Bail allows defendants to leave jail while waiting for trial. Instead of sitting behind bars, you can continue working and caring for your family. Additionally, you can meet with your attorneys to prepare your defense. However, posting bail can be costly, which makes it challenging for many defendants to pay the full amount set by the court.
You can consult a Joshua Tree bail bonds company for assistance if you are in this predicament. The company lowers your financial burden by pledging to pay the entire bail amount if you do not appear in court. In California, surety companies only charge up to 10% of the bail for their services.
If you or a loved one needs help posting bail, you will enjoy from our expert services at Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds.
What is Bail?
Bail is the money you pay the court for a release pending trial. Bail is not a punishment for your crimes. Therefore, you can recover the money you spent when the case ends, and you follow all bail conditions. A judge will set your bail after an arraignment. Often, the court references the bail schedules for a base bail amount. The judge can then adjust the amount depending on the different facts of your case.
If you do not qualify for a release on your own recognizance, you must pay the bail before a release. You can use cash if you have the entire amount. For defendants who cannot afford the cash bail, you can use property bonds or contact a Joshua Tree bail bonds company for assistance.
Bail Conditions in California
The court often sets conditions for defendants during a bail release. These rules ensure the person returns to court and stays out of trouble while waiting for trial. Failing to follow them can lead to bail revocation and return to jail. The following are common bail conditions in California:
Attend all Court Hearings
You must appear for every court date after a bail release. Missing even one hearing can result in a warrant for your arrest. If this happens, the court can revoke your bail and keep the money or collateral. Such an absence is one of the most critical conditions. For this reason, the court needs assurance that you will be present for all proceedings.
Avoid New Criminal Charges
While out on bail, you cannot commit new crimes. Any new arrest may lead to bail revocation. If you break the law again, the court may set a higher bail. Staying law-abiding while on bail will keep you out of jail.
No Contact with Victims or Witnesses
The judge may order no contact with victims or witnesses in your case after a bail release. The order prevents intimidation or attempts to change testimony. Even a phone call, text, or online message can be a violation.
Surrender Weapons
Most individuals over eighteen can purchase or own a firearm in California. If your charges involve violence or threats, the court may order you to surrender all firearms. The condition helps protect the public. Occasionally, the court will also ban you from owning or buying new weapons.
Travel Restrictions
The likelihood of flight is a significant concern for the court when releasing defendants on bail. Many people released on bail cannot travel outside the county or state. The court may order you to surrender your travel documents to stop you from leaving the country.
Regular Check-ins
You might have to report to a bail officer or pretrial services if released. These can happen weekly or monthly, depending on the case. They help the court monitor your conduct and maintain compliance with all regulations.
Abstain from Drugs and Alcohol
If the court charges you with DUI or another drug offense, they may order you to abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs. The court enforces this condition by ordering you to undergo random drug testing. Failing a test can result in bail revocation.
What Happens If the Defendant Fails to Appear After Posting Bail?
Posting bail permits a defendant to be released from jail before trial. One of the essential stipulations of bail is a requirement to appear at all proceedings relating to the case. A failure to appear causes significant legal issues, such as:
- Bench warrant. The court will issue a bench warrant immediately after you miss a proceeding. This condition means police can arrest you at any time. The warrant stays active until you are captured or surrender to law enforcement.
- The forfeiture of bail money. Bail money is not punishment for your crimes. Therefore, you could recover it when the case ends. But the court loses the money if you don't attend the court date. If you paid cash bail, the court keeps the money. If a Joshua Tree bail bonds company posted your bail, the bondsman must pay the full amount to the court.
- The bail bonds company steps in. If you posted a bail bond and fail to appear, the surety company will take action against you. They may hire a bounty hunter to locate you. If the company loses its money in a forfeiture, the Joshua Tree bail bondsman will seize the collateral you provided for the bail bond.
- Additional charges. Failing to appear in court after a bail release can lead to new criminal charges. The prosecution can file felony or misdemeanor charges against you for jumping bail.
- Harsh bail terms. If you are arrested and brought back to court for a bail violation, the court can impose harsher terms. The judge may set a much higher bail or refuse it altogether.
- Driver’s license suspension. Occasionally, California law will allow the court to notify the DMV of a bail violation, like failing to appear. This process can lead to a suspension of the defendant’s driver’s license.
- Negative impact on the case. Failing to appear after a bail release makes the court and jury see you in a negative light. Judges may be less lenient during sentencing. Prosecutors may argue that you tried to avoid justice.
Jails in Joshua Tree, CA:
San Bernardino County - West Valley Detention Center
9500 Etiwanda Ave,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
Courts serving Joshua Tree, CA:
San Bernardino Justice Center
247 W 3rd St,
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Find a Competent Joshua Tree Bail Bonds Service Near Me
Most defendants can be released before trial when they post bail. However, some courts often set high bail amounts that most defendants cannot afford to pay in cash. Instead of watching your loved one sit behind bars, you can explore bail bonds.
You and the surety company agree that they will post your bail at a cost when you post a bond. The company assures the court of your return and shoulders all the financial aspects of the release. Bail bonds are affordable and convenient for any defendant. However, you must work with a reliable Joshua Tree bail bondsman. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we will offer the financial assistance and expert guidance you need to navigate the bail process. Contact us today at 844-400-2245 for much-needed assistance.
