An arrest can be an overwhelming experience for a defendant and their family. After learning that your loved one is in jail, securing their release becomes a priority. Posting bail assures the judge that the defendant will return for trial and other proceedings. Taking the proper steps in the first hours after an arrest can make a significant difference in what happens next. The steps you should take first after learning of the arrest include:
Stay Calm
When you receive a telephone call informing you of the arrest, you should avoid panicking. Instead, you should take a deep breath and think before making any decision. You can confirm the arrest from law enforcement and try to speak with your loved one. When talking to the defendant, you should keep the conversation short and remind them not to discuss the case with anyone until they have legal representation.
Gather Basic Information
Before you call anyone for help, you should collect key details. This includes:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Jail location
- Booking number
- Charges filed
This information will help the process move faster and avoid mistakes. You can often find the information on the county sheriff’s website. Counties such as Los Angeles County and Orange County have online inmate search tools. Smaller counties may require you to call the jail.
Confirm Bail Status
Not all arrests result in an immediate opportunity for you to post bail. Some charges carry a preset bail amount, while others require a bail hearing before a judge. Typically, a judge will set bail for a defendant at their arraignment. At this hearing, a judge will determine whether the defendant is eligible for bail and set a bail amount accordingly.
Once bail is set, you can pay the amount to secure your loved one’s release. Bail can be posted in cash, by property bond, or through a bail bondsman. Most defendants in California opt for bail bonds because they are affordable and convenient.
Call a Bail Bondsman
If you decide to use a bail bond, you can contact a local bail bonds company for help. The company will send a bondsman to assist you. When contacting the bondsman, you should have the defendant's name, booking number, and jail location. Additionally, you can inform the bondsman of the amount needed for a release.
The bondsman will assess the defendant's flight risk and criminal history to determine whether they meet the requirements for a bond. The bondsman can pledge to pay the entire bail if a defendant flees. As a fee for these services, you will pay 10% of your bail. In addition to financial assistance, the bondsman will guide you and the defendant throughout the bail process.
County Differences
California has 58 counties, and each county runs its jail system. You can pay the specified bail amount to be released from jail. Some counties allow quicker online searches, and others rely on phone systems. You should not assume the process is the same everywhere. Instead, you should confirm with the specific county jail before moving forward.
Why Timing Matters
Time is an essential factor when your loved one is arrested in California. Acting fast to gather information and post bail ensures that the defendant does not remain in detention longer than necessary.
Contact a Skilled Bail Bondsman Near Me
An arrest is a stressful experience. However, your response can make a real difference. You should stay calm and focus on facts. After confirming the arrest, you can gather necessary information about the defendant and contact a surety company for assistance. The surety bonds company can help you secure the release of your loved one at an affordable fee. However, you must act quickly to start the bail process. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we offer fast, reliable bail services to our clients. Call us at 844-400-2245 to discuss your bail needs.
