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What is considered a drug offense?

A drug offense involves possession of a controlled substance with evidence that a person was intending to supply the drugs or have consistent use of them.

What qualifies as intent to distribute?

The intent to distribute or sell drugs is assumed when a person is holding onto an amount of CDS that is too large to use personally. Other cases where this can be determined can include evidence of large amounts of money, communications from customers, and more.

How do drug charges work?

Drug charges will vary state by state depending on the amount and type of drug that’s involved. A small quantity of drugs can be a simple possession while large amounts can lead to possession charges with the intent to distribute which will have harsher punishments.

What is considered simple possession?

Simple possession of a substance is knowingly possessing a substance, casually exchanging a substance, giving out ½ an ounce at most of marijuana, or possessing a substance without a valid medical prescription.

Is drug possession a felony or misdemeanor?

Virtually all controlled substance crimes are misdemeanors yet some states may have criminal history exclusions that will make people eligible for a felony if they have had former felonies.

Can felony drug charges be dropped?

Felony drug charges can be compromised with a plea deal where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. Depending on the case you may not be able to get changes completely dismissed so it’s best to have a lawyer negotiate your options.

Can you get probation for a felony drug charge?

With felony drug charges it’s unlikely that probation will be received even with cases where it a person’s first-time offense. A lesser charge may be able to be negotiated with your attorney yet this depends on the case. As such this will open up the potential to serve probation rather than a jail sentence which can be helpful to those subject the crime.

What is the drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking involves the global illicit trade from cultivating, manufacturing, distributing and selling substances named under drug prohibition laws. In order to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of drug trafficking the UNODC continuously researches and monitors global illicit drug markets.

What are the economic consequences of drug abuse?

The effects of drug and alcohol abuse account for over a $100 billion per year which can be a financial burden to society. Over half of all crimes are due to these types of crimes alone. 

Which legislation is helping the war on drugs?

The US Congress passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 in order to address the heightened concern over illicit drug use. This act gave $1.7 billion to the War on Drugs under the Reafan administration and also establish a series of “mandatory minimum” prison sentences on a range of offenses with drugs.

What is the mandatory minimum sentence for drug possession?

Five to ten years in prison is the mandatory minum sentence that must be served with someone who has been conceived of particular crimes. Yet with crimes that involve drugs the mandatory minimum sentence may alter based on the amount of drugs involved in the drug charge.

Contact Your Local Bain Bondsman

Make sure to get into contact with your legal representation when you require assistance with drug charges. You may be able to obtain drug charges bail after an arrest has been made which can lessen the burden of the situation. Bail bonds will allow you to await future court proceedings and legal obligations in the comfort of your own home and not a jail cell. It’s best to follow through with guidelines so that you may keep your bail bond intact. Make sure to speak to your local bail bondsman and a lawyer regarding the specifics of your case in order to avoid trouble and have your bond revoked. As with any case, make sure to stay well within your limitations and follow through with the expectations placed upon you with your charge.

For assistance with bail with drug charges in in Covington, TN call 901-476-1125 with Advanced Bail Bonding!

What is a misdemeanor citation in Tennessee?

Getting a misdemeanor citation is a common way that someone in the state of Tennessee may be charged with a crime without being placed under arrest. 

What is the court process for a misdemeanor?

Typically the court process surrounding a misdemeanor will be as follows. First, either an arrest is made with the defendant being sent to jail or they will be released with a signed citation in the field. If the defendant is arrested they will be given a date to appear in court. Here three things can happen: one, the defendant is released and no charges are filed; two, the defendant posts bail, or is released on his own recognizance, and/or is scheduled for arraignment; three, the defendant remains in custody and is brought to court for arraignment.

Can you plea bargain a misdemeanor?

A plea bargain will typically reduce a felony to a misdemeanor which can be helpful for the defendant in preserving their civil rights, retaining a professional license, and protecting their job prospects.

What is considered a serious misdemeanor?

A serious misdemeanor can be considered crimes of kidnapping, murder, rape, and arson which will have more serious terms of incarceration and more than a year in prison.

