Being in jail after an arrest is overwhelming and stressful. If you or your loved one qualifies for bail, you may be able to secure release pending trial. Bail serves as a financial guarantee that you will return for scheduled court hearings. However, California courts set high bail amounts even for minor offenses.
For this reason, many defendants opt for a bail bond. They chose this option because it is more affordable than paying the full bail. You pay about 10% of the bail amount to a surety company, which works to secure your release. You will receive the expert bail bond services you need to ensure a release by contacting us at Future Bail Bonds.
What is Bail?
Bail is the money you pay the court for release pending trial. Many individuals in California may be eligible for a bail release, depending on the circumstances of their case. Posting bail allows you to go home and proceed with your daily activities as you attend the scheduled proceedings. After the arraignment, the court holds a hearing, where the judge determines the amount the defendant must pay for the release.
The judge considers different factors when setting an appropriate bail amount. These factors include:
- The severity and nature of the charges
- The defendant's criminal record
- The defendant's ability to post bail
- The strength of the defendant’s community ties
- The defendant's flight risk
After the judge has set bail, you can secure a release using:
Cash Bail
Cash bail is fast and convenient for defendants who have enough money to pay the total bail. A downside of posting bail in cash is an increased risk of losing the money if the defendant skips bail. Additionally, presenting a high bail in cash can result in financial scrutiny.
The court will conduct a financial investigation to determine the source of the funds. The inquiry will not only delay the release but can also invade your privacy.
Post a Property Bond
California courts allow the use of property for a release pending the trial. When using a property for a bond, you present your real estate in exchange for the release. The court requires that the property you show be worth more than the bail. After presenting the property, the court puts a lien on it and can only lift it when the case ends.
To verify the property ownership and value, the court schedules a property bond hearing, which you must attend. At this hearing, you can present property deeds and appraisal documents.
Post a Bail Bond
You can explore a bail bond if you have no property or money to post a cash or property bond. Surety bonds are the most preferred option for securing a release. Posting the bond will entail contacting a local La Habra Bail Bonds company. The company will send a bondsman to check your eligibility for the bond.
Eligibility for this is determined by considering the defendant's flight risk. Additionally, the company can consider your ability to cover the costs of the surety bond. When contacting a surety bonds company, you should provide the following information about the defendant:
- Their official name
- The offense with which they are charged
- The amount needed to secure their release
- The facility where they are detained
If you meet the eligibility requirements, the La Habra bail bondsman will go to court and secure the defendant's release. You will cover 10% of the defendant's bail for their service, which is not refundable even after the case ends.
Co-signing a Bail Bond
When you learn of the arrest of your friend or loved one, you want to secure their release as soon as possible. If you contact a La Habra bail bonds company on behalf of another person, you are considered a co-signer. You must meet the following requirements to sign a bail bond in California:
- You must be 18 or older and have a steady income or valuable property
- The bail bond company may request proof of income or assets before approval
- You agree to pay the full bail if the defendant misses a court date
You are responsible for added fees, court, or recovery expenses as a cosigner. Co-signing is a legal risk. Therefore, you should only do it if you fully trust the defendant.
Conditions of Bail
When releasing a defendant on bail, the court may impose strict conditions. They include:
Court Appearance
The primary condition of bail is to show up in court. The defendant must attend all required court dates. Among these are the arraignment, hearing, and trial. Missing a court date is a serious violation and can affect your ability to post bail in future cases. A La Habra bail bond agent will remind you of court dates and help you stay on track.
Obeying All Laws
While out on bail, the defendant must not commit any new crimes. Even a minor offense can lead to a bail violation. If arrested again, the court can revoke bail. The judge may also increase the bail amount or deny release altogether.
No Contact with Victims or Witnesses
The court may issue a no-contact order if the case involves a victim or witness. The defendant must not reach out by phone, message, email, or in person. They must stay away from the person’s home, work, and school. The condition is common in domestic violence and assault cases.
Travel Restrictions
Defendants on bail are often restricted in their movement. Some defendants are tempted to flee to avoid the consequences of their criminal conduct. Therefore, the court may impose travel restrictions by ordering them to remain in the county or state.
Surrender of Firearms or Weapons
The court may need the defendant to surrender all firearms in violent cases. The order can also include knives or other dangerous weapons. This helps protect victims and the public. Not following this order is a serious offense and can result in bail revocation.
Jails in La Habra, CA:
La Habra City Jail
La Habra BLVD
La Habra, CA 90631
Courts Serving La Habra, CA:
North Justice Center
1275 N Berkeley Ave,
Fullerton, CA 92832
Find Expert Bail Bond Services Near Me
Posting bail is a financially demanding process. You can secure a release through a bail bond if you do not have enough money for a cash bail. Surety companies offer bail bonds at an affordable fee. The company will assure the court of the defendant's return for trial or other court proceedings. This type of bail can reduce your financial burden and provide expert guidance.
If you need a bail bond to secure the release of a loved one, you will benefit from our services at Future Bail Bonds. Our La Habra bail bondsmen offer 24/7 services. Call us at 619-880-8737 to discuss your situation.
