An arrest for committing a crime in Monterey County can land you behind bars at Monterey City Jail. California law allows most defendants to secure a release pending trial by posting bail. The bail assures the court of your return for the case proceedings.
After a judge sets your bail, you could pay it in cash, use collateral, or enlist the services of a Monterey County bail bonds company. The company will shoulder the responsibility for your release and promise to pay the full bail if you fail to appear. The right surety bonds company will also offer guidance on navigating the bail release. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we offer our clients fast and affordable bail bonds.
Posting Bail at the Monterey City Jail
After an arrest and booking into Monterey City Jail, the court will hold a bail hearing where the judge sets an appropriate bail amount for you. When setting your bail, the judge can refer to bail schedules. The schedule lists different offenses and the standard bail amount for each. The judge can increase or reduce the amount on the schedules by considering these factors:
- The seriousness of the crime with which you are charged
- Your criminal record
- The strength of the ties you have to the community
- The risk you pose to other individuals
You can post bail for a release from this facility in several ways. They include:
Cash Bond
Posting a cash bond involves providing the entire amount the judge sets before a release. The main advantage of a cash bond is speed. You can pay the amount quickly and secure a release without involving third parties. However, cash bail is often expensive, which makes it unaffordable for many defendants. In those cases, they may have to turn to other options.
Property Bonds
A property bond is one way to post bail in California. Instead of paying cash, you use real estate to secure the defendant’s release. The court places a lien on the property. The court can take the property if the defendant does not appear.
But not all properties are eligible. The property must have sufficient equity, typically double the bail amount. If bail is $100,000, the equity must be $200,000. And it must be in California, and it must be one they own. The owner has to provide documentation to prove ownership.
At the bail hearing, the judge reviews the property. You must bring all documents that prove ownership and value. They include:
- The property deed
- Mortgage balance statement
- Property tax statement
- Current appraisal or market evaluation
You may also need to bring a photo ID and proof of your relationship to the defendant. The judge may question you about the property and its value. Using a property bond takes longer than cash bail. However, it is a good option if you do not have money.
Bail Denial From Monterey City Jail
Most defendants detained at the Monterey City Jail have the right to post bail. Bail allows you to stay out of jail while your case is pending. However, a bail release is not guaranteed. In some cases, a judge may deny it altogether. This means you must stay in custody until the court process is over. Possible reasons why a judge might deny you bail:
- You are charged with a serious or violent felony. If you are accused of crimes like murder, rape, armed robbery, or kidnapping, the court may see you as a threat. These crimes are severe, and the judge may refuse bail to protect the public.
- You are a threat to public safety. If the judge believes you could harm others, they may order your detention without bail after a bail hearing. The court may consider you a threat if you have a history of violence, threats, or reckless behavior. Your past can still matter even if the current charge is not violent.
- You are a flight risk. If the court thinks you may not return for your trial, they might not allow you to post bail. The court views you as a flight risk if you have no job, no local family, or a record of missing court.
- You are already on probation or parole. Being on probation or parole when arrested can hurt your chances of securing bail release. The court may decide you are untrustworthy and keep you in jail.
You have a federal warrant or immigration hold. If your case involves federal agencies or immigration officials, the court might determine a no-bail release instead. Or, even if you are eligible for state release, you may remain in jail because of a hold issued by another agency.
Use a Surety Bond
A bail bond is a monetary transaction that facilitates a person’s release from jail pre-trial. In California, you can access a Monterey County bail bond company if you cannot afford the entire bail amount. If you miss court, they guarantee the full bail payment.
To secure a bail bond, you pay a non-refundable fee called a premium. This fee is usually 10% of the total bail amount in California. Along with the premium, you may also need to provide collateral, like property or a car, to secure the bond.
The primary advantage of using a bail bond is that you don’t have to pay the total amount of bail to be released from jail. It also allows time for you to prepare your case and tend to family or work. Monterey County bail bondsmen know the court system and can help you.
However, if you miss a court date, the court can revoke the bond, and the full bail amount becomes due. In this case, you could lose the collateral and face an arrest.
Monterey City Jail
351 Madison St,
Monterey, CA 93940
Courts serving the Monterey City jail include:
Monterey Courthouse — Superior Court, Monterey County
1200 Aguajito Road,
Monterey, CA 93940
Find a Competent Monterey County Bail Bonds Service Near Me
Bail bonds offer an affordable and convenient way to secure a release before trial. Instead of paying the entire amount the judge sets, you only cover a small portion, usually 10% of your bail. This helps you or your loved one return home while waiting for court.
The surety company will guide you through the process and handle all the paperwork. They make a stressful time easier and give peace of mind. If you or a loved one needs a bail bond, contact us at Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds. Our Monterey County bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to handle your case. Call us today at 844-400-2245 for much-needed assistance.
