Texas Inmates Struggle to Secure Release During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 Posted on September 11, 2020 in Bail Bonds

Anyone who is arrested will want to make sure they take the right steps to get out of jail as soon as possible. This is especially true during the COVID-19 crisis, since those who are being held in a jail, detention facility, or police department are often kept close together with other inmates in a small space, increasing the risks of infection. Even when surfaces are sanitized, prisoners are provided with masks, and measures are taken to maintain social distancing, inmates are likely to become infected, and as a result, the coronavirus has spread quickly throughout jails in Texas.

To secure a quick release, those who have been arrested will want to post bail right away. Unfortunately, the bail bonds process can be complex and confusing even at the best of times. For some people, getting out of jail might be even more difficult during the coronavirus pandemic due to orders put in place by Texas’ governor and other requirements that must be met.

Governor Abbott Restricts Jail Release for Some Prisoners

On March 29, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued an emergency order restricting judges from releasing certain prisoners without the requirement to pay bail. In order to reduce jail populations and prevent the spread of COVID-19, some judges have allowed prisoners to be released on their own recognizance without the requirement to post a bond or turn over collateral. The governor’s order disallowed these types of releases for those who have been charged with violent crimes or who had previously been convicted of violent offenses.

A group of judges in Harris County filed a lawsuit challenging the governor’s order, but the Texas Supreme Court ruled in the governor’s favor and upheld the order. Currently, prisoners who are restricted from receiving “no-money” bonds can still be released if they are able to post the amount of bail set by a judge.

Issues Getting Released After Posting Bail

Some additional issues related to the coronavirus have made it difficult for some inmates to get out of jail even after posting bail. Several prisoners in the Dallas/Fort Worth area have reported that judges have required them to use electronic monitoring, but the officials who were supposed to fit them with ankle bracelets and provide supervision have refused to work with them out of fear of becoming infected with COVID-19. Because of this, inmates have faced additional dangers due to being required to stay in prison, where they face the risk of infection.

Contact a Dallas Bail Bondsman

At Doc’s Bail Bonds, we can help you meet the requirements to get released from jail as quickly as possible. If you have been refused a no-money bond, or if you are struggling to pay bail, we will provide you with affordable payment options, including financing plans or accepting collateral as cash. With our experience working with personnel at jails throughout North Texas, we can help you address electronic monitoring or meet other requirements to get released. Contact a Collin County bail agent today at 972-562-6057.

Sources:

https://www.texasobserver.org/pretrial-covid-dallas-electronic-monitoring/

https://www.texastribune.org/2020/04/23/texas-greg-abbott-bail-jail-releases/