Bail Bonds Work
The majority of people do not give bail bonds much thought, until they or a loved one needs to use it. At that time, they want to know how bail bonds work, and Frank S. Calabretta’s Bail House Bail Bonds wants them to have the information they need in order to secure a quick release from jail for their loved ones.
The bail process begins with the arrest of a person in question. They will be taken to the jail or sheriff’s office and undergo the booking and processing process, where they have their personal details recorded, go through a background check and fingerprinting, and get ready for a court appearance. The judge will set their bail amount during this hearing, based on the crime and whether or not they are considered a flight risk or danger to the public.
A defendant can choose to pay their full bail amount in cash, or they can choose to post a property bond and use something of value as collateral, such as a car, boat, or other expensive item. The third option is to work with a bail bonds in San Diego, who will post the money on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a small percentage fee. This is an ideal solution for someone who cannot afford the full amount of their bail.
How Bail Bonds Work in California
If the defendant does not appear in court on their scheduled date, a warrant for their arrest will be issued. Failing to show up in court is considered a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the nature of the case. A failure to appear is a serious offense and can be costly to anyone involved, especially the defendant, who may end up serving more jail time for the original arrest than they would have if they had simply showed up for their court date.
In California, you are allowed to be released from custody on your own recognizance if the prosecution decides not to pursue charges against you. However, most cases are prosecuted, and the police will need to arraign you within a few hours of your arrest, at which point a judge will determine if you qualify for bail and what the amount should be.
In general, the judge will base their decision on a bail schedule, which sets certain amounts for specific crimes, taking into account a variety of factors, such as the type of crime, if it is a violent or dangerous crime, and the risk of the defendant fleeing.
However, judges also retain a great deal of discretion in deciding whether or not to impose bail and how high to set it. The judge will also consider the defendant’s ability to pay. If the defendant is unable to meet the bail amount, they can either sell their belongings or solicit funds from friends and family members in order to secure their release. A professional bail bond agent will be able to step in and help them obtain their freedom quickly and efficiently.
