Are you or a loved one facing the daunting prospect of being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Jersey? If so, one of the options available to secure your release is through an immigration bail bond. This process can be overwhelming and confusing, but don’t worry – we’re here to guide you through it. In this article, we’ll break down the steps to paying an immigration bail bond in New Jersey, so you can navigate the process with ease.

Understanding Immigration Bail Bonds

Before we dive into the process of paying an immigration bail bond, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what it is and how it works. An immigration bail bond is a type of bond that is paid to ICE to secure the release of an individual who is in immigration detention. This bond serves as a guarantee that the individual will attend all of their immigration court hearings and comply with any orders issued by the court.
In New Jersey, there are two types of immigration bail bonds: delivery bonds and voluntary departure bonds. A delivery bond is issued by ICE and allows the individual to be released from detention while their immigration case is pending. A voluntary departure bond, on the other hand, allows the individual to leave the country voluntarily within a specified period of time and have the bond refunded.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility for a Bond

The first step in paying an immigration bail bond in New Jersey is to determine if you or your loved one is eligible for a bond. Not everyone in immigration detention is eligible for a bond, and it ultimately depends on the individual’s immigration status and criminal history. If you are not eligible for a bond, you may still be able to request a bond hearing to argue for your release.

Step 2: Find a Licensed Bond Company

Once eligibility for a bond has been established, the next step is to find a licensed bond company in New Jersey. It is important to note that only licensed bond companies can post immigration bail bonds. You can find a list of licensed bond companies on the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Before contacting a bond company, it’s important to gather all the necessary documents for the bond application process. This includes a valid form of identification, proof of immigration status, and any other relevant documents requested by the bond company.

Step 4: Contact a Bond Company

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can contact a bond company to begin the application process. The bond company will review your case and determine the amount of the bond. In New Jersey, the minimum bond amount is $1,500, but it can go up to $10,000 or more depending on the individual’s circumstances.

Step 5: Pay the Bond

After the bond company has determined the amount of the bond, you will need to pay the bond in full. The payment can be made in cash, money order, or cashier’s check. It’s important to note that the bond company will charge a non-refundable fee for their services, usually 10% of the bond amount.

Step 6: Attend All Court Hearings

Once the bond has been paid, the bond company will provide you with a receipt and a bond form. This form must be presented to the ICE officer at the detention facility to secure the individual’s release. It’s crucial to attend all court hearings and comply with any orders issued by the court to avoid the bond being revoked.

Step 7: Receive Refund (if applicable)

If the individual has been granted voluntary departure and has left the country within the specified time frame, the bond will be refunded. However, if the individual has been ordered to be removed from the country, the bond will be forfeited.

Conclusion

Paying an immigration bail bond in New Jersey can be a complex and overwhelming process, but with the right information and guidance, it can be navigated successfully. Remember to determine eligibility, find a licensed bond company, gather all necessary documents, pay the bond, and attend all court hearings. By following these steps, you can secure the release of your loved one from immigration detention.

FAQs

Q: Can I pay an immigration bail bond with a credit card?
A: No, bond companies in New Jersey only accept cash, money order, or cashier’s check as payment for immigration bail bonds.
Q: Can I get a refund if the bond is forfeited?
A: No, if the individual has been ordered to be removed from the country, the bond will be forfeited and not refunded.
Q: Can I pay the bond in installments?
A: No, the bond must be paid in full at the time of application. However, some bond companies may offer payment plans for their fee.