Don't Panic: Learn How To Free Your Loved One Using An Immigration Bond
Learning of a loved one's arrest and detainment by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is certainly frightening, but you do have options for their release. Read on and follow these steps so that you can bail your loved one out of confinement.
Locate Your Loved One
Usually, illegal aliens are detained in a federal facility holding station. They are booked, processed, and their information is then published online. You can access this information by looking them up online or by phoning the ICE detainee hot-line at 1-888-351-4024.
Getting Your Loved One Bailed Out
You must obtain a federal bond to bail a loved one out of federal detention. This is unlike those who are arrested by state, county or city law enforcement and use ordinary bonds. A bond is a pledge that your loved one will return for further legal proceedings and more. You must back up this pledge with money and sometimes property, in addition to the money. You can pay the full bond amount or arrange for a bail bonding company to post it for you. Bail bonds are less-expensive than paying the full bond amount. The bond amount needed is determined by the DHS. Once your loved one has been arrested, allow them time to be booked, processed, and for them to come before a federal judge to find out about bail.
Contact an Immigration Lawyer
Federal immigration matters are more complicated than most. An immigration lawyer understands how federal detainee law works and will work to have your loved one exonerated of their charges. For example, if bail is not offered to your loved one at all or if the bail offered is too high, an immigration lawyer will request a bail hearing to have bail reconsidered. Bail amounts are based on:
- What your loved one is charged with.
- The ties your loved one has to the community.
- The criminal record of your loved one.
Understanding Bail Conditions
Being free from jail is only part of the process. Once your loved one is free from detainment, they must abide by the conditions. Common conditions include obeying the law, not having weapons, staying away from criminal elements, and returning for all court cases. As the loved one, it's your responsibility to ensure that these conditions are met and that they return to court. To find out more about immigration detainee matters, contact an immigration lawyer near you.