It can be very devastating for families who have a loved one that gets locked away due to their current immigration status. A lot of people think that when a loved one is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), that is the end until they are eventually deported.
The good news is that is not always the case. Within the detainment process, there is still a chance that your loved one could qualify for release until notification from the courts. The following is important information you will need to understand about immigration bail bonds and how your loved one can qualify for one.
Types of Immigration Bonds
There are two types of immigration bail bonds that illegal residents can apply for: delivery bonds and voluntary departure bonds.
- Delivery Bonds
For someone to qualify for a delivery bond, they must be qualified for the bond by the presiding judge. This is normally given if the individual is not seen as a flight risk or a danger to their community.
With a delivery bond also comes an arrest warrant and custody conditions that make sure the individual will be present for their immigration hearings. Delivery bonds are a great choice so your loved one can spend time with their family instead of in jail while they wait for their immigration issue to be decided.
- Voluntary Departure Bonds
Voluntary departure bonds give the person the option to leave the country with their own money. As soon as this happens and ICE corroborates that the detainee is no longer in the country, the bond will be given back to the person. However, if the person does not leave the country or check in with ICE about their immigration status, the bond will be lost.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of an immigration bond is different than a standard bond. The cost of an immigration bond depends solely on the person involved. An immigration judge will set the bond and consider the following things which can have an impact on the case.
- Prior criminal convictions
- State of existing ties in the United States
- Current employment
- General history of the individual
- Potential flight risk
Keep in mind that there is a series of immigration hearings that are held before a final decision to the case. These hearings are just as important to the court appearances required by people who have committed other types of crimes.
How to Pay for an Immigration Bond
There are two different ways to pay for an immigration bond. One way is to pay a cash bond directly to ICE. The other way is by getting a surety bond from an immigration bondsman. Know that if you choose a surety bond, the bond agent will charge between 15 and 20 percent of the bond amount, and just like other bail bonds, you will not be refunded for the collateral you provide up front.
Whether you are an illegal immigrant or a United States citizen, being arrested and thrown in jail can be a scary and confusing time. If you or a loved one have been arrested due to your immigration status, contact AAAA Discount Bail Bonds at (936) 539-4444. We understand the uncertainty of your situation and want to provide you with as much relief as possible. Call us today to speak with one of our bondsmen who can walk you through the process of getting an immigration bail bond. We are here to help you!