

When an accident occurs, use flashers or flashlight to guard yourself while waiting for the police to arrive. Stay inside your car at all costs to prevent further damage to take place.

Call the Cops

Whether there are severe fatal injuries involved or not, it is always better to call the police. Even when there are no injuries, you will need a police report to register an assertion with your insurance company. This way, your vehicle’s damage would be under coverage, and you won’t have to sweat. The police must also report and file the incident as it complements the law and gives concrete proofs and evidence.

Capture Snapshots

It is essential to take snapshots of proof of the accident, damage, and injuries caused by it. But do not interfere when the police are investigating. Take photos only when possible at the scene; otherwise, you must take them right after the accident. 

Give-and-take Information  

You must take the name, phone number, and address of everyone involved in the accident if the cops aren’t responding. Don’t forget to bring insurance information from them and the information of those who witness the accident. Collecting information about witnesses will help you and your lawyer later on.

Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible  

Whether you have any visible injuries or not, call the paramedics as soon as possible. When the police interrogate you about injuries, do not say that you are not injured when you aren’t sure. Sometimes aches etc. come up after a few hours or a day later. Even minor injuries that you feel aren’t that significant must be treated to prevent any further harm. 

Document and File the Accident

It is necessary to keep a file of your documents connected to the accident. The information that must be present in these files are; 

  • Names and contacts of everyone attending or involved.
  • Claim number and assertion’s adjuster managing the claims.
  • Rental car receipts.
  • Medical bills and other expenditures utilized during the accident’s procedures. 

Exact Record of the Incident

State everything that you know that happened at the accident scene to the investigators. Suppose you aren’t sure of telling them that you don’t make assumptions or speculate the facts. Include those statements too of the people who witnessed the accident.

Conclusion Getting involved in an accident or witnessing it takes a hard toll on anyone’s mental peace. The lengthy procedures and going back and forth from the police station to the hospital etc. gets tough. Not only that, but you also have to bear the expenses that come up unless you are insured. But to keep yourself on the safe side and ensure that you win your case, you must hire a lawyer. Besides that, you must also practice these legal measures to protect yourself from disparaging situations. Drive safe and protect yourself.

4 Questions You Should Ask When Purchasing a Home

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Buying a home is the largest investment many people will ever make. It is one that should be approached thoroughly and thoughtfully. You want to find something that is suitable now, but also that can accommodate your needs over time. Asking these four questions can help you narrow the selection of possible properties. 

Purchasing a Home

1. Where Is It Located?

Even if a home seems perfect for you, it’s location can become the main deciding factor on whether or not it is a good purchase for you. In order to know if you are in the right neighborhood, consider things like surrounding home values, access to transportation routes, and proximity to work, school and recreation.

2. Are There Any Property Restrictions?

Some types of property have legal restrictions that can affect how you use them. Many restrictions are designed to maintain the character and appearance of a neighborhood. It might be a good idea to talk with a real estate lawyer Ashburn VA before buying a condominium, townhouse or a single-family home in an HOA-deeded neighborhood. 

3. Does the Home Meet Your Needs for the Foreseeable Future?

Be honest about what you want in a home and how you plan to use it for the next several years. If you are only planning to stay for a couple of years and then move onto something larger, will it still fit your needs if house values crash and you have to stay for longer? If you are planning to make this your last home purchase, will it accommodate age-related adaptations? 

4. How Old Is the Home and Its Major Systems?

A final and very important question concerns the age of the house in question. Many people choose newer homes to capitalize on modern construction techniques, but older homes can be a great buy, too. They tend to be built very sturdily, but replacing heating, plumbing or electrical systems can be costly if necessary, so you will want to have those inspected — and possibly replaced — before signing a contract.  

Asking questions during the home buying process helps ensure you find a home that works for your needs now and into the future.

Struggling To Pay Bills? Bankruptcy Laws Could Help

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Sometimes debt mounts. It happens for various reasons. Jobs are lost, cutting off the main source of income. Medical bills escalate, draining savings accounts. No matter the reason, the mounting bills mean people simply cannot manage their responsibilities. With the help of a bankruptcy Maryland lawyer, the stress could be relieved, and the accruing tabs might be diminished or eliminated. Various plans are possible, but it requires deciding what works best for each individual. During your professional consultation, consider whether one of these three common avenues works for you.

1. Chapter 7

Filing under Chapter 7 means you agree to forfeit your assets or accept liquidation, granting the state authority to sell off possessions. Any money gained is applied to what you owe. If you’re worried about your major holdings, some states permit you to keep retirement plans, cars and houses. This is only done, though, if current payments are up-to-date. Credit card and medical debt is usually erased. Keep in mind that this route does impact your credit score for up to ten years.

