If you are arrested in California, you will be booked into a jail cell, awaiting trial. Spending time in jail can cause you to lose your job and miss time with your family. Fortunately, most defendants in California can secure their release pending trial using bail. Bail assures the judge that after release, the defendants will return to court for all proceedings.
You can pay the bail using cash, presenting a real estate property, or enlisting the services of a bail bond company. In California, most defendants and their families prefer bail bonds due to their convenience and affordability. If you need guidance to secure a bond, you can benefit from our expert services at Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds. You can contact one of our Lakeside bail bondsmen for assistance.
Bail Setting in California
Different individuals will require varying bail amounts, even when they face charges for a similar offense. When setting your bail, the judge will refer to the bail schedules. These are lists of offenses and recommended bail amounts for each. However, the judge does not always impose the amount on the schedules. They can adjust the amount based on the following factors:
- Your criminal record. The judge who sets the bail will look into your record for prior convictions. If you are a repeat offender, the judge can increase your bail. For first-time offenders, the court typically sets a low bail or allows release on one's own recognizance.
- Your risk of flight. The primary purpose of bail is to encourage a defendant to return for court proceedings. “Flight risk” refers to a person's likelihood of fleeing to avoid your case. The judge will consider the strength of your community ties to determine your flight risk.
- History of court appearances. When you have prior arrests, the judge will consider whether you honored your bail agreements in the past. You may face a higher bail if you have a history of failing to appear in court or violating other court orders.
Ways of Posting Your Bail in California
When the courts set your bail, you could pay it using:
Cash
When you decide to post your bail in cash, you must present the entire amount to the court before being released from jail. Cash bail is quick, and it eliminates the need for third parties in the process. After the case ends and the defendant honors the bail requirements, you can collect a check for the whole bail amount from the court. Typically, the bail refund is processed within a few weeks after the case is concluded.
However, judges in California have the reputation of setting significant bail amounts. The high bail makes it unaffordable for many defendants and families to pay upfront. Also, if a defendant fails to appear in court or violates bail conditions, you could lose the entire amount in a forfeiture.
Property
For defendants with no financial muscle to pay the bail in cash, you can present property to the court in exchange for a release. When you post a property bail, you will present the property deed in court, which places the lien on it. The court often lifts the lien when your case ends, and you have followed all the requirements set at the release. If you skip bail or violate other conditions, you could lose the property in forfeiture.
Surety Bonds
Posting a surety bond is the most common way used by defendants in California to secure a release pending trial. The process involves contacting a surety bond company for assistance. When you learn of a loved one's arrest and detention, you could call a Lakeside bail bonds agency. The agency will send a bondsman to assess your case and post the bail.
When contacting the company, you should ensure that they offer 24/7 services and are a reliable option. This helps make your bail process smoother. Your Lakeside bail bondsman will ask for the following information about the defendant:
- Full name and booking number
- The facility where they are detained
- The offense for which they are charged
- The bail amount needed for their release
The bondsman will use this information to determine the defendant's flight risk. Furthermore, they will check your ability to cover the costs of the bond. Surety companies in California charge a standard fee of 10% for their service. You can pay the fee upfront before release or in installments. Occasionally, the surety will order that you provide collateral for your bond. The collateral helps the company avoid losses if the defendant fails to appear in court.
After providing the necessary documentation, the Lakeside bail bondsman will appear in court and pledge to pay the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear. This allows for a release. By posting the bond, the surety bond company assumes the responsibility of ensuring that the accused appears in all court proceedings. If a defendant attempts to flee, the bondsman will hire bounty hunters to locate them.
Advantages of Working with a Lakeside Bail Bonds Service
Bail bonds are a popular form of securing a release pending trial. Some benefits of posting the bail bond include:
- Faster release. Surety companies do not need the full bail amount to secure your release. They only need to pledge the full amount if you skip bail. This practice allows for a quick release.
- Confidentiality. If you post a high bail amount in cash, the court, or prosecution may put you under financial scrutiny. These actions could result in a financial investigation. Courts understand that surety companies can cover even high bail amounts. Therefore, posting a bond can keep your financial life private.
- Save your money. Bail bonds only require you to pay 10% of the bail. Therefore, you can save the rest of the money and use it to seek legal representation or pay for other case obligations.
Jails serving Lakeside, CA:
San Diego Central Jail
1173 Front St,
San Diego, CA 92101,
Rock Mountain Detention Facility
446 Alta Rd #5400,
San Diego, CA 92158,
Find an Experienced Lakeside Bail Bondsman Near Me
When you face an arrest or learn of a loved one's arrest, securing a quick release is a priority. In California, you could post a cash bail, property bond, or use a bail bond. For a fast and convenient release, most people opt for bail bonds. Surety companies in California offer bail bond services at a 10% fee. With this type of bond, you will save money. Secure a quick release and avoid financial scrutiny.
At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we understand the devastation of having a loved one remain in custody due to a lack of bail money. We provide top-notch bail services to our clients in Lakeside, CA. Contact us at 844-400-2245 today for the assistance you need.
