Nobody wants to be in jail even for the shortest time, but you may be unfortunate and end up in police custody. Upon arrest, the police will book you while your main concern will be securing your release immediately. The first option is posting bail, an amount of money that will ensure your release. If you do not have the requisite amount, a bail bond is the best option.
A bail bond is a contract between you, a bail bondsman (bail bond agent), the court and a co-signer. The agreement states that the co-signer is responsible for you and will ensure that you meet the court requirements. You pay a particular portion of the bail amount and 10% of the bail amount as non-refundable fees to the bail bonds company. The bail bonds agency then pays the outstanding bail amount to secure your freedom. In return, you must comply with all court requirements, such as attending court hearings and any mandatory meetings.
At Perris Bail Bonds, we are discreet, friendly and professional agents who are available whenever you need us. We have been in the business for a long time. Therefore, we know how to navigate the system and secure your freedom. Once you call us, we start working your case fast so that you can be free as soon as possible.
Understanding Bail
Bail refers to a particular amount of money that you deposit in court in exchange for your freedom. The money is an assurance that you will be in court for your trial. You will get your bail money back if you make all the necessary court appearances. If you do not honor court requirements, you will face arrest and forfeit the money.
Before you pay the bail amount, the court will hold a hearing to determine your eligibility for bail and how much is appropriate. In some cases, this process is unnecessary because the bail amount is predetermined. Bail is not a guarantee, and for a grave crime, the court may deny you bail. During your bail hearing, the court will consider:
- Your financial resources
- Your criminal history
- Whether you have had a previous hearing
- Any history of substance abuse
- Your family relations
- Your physical and mental state
- How long you have stayed in the community
In addition to bail money, the court might impose other restrictions such as limiting your travel, a curfew, or revoking your gun ownership privileges. The court may also require you to undergo substance testing or treatment.
What happens after the conclusion of your case?
You will get your bail money after your trial if you attend all of your court hearings. You will get the money if:
- Your case ends
- The court orders you to participate in a drug diversion program
- The court pronounces you unfit for trial
If the court finds you guilty after the trial and sends you to jail, your bail money pays for fines or penalties that the court might impose on you. If you have no fines or penalties, you will get your bail amount during your sentencing.
Arrest and Booking
An arrest happens when the police place you in custody, and you are not free to move about or leave. After your arrest, the police will book you, a process that creates official arrest records. Therefore, the police must complete the booking process before releasing you on bail or with a citation in place of going to jail.
During booking, the officers will:
- Document your personal information such as your name, your date of birth, and your physical attributes.
- Record information regarding your alleged crime
- Take your photographs and fingerprints
- Check whether you have a criminal record or outstanding warrants
- Search your person and confiscate your personal property such as a phone, keys, and a purse or wallet, but you will get your property back after your release
- Put you in a holding cell within the police station or put you in a local jail
After booking, your bail amount is set by a judge or using a predetermined bail schedule. As soon as you or a bail bondsman posts your bail, the process of your release will begin.
The Bail Bonds Process
The process of securing a bail bond starts after authorities complete the booking process. You will be able to call your family or contact a reputable bail bonds company. On receiving your call, Perris Bail Bonds will need some general information to complete your application. Such information includes:
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- Your address
- Your place of work
- Where the arrest happened
- Where the police are holding you
- Your charges
- Bail amount
If you know the booking number, it will help in processing your bail faster. In case you do not have all the information we need, we can get it on your behalf. After we have all the necessary information, we will start processing your bail. Usually, we only need a signature bond and not collateral. A signature bond is where a friend, colleague, or family member provides their signature as a guarantee that you will appear in court. To qualify, the co-sign must have some assets or a source of income. However, for substantial bail amounts, Perris Bail Bonds will require collateral.
Once you provide the collateral or a guarantor sign, you will pay 10% of your bail amount as non-refundable fees. You can make your payments using a custom, interest-free payment plan. Perris Bail Bonds will post your bail and secure your release awaiting the court hearing.
Types of Bail Bonds
It is often challenging to get yourself out of police custody. However, different categories of bail bonds can make the process easier. They include:
- Citation release: Sometimes, the arresting officer may issue you with a citation to appear in court on a specific date, instead of taking you to the station. A citation is the best bail bond because you will not go into custody. It is usually given for minor violations and at the arresting officer’s discretion.
- Recognizance release: This bail bond does not require any money. You only promise to appear in court, sign the paperwork, and you secure your freedom. Although the officers release you without any money, you will pay a fine if you fail to appear in court.
A Recognizance release happens at the arresting officer’s discretion, but you can fight for it before a judge. The advantage of fighting would be your release without bail. However, your attorney fees may be higher than your bail amount.
- Cash bail: This is a type of bond that you pay in cash. Some corrections departments will accept your cash bail payment in the form of credit cards or cashier’s checks. However, some will only accept cash.
While you can use cash to pay any bail, some require only cash. If the court cannot deny you bail or you are a flight risk, the bail will be very high such that paying in cash will be almost impossible.
- Surety bond: This is a bond you get from a bail bondsman when you are in custody and unable to access cash. You pay 10% of your bail amount as fees to the bail bondsman and promise to appear in court when needed. The bail bonds agent then posts your bail, and you get your freedom. If you do not have the necessary cash, most bail bonds agents offer flexible payment terms.
- Property bond: You can use any property as a bond, but the most common is real estate. If you use a property bond, you must use all the rights of that property as collateral. A property bond may take weeks to secure because it requires an assessment of the property’s value and a court hearing.
- Federal bail bonds: If you commit a federal crime, you can only use a federal bond. You transact with the court using either cash or property as collateral and without help from a bail bonds agent.
- Immigration bail bond: If you are a non-citizen or a non-resident, this is your category of bail bond. Getting it is difficult, and the eligibility criteria are strict. You will need the help of a bail bondsman with experience in immigration bail bonds.
Your Release From Jail
Your release from jail is an administrative, multistep process that may take anywhere between two to twelve hours. The amount of time depends on the jail size, the number of staff, and the location. After the bail bond agency posts your bail, your status changes to “Pending Release,” and your release process begins. Law enforcement searches its database for any outstanding warrants. If such an order exists, your status will change from “Pending Release,” and you will remain in custody.
If the court grants you release during a hearing, you will return to jail for the requisite paperwork. The authorities will return all your personal property and allow you to leave. If your clothing is unsuitable for the weather, you will receive welfare clothing. You can use the pass you get for your transport or have family or friends pick you up. The bail bond contract is only valid during your case. After sentencing, you are responsible for completing any sentence you receive.
Consult a Bail Bonds Agency Near Me
If the police arrest you and you cannot afford the bail amount, getting a bail bond is a cheaper option. Perris Bail Bonds will process and pay your bail to prevent you from spending time in jail. Call us at 760-342-0444, and we will handle the money issues while you focus only on appearing in court.
Testimonials
Great bail bond company I would recommend if you need someone reliable and honest - Orange County Criminal Lawyer
El Don is the best when it comes to helping people with bail bonds. Honesty and Reputable! - Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer