It can be confusing and overwhelming to learn that a person you care about has been arrested in Montclair. In such moments, you prioritize having them released safely and quickly.
When an arrest is made, the court demands bail before releasing the suspect pending trial. Bail acts as an assurance that the defendant will attend subsequent hearings. The court could set the bail so high that you would need to seek the help of a Montclair bail bonds service.
When one has a reliable bail bondsman's support, release becomes a process that is easy to handle and not an impossible task. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we offer quality bail bond services to help you navigate this challenging period.
What Bail Means, and Why You Need It
Bail is the money offered to the court to allow a defendant to leave custody pending the completion of their case. Bail is not aimed at punishing the defendant, but at ensuring that the defendant attends all the necessary court proceedings.
So essential is this principle to the American justice system that the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution safeguards against excessive bail. Posting bail allows your loved one to come home, keep working, and better prepare their defense, which is incredibly hard in jail.
Once arrested in Montclair, you are taken to jail for booking. In the process, law enforcement will document personal information, fingerprints, and your photograph, and conduct a background check. The bail amount is initially determined based on a pre-established list called the San Bernardino County Bail Schedule. This schedule offers standard bail amounts for different offenses, and one is released without necessarily appearing in court.
However, a judge can still increase, decrease, or waive the bail at a bail hearing. In making such a determination, the judge will factor in the severity of the alleged crime, your criminal background, connection with the Montclair community, and any possible danger to the community.
Types of Bail Offered in California
The bail system is a tricky business that requires knowing how to release someone. A few alternatives exist, but one is much more widespread and convenient for most Montclair residents.
Montclair Bail Bonds
The most common form of posting bail is a surety bond, also called a bail bond. This is done by paying a non-refundable fee, or premium, to a bail agent. This premium is controlled by the Department of Insurance in California and is usually pegged at 10 percent of the bail amount.
For example, when the bail is $20,000, you deposit $2000 with the Montclair bail bondsman. The bail bond company then posts a surety bond, with the court taking the financial risk and ensuring the defendant's appearance in any further hearing.
Cash Bail
You can always pay the full bail in cash, a cashier's check, or a U.S. Postal money order to the court or jail. Provided the defendant appears at all their court appearances, this money is refunded at the end of the case, less administrative costs or fines.
However, due to the high bail sums, which in many cases are large, paying cash bail can cause a significant burden, which would otherwise be invested in defense and supporting his family.
Property Bonds
In some instances, you may be able to use real estate as security to bail out a defendant on a property bond. This involves having the property's equity much greater than the amount of bail, usually 1.5 to 2 times the value. It is less common and is a complicated, lengthy process involving appraisals and court filings.
Montclair Bail Bond Process
Once you have decided that a bail bond is the correct option, the procedure is quick and straightforward. Awareness of what to anticipate may help alleviate stress and anxiety in a challenging period.
Making the First Call
To initiate the bail bond process, you must provide basic information on the person in custody. When making the phone call to a Montclair bail bondsman, you should have the defendant's full name, date of birth, and the city or jail where they are being held. This data allows the agent to quickly find the person in the system, check the charges, and ensure the bail amount is correct.
The Role and Financial Responsibility of the Co-Signer
The co-signer or indemnitor provides the bail bond. Signing the bail bond agreement, you become a party to a legal agreement and have to pay money. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the defendant will show up at every one of his or her court appearances.
If the defendant does not show up, the co-signer will be liable to the bail bond company for the full bail amount. Such deep dedication highlights the need to ensure your loved one realizes their duty to the court.
Posting the Surety Bond and Release from Custody
After doing the paperwork and paying the premium, the bail agent will proceed to the jail immediately to post the bond with the authorities. Once the bond is given out, the jail personnel will initiate the release procedure. It may take the defendant several years to be released, which may take as little as 30 minutes or even several hours, depending on the facility's workload.
Cost Of Montclair Bail Bonds
Cost is the most significant concern to most people when confronted with this situation. The honest bail bond companies know this and will provide transparent pricing and options to make them affordable.
The bail premium in California is regulated by law and may not exceed 10 percent of the full amount of bail. This non-refundable fee compensates the bail bond company for taking on the entire financial risk with the court. Other firms might provide discounts to union members, military personnel, or clients who have employed a privately retained lawyer.
Jail and Court Information
Jail Facilities
Montclair Police Department
4870 Arrow Highway, Montclair, CA 91763
Main County Jail, West Valley Detention Center
9500 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
Main Phone Number: 909-708-8371
Alternative Phone Number: 909-350-2476
Courthouse
Superior Court of Rancho Cucamonga
8300 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
General Information: 909-350-9764
Criminal Division: 909-350-9764
Seek a Confidential Montclair Bail Bonds Service Near Me
Call Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds at 844-400-2245 if you need assistance or have questions about Montclair bail bonds. We provide free, no-obligation consultations with information to help you make informed bail decisions and secure your release from jail.