Bail Bonds Companies generally want 10% of the whole bond unless its for someone who has had trouble previous to this with "failure to appear" but that's usually reflected when the bond is set by setting a bond that is stipulated as the whole bond amount without a bonding company or setting where property is also requested. So, I'll venture to say his bond was set at $5,000. He has obviously been "charged" with the crime, which most likely is in the felony category to have a bond set in the $5,000 range or there is a previous history or record. I am guessing that the police dept that arrested him in the first place is still investigating or trying to make a "deal" with someone in the "gang" to incriminate him and/or catch the rest of said "gang", in which the case would be considered "open" otherwise the charge would go to the DA's office where they decide if there is enough to take it before a "grand jury". If so, a letter will be sent so that the accused can show up to defend himself (never a good idea, because then the prosecutor will use that testimony, and the original statement before arrest, and the trial statements- and any little change between them all will be mercilessly thrown in the defendants face, which then in turn makes the jury think the defendant is not telling the truth). The grand jury listens to any witnesses there are (usually the arresting officers) and then makes a decision on whether there is enough to "indict" the accused. If so, the accused will be sent a criminal notice that the grand jury has found enough evidence to "indict" the accused and that there will be a criminal trial. He obviously isn't under "house arrest" as this would have been a condition when the bond was set. The paperwork upon leaving jail that was given to him would have stated exactly what the charges were, that he was arrested for.
As far as showing up on a background check for a job...I won't say it wouldn't...but it shouldn't until convicted of the crime (also depends on job and type of clearance on how in-depth the check will be).
Call up the non-emergency police phone number (you can get that by calling information-do not call 911 as this is not an emergency call) and ask where you can pick up a copy of a police report. They will tell you. It's on file usually 10 days after the incident (obviously it'll be there being that it is over a year later). For a small fee to pay for the copy of each page (its worth knowing exactly what the report says, any statements made, why you were arrested, etc.) you can get pretty much everything you want to know and exactly what they have for evidence about the whole incident and arrest. You can also request a copy of the belt tape and/or transcript of the exact conversation of the incident from their belt tape if it was recorded (should have been) (cost varies: price of cassette tape and a little more). Also you can request a tape or transcript of the conversation of the police conversation over the radio (harder to get but not impossible). When you are accused and charged with a crime, you have the right to copies of this and copies of any evidence or statements that were used against you to charge of this crime and that will be used in court against you.
Start with obtaining the police reports (the first incident report, the report of arrest, and any others pertaining to this situation). It is helpful to have the name, social security number and dates of incidents. As this is public information, your wife can obtain these for you, if you are worried about going in yourself. If you don't know specific dates, they can bring up a list of all reports they have and a brief description of what each report is, that you can pick from. You'll be surprised how much they have that is connected to your name...every little incident...no matter how small, is there...stuff you won't even remember from...gadzooks...10-15 years ago?
Don't go right before closing, right before lunch hour, or immediately after lunch hour. Sometimes clerks can be hostile if there is a line behind you...then just go s.l..o...w...e...r. Or...ask politely if their supervisor might happen to have a tad more patience to help you instead. Remember, you're paying for the pages...you want to get the right ones...so take your time.
As far as monogrammed trash bags... what ever it was will be stated on the reports that you get. Getting copies of these police reports will not put any spotlight on you as this is just the police file office, and they could give a
sh-t as they are police file clerks not investigators.
It's a good idea to get an attorney for a felony case such as this...if you can't afford one...get a public defender if this goes to trial. Sometimes good attorneys will do "pro bono" cases if in low income or no income status.
Sometimes, the nearest university law school has a phone center that is manned by law students that will try to answer law questions that you might have and/or explain legal procedure to you. Some law offices have a legal hotline that will answer generic questions by pushing the number of a category that you want and then answers with a recorded reply (pretty useless in my book). Remember, that you can make an appointment to talk with an attorney and they usually won't charge you for that first hour, but they'll be able to look up on their computer exactly what the status of your case is and what you are up against, and discuss your options. Ask your questions, discuss your chances and options, and ask what is required for a retainer and if it is possible to make payments. Thank the attorney for his/her time and state that you have a couple more appointments with other attorneys and will then make a decision or say that you have to talk it over with your wife and that you'll get back. But, you'll find out the straight poop on how serious this is.
AND, for God's sake...stay out of trouble...no traffic tickets...no parking tickets...NOTHING. If this eventually goes to court, you will want to push the fact that since your arrest, you have been a model citizen...that there is nothing on your record since...not even a parking ticket...NOTHING...it makes a big difference in how a jury perceives you.