How will a misdemeanor affect my life?

Misdemeanor offenses aren’t as serious as felony offenses and will typically involve less severe punishments like community service, probation, part-time incarceration and monetary fines. Punishments are served in local city or county jails rather than high-security prisons. A misdemeanor will stay on your criminal record and if you are asked on a job application whether you have been convicted of a crime you would answer yes which may or may not affect job prospects. However, you may be able to successfully petition the court for these records to be sealed or expunged.

How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record in TN?

A misdemeanor crime in Tennessee can be petitioned to be erased from your criminal history and may be filed five years after the completion of your sentence. All court obligations must be completed before the crime can be expunged.

How do you get a misdemeanor expunged in Tennessee?

You may file a request for misdemeanor expungement with the court that your case originated from. If you have multiple charges check with the court clerk for the separate forms that will be associated with each charge. Certain charges will qualify for expungement and you must indicate them on the forms. 

How can a misdemeanor be dismissed?

A misdemeanor can be dismissed with the formal request to the court, i.e. a petition. The court will make a decision on your request and could withdraw your guilty or no contest plea (or a guilty verdict if you had a trial,) and enter it as a not guilty plea. The court will then set aside the conviction and dismiss it.

Get Legal Assistance With a Misdemeanor

If you find yourself or someone you know with a misdemeanor and an arrest has been made, consider the option of misdemeanor bail bonds so that trials can be awaited out of jail. With any legal actions and processes make sure to get the legal advice and representation of a lawyer. A misdemeanor will have procedures that can be long and confusing so it’s best to get help from legal professionals for assistance.

When you need help with a misdemeanor in Covington, TN call 901-476-1125 with Advanced Bail Bonding!

Can You Bond Out on a Felony Charge?

As is the case with more serious crimes, the court will take a long hard look at individuals who have been charged with severe crimes. For instance, bail takes longer for domestic violence cases and for crimes that are felonies. After a person has been arrested, a bail hearing will be scheduled to determine if the defendant is a flight risk. If a person is a flight risk it is because the court thinks based upon the defendant’s prior criminal history, that they are a threat to society. If the person could realistically harm the original victim, the witnesses, or the community, they will not likely be released on bail. If the defendant isn’t considered a flight risk, there is a high likelihood that they can bond out of jail.

How Long Do You Stay in Jail if You Can’t Pay Bail?

If a person can’t pay bail then that person will go into what is called “remand detention.” Remand detention is where people await trials. If an individual cannot pay the bail that the court has set, then they will not be released from jail. It is as simple as that. The amount of time that an individual will have to remain in jail will depend on when the court date is set. Defendants may have to remain in jail for months at a time before they see their trial date.

How Much Do I Have to Pay on a $500 Bond?

Generally speaking, the purchase price of a bond is approximately ten percent, or 10%, of the value of the total bond. This means that if an individual is arrested and charged, and needs to pay a bail bondsman, that on a five-hundred-dollar charge they can expect to pay fifty dollars. This percentage amount corresponds to the overall number. That means that for a five-thousand-dollar bond, a friend or family member will need to pay the bail bondsman five-hundred dollars.

Can You Bail Someone Out of Jail Without Money?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to bail someone out of jail without money. Every bail bond comes with a premium that must be paid in order to get the appellant out of jail. It is possible, however, for an individual to bail themselves out of jail provided they use the delayed payment plan until they get out of jail. 

Felony Bail Amount

It is important to consider the different felony bail amounts according to the crime. The felony bail amount will differ based upon the circumstances of the case. Please review the following bullet-pointed list to discover more.

• Nature and the seriousness of the crime. If the crime is severe, it will affect the conviction and sentencing.
• The appellant’s prior criminal record. A person with a long and lengthy criminal history will receive a more serious punishment than a first-time offender.
• The defendant’s mental state, character, and reputation. A person who is considered a paragon of society will receive better treatment from the justice system than a thief and a liar with witnesses to testify against them.
• Being a danger to society. If a person has committed violent acts or dangerous acts, then it is wholly in the jurisdiction of the court to protect civil society from them. This is done through high bail amounts, and more.

