Archives February 2021

What are Bail Bonds?

In the US criminal system, bail is a set amount deposit that is made to a court to ensure that a defendant will show up for future court proceedings. 

The amount of bail that is required to release a defendant awaiting trial is set by a court judge and is dependent upon the severity of the crime and the potential risk of releasing the defendant into the community, as well as whether or not the accused poses a flight risk. A judge may also choose to refuse to offer bail, meaning the defendant must remain in jail while awaiting trial. For minor crimes, a judge may also release the defendant on his own recognizance. In this case, there is no bail, and the accused is released on condition he agrees to the court’s orders.

Because many defendants are unable to pay the high cost of bail in cash, bail bonds Scranton PA are often used in lieu of cash bail.

A bail bond is a type of surety bond that is issued by a bail bondsman in lieu of the full bail amount. Bail bondsmen charge a fee, generally 10% of the total bail amount, to issue the bond. The defendant pays the fee and then insures the rest of the bail with collateral, such as a home or piece of property.

When a defendant is out on bail, he or she is expected to show up for scheduled hearings. If the defendant does not appear as ordered, bail is revoked. The defendant’s total bail fee will be remanded to the court and a warrant issued for the defendant’s arrest.

In general, the bail bondsman retains the 10% of bail amount paid to him as his fee for services and for having incurred the risk of the bond. However, the property that was put up as collateral insurance (such as a home, vehicle or property) is returned to the defendant. 

Understanding Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a program that provides insurance coverage for employees who are injured on the job. No one should feel unsafe at work, and if you are injured, you deserve to have your expenses paid for. Consider these facts about workers’ compensation to find out if you are eligible. It can be a huge help if you ever find yourself needing it.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must be an employee of a company that carries this type of insurance. Before you accept a job, you should ask if this is something that the company has. This is especially important if you work in an inherently dangerous field, although injuries can happen in any workplace at any time.

What Type of Injuries Are Covered?

Workers’ compensation only covers injuries that are sustained at your place of work. These injuries can occur as a result of ineffective safety regulations or improper training on equipment use. In some cases, chronic work injuries may be considered, although filing a claim for these may prove more challenging. The person filing the claim must be able to prove that the injury occurred as a direct result of work conditions.

How Do I File a Claim?

In most states, there is a timely filing stipulation on workers’ compensation claims, so you should file your claim as soon as you are able. After the incident occurs, you should inform your supervisor at work. You should ask that a written report is made. An Iowa workers compensation lawyer can help you determine what you need to file your claim.

Being injured on the job can be a scary thing, but there are tools in place that can help you get the compensation that you need. In this situation, remember that proper documentation is key.

Benefits of Becoming a Notary

Millions of Americans need notary services every year. Although becoming a notary requires more than submitting a notary application Florida, the time and effort are well worth the benefits.

Resume Benefits

Becoming a notary can add value to your resume. Every company requires the services of a notary from time to time. For example, notaries are needed in banking, medical, legal, insurance, technology and even government agencies and organizations. If you already have your commission, your current or any prospective company does not need to pay for training, bonding and the application process.

Extra Income

Notaries are state appointed, so they become public officials when they receive their commissions. Therefore, your notary commission belongs to you alone. Even if your company pays for your training and application, that company does not own you or your notary services.

You can offer notary services to anyone, whether they work in your company or not, allowing you to earn extra income outside of work. Notaries typically charge $10-15 per notarized document, and if you have to travel, you can include reasonable travel and other expenses.

You may also pursue additional responsibilities as a notary signing agent. These individuals witness mortgages or other real estate loan documents. These independent contractors are hired by title companies and may work outside normal business hours. The fees for this type of notary service are significantly higher than regular services.

Scheduling

If you choose to offer your notary services outside of a company, you can choose your own schedule. For example, if you are a stay-at-home parent, you may choose to offer your services when your spouse is home or on the weekends. Because many individuals, and sometimes companies, require these services outside business hours, you can choose a schedule that fits your lifestyle.

Once you have your notary commission, you can choose your hours, fees and who you work with. You may even offer discounted or free services to those in your community who cannot afford a notary. If you are interested in a lucrative, liberating career, consider becoming a notary.