When you are suddenly arrested, your life can quickly change. At this point, you realize how complex the justice system is and how important it is to be released on bail. Bail bonds allow your loved one to come home after the court sets the amount for bail to be released. This is your guarantee that your loved one is free until the trial. If you or someone you know needs fast, reliable help, call Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds now for a professional and confidential release.
What is Bail?
Bail is a full amount of cash that the court sets to release an accused person from detention temporarily. At its core, the whole plan is a promise. If the defendant shows up to all required court dates, the money will be returned to the person who put up the bail in the first place once the case is over.
The central purpose of bail is often misunderstood. The accused is not being punished or fined. Bail is meant solely to ensure compliance with the legal process. As a result, bail only acts as collateral held by the court to ensure the defendant complies with the legal process and attends every court hearing. This system of financial assurance helps keep the judicial process functioning properly.
How does San Bernardino County (and all of California) set bail?
Many judges rely upon the county bail schedule, a lengthy list predetermining a standard bail amount for almost all crimes. However, this is just a starting point. In a new arraignment or special bail hearing, a judge can raise or lower it at their discretion when determining whether or not to release a suspect. The following factors are taken into account:
- Seriousness of the offense
- The defendant’s criminal record
- The strength of their ties to the local community
- Flight risk, whether they are likely to flee to another country
- Whether the accused poses any danger to the community
Understanding these legal and financial definitions is the first step in securing a timely release.
What is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is a type of surety bond. The contract involves the court, the defendant, and a surety company (the bail bondsman). A bail bond is used when a defendant does not have enough money to pay the full cash bail amount set by a court.
A licensed bail bond company assures the court that the defendant will attend all scheduled hearings. A bail bond company acts like insurance; it promises to pay the whole bail amount to the court if the defendant fails to appear (FTA). Like many others in the county, the Needles bail bondsman also offers this service. This provides an affordable way to secure release from jail.
In exchange for taking on this tremendous financial risk, the bail bond company collects a premium, which is non-refundable. The premium is legally set at 10% of the total bail amount. This premium represents payment by the principal in exchange for the surety company assuming the financial risk. If bail has been set at a certain price, the premium, which is what you pay to the bail bondsman, is usually 10 percent.
Since the bail bond company collects only a small part of the overall liability, they usually require a cosigner. They sometimes require collateral, like property or other assets. If someone who has taken bail does not turn up in court, the full amount guaranteed by the bondsman or bonding company is forfeited. The Needles bail bonds company uses the collateral to recover its losses.
Understanding the Conditions of Release
The defendant is subject to conditions of release after being released from jail on cash bail or Needles bail bonds, which are legal obligations. The judge imposes these requirements for the defendant to follow while awaiting trial. These conditions make the release more than a financial promise. They impose behavioral and legal requirements to ensure public safety and court integrity. If they do not follow any of these, they can face actions like re-arrest and the bail payment itself. Your Needles bail bonds team can help clarify these conditions for you.
Common conditions of release in California:
- Attend all court appearances — This is the most critical requirement. Missing a date is a violation
- Do not violate any laws — While on release, do not commit any crimes or offenses
- No-contact or stay-away orders — If you are arrested for a domestic violence or assault incident, the judge will probably issue one of these orders. These orders prohibit you from communicating with (or going near) the alleged victim and/or witnesses.
- Travel restrictions — Limits on travel out of a county or state
- Treatment requirements — After being released, you must wear a GPS ankle monitor or work a fixed curfew or house arrest
- Surrender of weapons — You will be required to attend meetings or treatment for drugs or mental health
- Giving up all weapons — An entity's submission to law enforcement of all firearms or deadly weapons
FTA is considered a crime and has serious consequences
When a defendant fails to attend a required court date without a legally acceptable excuse, it is an FTA (Failure to Appear). Not only is it a breach of the bail contract, but an FTA in California is also a new and separate criminal charge, and an FTA is punishable under Penal Code §1320.5.
The judge will issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the defendant. This gives the police the authority to arrest the defendant wherever and whenever they are found. The defendant is then taken into custody and held without the option of bail release. The court will then declare the bond forfeited immediately after the arrest. This means the court keeps the full amount of the bail.
If the bond is forfeited, the bail bond company must pay the court the bail amount. After this, the bail bond company will seek to recover the amount from the cosigner and may seize and liquidate any collateral to secure the bail bond. This is the ultimate financial risk of co-signing for Needles bail bonds or any other surety company. Furthermore, an FTA charge severely damages the defendant’s credibility, making plea negotiations and beneficial sentencing much less likely.
Needles Jail and Courthouse Information
Needles Patrol Station
1111 Bailey Avenue, Needles, CA 92363
Needles District Courthouse (San Bernardino County Superior Court)
1111 Bailey Avenue, Needles, CA 92363
Find a Bail Bondsman Near Me
A bail bondsman will help you understand the judge’s conditions, avoid FTA consequences, and manage the financial aspects of a California pretrial release. Going through the courts is difficult enough without worry of forfeiture or re-arrest. Please reach out if you or someone you know needs prompt release and accurate, trustworthy advice on guaranteeing a court appearance.
Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to offer fast and professional help and clear guidance throughout the bail bond process. Contact us at 844-400-2245 to secure your immediate release and peace of mind.
