Law Enforcement Stops Massive Texas Bail Bond Fraud Scheme

 Posted on August 05, 2024 in Criminal Defense

The FBI's two-year investigation into a Texas bail bond fraud scheme recently culminated in 50 arrests. Bail bonds are the backbone of the criminal justice system, allowing those arrested to enter into an agreement with the court. This agreement consists of a payment and an agreement to appear in court at a later date in exchange for being released from jail.

How Do Bail Bonds Work in Texas?

Most people are largely unaware of how bail bonds work until they or a loved one ends up in jail, and they must quickly learn about the bail bond process.  A bail bond is essentially an agreement with the court stating you will appear for your hearings, along with a payment to secure the agreement.

"Bail" and "bond" are two different things, although they are often used together and interchangeably. Bail is the actual amount a defendant must pay if they wish to be released from jail until their trial. A bond is a financial guarantee which is usually posted by a bail bond company on behalf of the defendant. All bail bond companies in Texas must be licensed by the state.

After you are booked into jail, you will appear before a judge who will set your bail. This amount varies based on your charges and whether you are considered a danger to the public if released. Bail amounts are determined by the judge so long as they are not considered excessively high.

Once your bail is set and if the amount is too high, your attorney can argue for a lower bail amount. A bail hearing will be set, and the court will determine whether a lower bail amount is appropriate. After bail is set, it can either be posted in cash or through a bail bond.  Another option in Tarrant County, an individual may also be released on a personal bond.

Since few defendants have sufficient cash to pay the entire bail, a bail bondsman can be paid a percent of the total bail and then will cover the full amount of the bail. There will be conditions of release from the court and from the bail bondsman.

A violation of any of these conditions will result in your return to jail. If you attend all required court appearances, your bail will be refunded in full if you pay cash. If you go through a bail bondsman, must likely you will not receive refund.  

An Overview of the Texas Bail Bond Fraud Scheme

The FBI partnered with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Houston Police Department, which resulted in 53 people accused of participating in wire fraud schemes related to the use of false documents to obtain bail bonds. Fifty people were arrested, and three remain at large. 

False financial reports were allegedly obtained by a Houston bail bond company, allowing at least 11 defendants charged with a criminal offense to qualify for bond—when they otherwise would not have. Violent offenders were released on these false bonds, undermining the legal process. Those involved in the false bond scheme could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.  

Contact a Tarrant County, TX Criminal Defense Attorney

If you find yourself in a situation where a bond is necessary to be released from jail, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible. Sitting in jail for an extended length of time is never a good thing, and your attorney will work to ensure you are released on bail. When you call a knowledgeable Fort Worth, TX criminal defense lawyer, you have taken an important first step in protecting your rights and future. Contact The Dameron Law Firm at 817-222-0624 to schedule your free consultation.