The accused (or a third party) posts bail to guarantee that the accused will appear for all of their scheduled court dates. You may sort the bail fee in cash or through a bail bondsman. However, not all crimes result in the imposition of bail; somewhat, the decision is heavily influenced by the type and degree of the crime.
Bail may be a predetermined amount, the size of which may be reduced or increased by the judge based on the nature of the crime and the accused’s prior record. Here is a breakdown of the bail procedures in California.
Booking and Processing
An arrested person will initially be transported to the nearest police or sheriff’s department, where they’ll undergo booking and processing.
During this step, an individual’s biometrics and photo will be taken in addition to undergoing a background check. It could take two to eight hours, depending on how fast you work. Then, the bond amount is determined following the California Bail Schedule for the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred.
Bail Setting
Often, the bail rates for different offenses are determined by a judicial panel using the Bail Schedule. The system determines a detainee’s bail without bringing them before a court. After establishing and approving the bail, the defendant can post bail to be released from jail pending trial or remain in custody pending the case’s outcome.
If your loved one has been arrested and you are willing to pay for their bail, you can do the following after the bail has been set:
Contacting a Bail Bondsman
You should search for a reliable bail bonds company by using terms like “Los Angeles bail bonds” to find the nearest agents to you. They’ll ask a few basic questions regarding the arrest and the detainee before beginning to process your paperwork.
Completing the Bail Application and Contract
The bail bondsman uses the details you provide to create an application and agreement for bail. You don’t need to make an in-person appearance at the bail bondsman’s office if you cannot bring the necessary paperwork.
If the accused doesn’t appear in court or pay their fines and restitution, the surety who signed the bond will be held financially responsible for the entire bail amount.
A bail bond agent will be dispatched to the jail to post the bond after all documentation and payments are in order. In California, bail bonds can be posted at local jails throughout the clock every week.
Understanding The Cost of a Bail Bond
A person’s overall bail fee will change based on the nature and number of crimes for which they stand accused.
However, the cost of a bail bond remains constant at 10% of the entire bail amount, no matter how high or low the bail is set. This means a bail bond will cost $3,000 if the total bail amount is $30,000.
Accused is Released on Bail
After submitting the necessary paperwork and the bail bond payment has been made, the agent posts the bond, and the accused is released on bail. After posting the bond, the offender may be freed anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours later, based on their imprisonment, personnel, and conditions.
Indemnitor Responsibilities
The bail’s Indemnitor (the person who signed the bond) is now financially accountable and should guarantee that the defendant appears for all scheduled court dates (s).
Consequently, the signer agrees to pay the total face value of bail to the court, regardless of its actual amount, if the defendant fails to appear in court or otherwise fulfill all of their legal responsibilities.
The Bail Bond is Exonerated
A defendant’s bail will be deemed “exonerated” by the judge if they have completed all of their court-mandated requirements.
It is significant to remember that whether or not the bail is released after the court proceedings will not depend on the verdicts of guilt or innocence reached throughout the trial. The defendant must appear at the designated location and time.
Bottom Line
It takes time to secure someone’s release from custody. Depending on how busy the jail is, it can take a few hours or perhaps a day after the application is filed. The bondsman cannot speed up this procedure, but by having the necessary information on hand, they will be able to file the papers as quickly as possible.
