Bail is the money you pay the court for a release before trial. Judges often set the appropriate bail amount for each case by considering the specific circumstances. Sometimes, the bail amounts are too high and unaffordable for defendants and their families to pay in cash. Fortunately, you could explore other options.
These include posting a property bond or contacting a Twentynine Palms Bail Bonds company for assistance. The company will pledge to pay the bail if you do not appear in court as scheduled. You will cover 10% of the bail in exchange for the service. If you or a loved one needs help securing a bail bond release, you will benefit from our services at Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds.
An Overview of Bail in California
When a person faces an arrest in California, the judge decides whether to grant bail and the specific amount required. Bail varies from one defendant to another. However, the court references the bail schedules when setting the appropriate amount. The schedules are a list of offenses and the proper amount for each.
In the schedules, bail amounts are listed according to the severity of the offense. You can pay the amount on the schedule if arrested on a warrant. However, often, the judge will reduce or increase the amount based on the following factors:
- Severity of your crime. Serious crimes usually come with higher bail. Non-violent offenses may allow for lower bail or even release without bail. Violent or felony crimes raise concerns. This is because the potential consequences for the offenses are severe and could motivate the defendant to flee.
- Criminal history. A defendant’s past can impact bail. The judge may set a higher bail if a person has multiple prior convictions. The bail cost could be lower for a first-time offender than for a repeat offender.
- Risk of flight. Bail serves to discourage defendants from fleeing jurisdiction before trial. Therefore, the judge considers whether the defendant is likely to flee. If there is evidence, they might run away to avoid trial, and the courts set a higher bail.
- Public safety concerns. When setting bail, a judge will consider whether releasing you might endanger others. This condition applies to cases involving violence, threats, or weapons. Defendants who pose a significant risk may need a higher bail.
- Ties to the community. Strong roots in the community can convince the court to lower bail. Having family, a job, or a long-term residence shows stability and responsibility.
Bail Forfeiture in California
The court expects the defendant to return for all scheduled hearings after posting bail. Bail acts as a guarantee that the defendant will appear. If the defendant misses court, the judge may declare a bail forfeiture. Bail forfeiture impacts not only the defendants but also bail bond companies. In California, the court follows strict rules when enforcing a forfeiture. The judge will set up a forfeiture hearing as a result.
A forfeiture hearing is the legal process in which the court reviews why the defendant missed court. At this hearing, the judge decides whether bail should be forfeited. The court may reinstate the bail if it accepts the reason. A bail reinstatement gives the defendant another chance to appear. If the court rejects the excuse, they forfeit the bail.
Bail forfeiture hearings carry significant stakes. Bail bond companies and defendants must prove a legitimate reason for missing court. California law recognizes that sometimes emergencies happen.
Therefore, the judge may excuse the absence if there is a valid excuse. If you are at risk of bail forfeiture, you could present the following valid reasons for your absence:
- Medical emergency. A sudden illness, injury, or hospitalization can prevent someone from attending court. However, you will need documentation from a hospital or doctor to prove the emergency.
- Car accident. An auto accident or transportation failure can prevent you from making it to a court date. You can use a police report, tow records, or repair receipts to support the claim.
- Incarceration.Sometimes, you could be arrested while out on bail. If you fail to appear for a court date because you were incarcerated for a different offense, you can convince the court to reinstate the bail.
- Mistaken notice. Sometimes defendants fail to receive the proper court notice, or the notice contains errors. If you can show this factor in your case, the court may conclude the absence was not your fault.
- Serious family emergency. When a family member dies, or a sudden illness or emergency occurs, another family member may excuse a missed court appearance. However, you must also have other supporting documents, such as death certificates or hospital records.
If you provide a valid reason with proper evidence, the judge may vacate the forfeiture and allow the bail to remain in place. However, without a strong excuse, the forfeiture will stand. Missing court without cause is a violation of trust. If you posted bail with the guidance of a reliable Twentynine Palms bail bonds company, the bondsman can help you prepare for the forfeiture hearing.
If the court proceeds with the forfeiture, you could lose the money or property used for bail. The surety company must cover the bail amount if you used a bail bond. In return, the Twentynine Palms bail bondsman can seize the item you provided as collateral to recover the money lost.
Jails in Twentynine Palms, CA, include:
San Bernardino County Sheriff Central Detention Center
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
Courts serving Twentynine Palms, CA:
Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino
Find a Reliable Twentynine Palms Bail Bondsman Near Me
In California, you can be released before your trial by posting bail. If you do not qualify for a recognizance release, you must make a monetary commitment to the court for a release. A judge presiding over your bail hearing will set the appropriate bail amount for your case. You could pay the amount in cash, using collateral, or through bail bonds.
Many defendants opt for bail bonds because they are convenient and affordable. Instead of covering the entire bail amount, you will only pay 10% of it to a Twentynine Palms Bail Bonds service. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we will offer the expert guidance and support you need to post bail. Call us at 844-400-2245 for all your bail needs.