Bail Bonds for Felony

The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor can’t be underestimated. Misdemeanors are usually punishable by more substantial fines and even jail time. However, the jail time punishment is usually less than one year. On the other hand, if an individual is convicted of a felony, their jail time will most likely be served in a federal correctional institution.

Felony Bail

The bail amount for a felony charge can be as low as $1,500 or as high as $50,000. As stipulated previously, the more serious the crime, the more high the bail amount.

Your bail bonds should be handled with experience and precision. Our staff at Advanced Bail Bonding are ready to assist. Please call us at 901-476-1125. Discover more about how we can help you with felony bail bonds in Covington, TN! 

How Do I Look Up a Traffic Ticket?

Many states have websites specifically dedicated to assisting with offenses, including traffic tickets. This may be found through the city website or the DMV website. Typically, you will be required to input some information to find your tickets, such as your ticket number, the date of your offense, your name, or your social security number. Although government-run websites are safe to give this information to, always be sure that you are on the correct website, most readily discerned by searching for a “.gov” within the site’s address. From there, you may be able to determine whether or not your ticket qualifies for dismissal, or if paying a quick fine, attending a traffic class, proving a repair, or simply appealing the ticket is the best course.

Can You Get More Time to Pay a Ticket?

There are ways to extend the due date on your ticket’s fine, most commonly as a result of financial hardship. You can also forego paying your fine altogether if you attend traffic school (in person or online). The course often costs far less than a ticket for a more significant or extreme traffic violation. If additional time is not possible, the court may be able to set up a payment plan for your fine to help you pay the ticket without significant financial strain.

How Do I Request an Extension On My Ticket?

The best course of action in these cases is to speak directly with the court or judge in charge of your ticket and explain the situation at hand. If you have recently come under financial duress, for instance through the loss of a job, unexpected medical costs, or any other form of unexpected financial strain, the judge may be willing to offer you a reduction of your fine or an extended period in which to pay your fine. The exact type of reduction or extension offered will depend on individual needs, requests, and availability. To begin the process, contact the court in charge of your case and ask what the process is in your county. Some counties will have you file a request, some will have you speak directly with a judge, and some will instruct you to file an online form. Contact your county office to determine what the best course of action is for you and your ticket.

How Many Times Can You Extend a Traffic Ticket?

As a general rule of thumb, extending your ticket even once is something of a gift from the court to the individual who has received a ticket. There is no guarantee that a court will agree to extend your traffic ticket more than once. If, however, you can prove that you have continued to experience financial duress or can show that you have been unable to secure a job or pay your bills, a judge can approve an additional extension. This would be unusual, however, as most judges specifically provide a one-time 30, 60, or 90-day extension on a fine. If you do not pay, there may be consequences including late fees, additional fines, or even an arrest warrant.

Traffic Tickets and Bail Bonds: What Is Bail for a Traffic Ticket?

Traffic tickets do not necessarily lead to jail time, but certain traffic infractions can result in arrest. In these cases, there are a few rules for bail that will vary from state to state and county to county, but the most commonly imposed bail traffic rules include:

• Traffic bail forfeiture – If you do not comply with the guidelines set forth for the bail tied to your traffic infraction, you forfeit the amount of your bail. If, for instance, you are instructed not to drive while you await your court date and ignore this rule, you forfeit your bail money. You also forfeit your traffic bail if, at your hearing, you are found guilty of the violation in question.
• Traffic bail may be paid before your court date – In many cases, you are permitted to simply pay your bail or fine before your court date to avoid the court date altogether.
• Using a traffic bail bond company is typically permitted – Depending on the reason for your ticket, your age, and the number of offenses you’ve committed, your bail amount may exceed thousands of dollars. Using a traffic bail bonds company may be necessary to pay your bail in full and on time.

Contact the team at Advanced Bail Bonding for bail bonds help in Covington by calling 901-476-1125 today!