When a loved one has been arrested in Santa Ana or another part of California, getting them out of jail in the fastest possible time will be the only item on your agenda. After all, any time unnecessarily spent in custody could pose a risk to their physical and mental wellness. If you’re wondering how long does it take for bail to be set, this quick guide is for you.
In the meantime, you can contact Mr Nice Guy Bail Bonds to learn more about the road ahead and determine which plan is right for you and the defendant.
How Long Does It Take For Bail To Be Set In CA?
Regardless of which county your loved one is arrested in, bail is set by a judge within 48 hours. However, it often happens within hours of the booking process being completed. After the bail fee has been set, your loved one can usually return home within four hours or potentially within just one.
If bail is not posted, the defendant will be required to remain in custody until the date of their trial arrives. This can cause major repercussions for their relationships, career, and reputation. But if you know that a loved one has been arrested, it is possible to speed up the process through inmate locator services and consultations.
How Do California Bail Scheduling Systems Work?
While judges can set bail based on the circumstances of the case, the bail scheduling system for felonies, misdemeanors, or infractions is frequently used to set the bail figure or provide significant guidance. Judges use this so that a fair cash bail fee is set for all defendants who are eligible for bail.
When the fee is considered too high, defendants or bail bonds agents can contest the decision. Nevertheless, it should be noted that bail is often set at above $10,000 for misdemeanors and over $20,000 for felonies. In more serious cases, bail fees are set to $100,000 while it is possible for the figure to surpass $1,000,000 in extreme cases. The money is returned at the end of the trial process but the courts set the fee so high in a bid to stop defendants from fleeing.
Bail amounts may be reduced or increased based on circumstances. For example, a first-time offender may gain a lower bail amount while someone with a history of missing court hearings will see the fee increased.
Posting Bail With Bail Bonds
Whether bail is set to $10,000 or $100,000, most people will find it difficult to find that level of finance with ease. However, bail bonds make the process far more accessible. The bail bonds company will take on the financial responsibility by paying the entire cash bail figure. In return, you simply pay a premium that is equivalent to 10% of the bail amount.
If the 10% figure is too much to find right away, it is possible to arrange repayment plans. It can be particularly beneficial when calling on behalf of a loved one. Once the agreement has been formed, the focus can turn to getting your loved one out of jail before preparing for the trial.
