If you commit a crime in San Bernardino County, you could be arrested and detained awaiting trial. Fortunately, you could secure a release pending trial by posting bail. During your first court appearance at the San Bernardino Justice Center, a judge can set the specific bail amount you need, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Sometimes, California courts set high bail amounts that defendants cannot afford. Under these circumstances, you can consult a San Bernardino County Bail bonds company for their services. The company will assure the court of your return after the release and only charge a percentage of the entire bail. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we offer convenient and reliable bail bond services for our clients.
Securing a Bail Release in San Bernardino Justice Center
After a judge sets your bail. There are several ways through which you could pay it and secure a release. They include:
Paying in Cash
If you have the full bail amount, you can present it to the San Bernardino Justice Center court clerk to secure a release. Posting bail in cash is quick and convenient. Additionally, you will avoid third parties in the process. However, if you fail to go back to court for your trial, you can lose the entire bail amount.
Posting Property Bonds
If you do not have enough money for a cash bail, you could use property. Using property bonds allows criminal defendants or their families to use real estate property as collateral. If a defendant does not appear for trial, the property can be taken and sold to pay the bail.
Not all properties qualify for use as bonds in California. The equity in the property must be at least equal to twice the bail amount. Equity means the value of the property after subtracting any loans or mortgages. The court will require proof of this equity. Documents you will need to present at a property bond hearing include:
- Deed to the property. A property deed can help prove ownership.
- Current property tax statements. These statements show whether the property is up-to-date with taxes.
- Mortgage statements. The mortgage statements show any outstanding loans or liens on the property you seek to present as bail.
- Property appraisal or market valuation. A property appraisal proves the current value of the property.
- Preliminary title report. These documents confirm ownership and disclose liens or claims.
Posting a property bond takes longer than posting cash or using a San Bernardino County Bail Bonds company. The court must review the property documents carefully. Because of this, a property bond may delay the defendant’s release.
Using a property bond can be beneficial for people who cannot afford cash bail. It allows them to secure release without paying a bondsman. However, the risk is high. If the defendant misses court, the family could lose their property.
Posting a Bail Bond
If you cannot afford to post cash or property bonds for your loved one detained in San Bernardino County, you can use a bail bond. With a bail bond, you will need to contact a San Bernardino County bail bonds company for their assistance.
When contacting a surety company, you must provide the following information about the detainee:
- Their official name
- Booking Number
- The offense for which they are charged
- Amount of bail needed
The company will send a bondsman to assess the situation and determine your eligibility for the bond. The bondsman will check the defendant's flight risk and your ability to cover the costs associated with the bond.
If you qualify for the bond, you will sign an agreement. Seeking a bail bond for a loved one or friend makes you a cosigner. As their co-signer, you will shoulder the financial liability for the bond. This includes covering the bail bonds fee and paying collateral if necessary.
Additionally, you must ensure that the defendant appears for all proceedings. Posting a bail bond is a fast and convenient way to secure a release in the San Bernardino Justice Center. Instead of covering the entire bail, you will only pay a non-refundable fee of 10%. This allows low-income defendants to avoid spending time behind bars while awaiting trial.
Factors to Consider when Hiring a San Bernardino County Bail Bonds Service
Spending time in jail is not ideal for anyone. It can keep you away from your family and sometimes cause you to lose your job. Fortunately, bail bonds allow most people to afford a bail release. With many bail bond companies advertising their services, choosing the right one is crucial. The following are some factors you should consider before hiring a surety company:
Reputation
You must consider the reputation of a bail bonds company before seeking their services. You want to work with someone trusted in the community. Furthermore, you can learn about a company's reputation by checking its online reviews and how past clients rate their services. A good reputation often means reliable and honest service.
Licensing
You should always check whether the bail bonds company is licensed and certified in California. Licensing ensures the bondsmen maintain the law and have the legal knowledge to handle bail cases. Licensed companies have a reputation for being professional.
Fee Transparency
You should understand the bail bond fees before you sign an agreement. Most San Bernardino County bail bond companies charge about 10% of the bail amount, as set by California law. Very low rates can signify fraud or hidden charges.
Availability
Arrests happen at all hours. Therefore, you need a company available 24/7. A bondsman who picks up the phone at night or on weekends can save you time and stress. Availability shows commitment to clients.
Customer Service
Good communication is key when dealing with bail. Therefore, you require a bondsman who explains clearly. A patient and respectful bondsman makes everything easier.
San Bernardino Justice Center
San Bernardino Justice Center serves defendants arrested and detained in the following facilities:
Central Detention Center (CDC)
West Valley Detention Center
Find a Top-Notch San Bernardino County Bail Bonds Service Near Me
Most defendants facing criminal charges in San Bernardino County can be released on bail. However, not all defendants can afford to pay the entire bail to the San Bernardino Justice Center. If you are in this predicament, you could explore other options like property bonds and bail bonds.
Many defendants turn to bail bonds because they lower the financial burden and responsibility for release. A surety company can pledge to pay the entire bail amount if you skip bail. In return, they will only charge up to 10% of the bail for their fee. If you or a loved one needs assistance securing a bail release, you will benefit from our services at Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds. Call us at 844-400-2245 to discuss your bail.