2. Chapter 11

This path might be available to you if your personal business is suffering financially. Proprietors don’t have to close shop; rather, they reorganize, determining methods to strengthen the operations and generate more income. The prior debt isn’t forgiven, but owners have the chance to spread out the accumulated amount through a payment plan.

3. Chapter 13

Personal restructuring is also available. Plan to meet with court officials to review how much you owe. At that conference, discuss how to consolidate obligations, recalculating them into one affordable note that spreads over the next three to five years.

Life may have created obstacles, but don’t let mounting deficits ruin a perfectly viable, prosperous future. Work with professionals to establish a strategy to get you and your finances back on your track.

2 Reasons To Get a Bail Bond

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Getting sent to jail can be terrifying, especially if you don’t have enough money to get out of jail before your trial. Luckily, you can find Wayne County bail bonds or similar services near you. A bail bond lets you get out of jail while you wait for your trial, and you get a bondsman to be your cosigner. You have to hold up your end of the deal by showing up to the trial, otherwise, you could face harsh consequences. Here are a few times when you may want a bail bond.

1. You Can’t Afford Bond

Bail bondsmen have agreements with your local court to pay the bond for you, and they’re liable if you don’t show up to court. But it gives you the chance to get the money you need to get out of jail before your trial. If you don’t have much money in savings or can’t afford to miss work, you can hire a bail bondsman. You can pay the bondsman a fee of around 10 percent of the bond, which is better than paying the entire thing or using your home as collateral.

2. You Don’t Want to Spend the Money

Even if you have the funds to pay bail yourself, you may not want to. In that case, you can save a little money but still get your freedom. As long as you show up to court, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying the full bond. But you shouldn’t just use the extra cash for anything. Consider hiring an attorney who can help you with your case. That way, you can increase your chances of remaining free after your trial.

A bail bond can be an easy way to get out of jail while you wait for a trial. But if you can’t afford it, you can consider working with a bondsman to pay to bail you out.

5 Common Workplace Injuries Due Compensation

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In spite of the precautions you may take, you could happen to get injured while at work. Due to state and federal regulations, most employers carry workers compensation insurance, but it can be difficult getting the compensation and benefits you are entitled too. If you find that you aren’t getting the assistance you need, consider calling a workers compensation attorney Oregon companies are familiar with. With legal help, you stand a better chance against your company. Here are some of the injuries you may experience at work that might be eligible for compensation.

Vehicle Accidents

Believe it or not, motor vehicle accidents are a common claim on workers comp plans. Those who drive for work could be exposed to faulty automotive equipment, other drivers on the road, or poor driving conditions. These all increase the risk of a collision with injuries.

Slips and Trips

The working conditions around may leave you susceptible to slips and trips. Whether it be from a wet or oily surface, tangled cords, or scattered debris, falling could create back injuries, sprains, or concussions.

Falls

In the construction industry, falls are the leading cause of death among workers. Falls could occur off ladders, roofs, platforms, scaffolding, or stairs.

Sprains and Strains

Workers who are constantly pushing, carrying, throwing, lifting, or pulling have a greater risk of sprains and strains. This category is considered the most common of job-related injuries. They aren’t always a single-occurrence claim though, as with slipping and falling. Years of strenuous activity could lead up to overexertion that creates chronic back or joint pain.

Hit by Objects

In warehousing spaces, being hit by a falling object is a common occurrence. Shelving units are often stacked high, and when trying to store or remove an item, it may shift and fall. Swinging pieces of equipment or machinery could hit an individual, causing blunt-force trauma.  Head injuries are the most commonly reported from falling objects.

Workplace safety should be your number one priority. If you get injured while on the job, report it to your supervisor immediately.

3 Types of Insurance Every Young Person Needs

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When you are young, you think about all the things you have to look forward to in the future. Whether it be a career, a family or something else, there are lots of things to be excited about. However, life does happen, and it is important that you are prepared for any situation that is thrown your way. When talking to your New Jersey insurance agency, be sure that you have these types of insurance policies under your belt.

Health

Even if you are the healthiest person you know, you still need health insurance. You never know when an accident might happen that leaves you with expensive medical bills. Some medical insurances have lower rates for those who can pass a health exam, so this might be something for you to take advantage of when you are young.

Auto

Car accidents are an unfortunate thing that can happen to anybody at any time. It is important to be prepared for these interruptions in life, so make sure that you have a good auto policy. You can choose a comprehensive auto policy or one that covers your liability only.

Home or Renter’s

Whether you own your home or rent your place, it is important to have insurance for it. If you are a homeowner, you need a comprehensive policy; if you are a renter, you need some type of insurance for the contents of your place. 

While it can be easy to feel invincible and on top of the world when you are young, it is also important to be aware of the responsibilities that adulthood brings. When searching for insurance deals, consider all the policies that you need, and ask if you can get a discount for having more than one policy with the company. Although you hope you never have to use the insurance, you will be glad you have it if you ever need it.