How Can I Get Out of a Texas Jail Faster?

 Posted on September 17, 2021 in Attorney Writ Bonds

People in Texas who have been arrested, taken to jail, and charged with a crime are usually required to see a judge to set a bond before they can get out of jail. If someone is arrested over a weekend, or if a judge is not immediately available, he or she may have to wait in jail for several days. This is not ideal for many reasons. People have jobs, families, and lives they have to maintain, and none of those things are manageable from inside a jail.

Fortunately, there may be another option. In this article, we will discuss what an “attorney writ bond” is and what it can do. If you are seeking an attorney writ bond for someone you love who is currently in jail, or if you are potentially facing arrest and want to know more about your options, contact a Texas criminal defense attorney right away.

What Is an Attorney Writ Bond?

Attorney writ bonds are arrangements between a licensed, qualified Texas attorney and the local sheriff’s department that allow people to leave jail without having to wait to see a judge.

Once someone has been fingerprinted and booked in jail, they can contact their attorney. If they qualify for an attorney writ bond, the attorney will come to the jail and arrange the inmate’s release by securing a bond on their behalf. This is why it is called an attorney writ bond - the inmate’s attorney is guaranteeing the bond in the same way a local bondsman would. The inmate pays a nonrefundable fee to their attorney and is able to leave jail right away.

Can Everyone Get an Attorney Writ Bond?

Only certain criminal charges for misdemeanor offenses are eligible for attorney writ bonds. Marijuana possession, theft, DWIs, and other non-violent misdemeanors are generally eligible, but inmates cannot get a writ bond if they were arrested for family violence, assault, or any kind of felony.

If I Have an Attorney Writ Bond, Do I Still Need to Hire an Attorney?

In Texas, the law requires the attorney who holds someone’s bond to be the attorney who represents that person in court. The bond is just the beginning of a normal attorney-client relationship. After providing their client with the bond, the attorney must let the court know that they hold the bond and will be representing the client. A client can hire additional attorneys, but the attorney who holds the bond must be involved in the case.

Speak with a Plano Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have a loved one who is in jail, contact a Collin County criminal defense attorney right away. The attorneys at Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. are always available to help qualified individuals obtain the attorney writ bond they need to get out of jail and move on with their lives. Contact our offices to schedule a free consultation at 469-333-3333.

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.17.htm#17.20

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.17.htm