If you face an arrest in Menifee, you may wonder what to do next. Knowing how California bail works can help you secure release pending trial. If you cannot afford the bail amount the presiding judge sets, you could seek help from a Menifee bail bonds service provider. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds in Menifee, we can help with fast and affordable bail bond services. You can contact our bail bondsmen around the clock for help.
An Overview of Bail in Menifee
In California, bail guarantees the court that you will appear for court dates if you are released from custody pending trial. When setting your bail, the judge uses a county bail schedule and considers other factors like the severity of your crime.
Serious charges like violent felonies attract higher bail amounts, while misdemeanors attract less or no bail. A judge can change the bail amount provided in the bail schedule during a bail hearing if:
- You have a criminal history
- You are a flight risk
- You pose a risk to the community
You can post bail in various forms, such as cash bail, property bond, or bail bond. Sometimes, the judge could release you on your own recognizance (OR). With an OR release, the judge releases you if you can convince them that you would appear in court proceedings without first posting bail.
Conditions Required to Stay Out of Custody
Under California laws, several conditions apply for you to stay out of jail after your arrest. They are primarily based on your offense, criminal history, and level of threat to public safety.
Here are some common conditions that the court might set:
- Avoid calling certain people, especially victims or witnesses from your case
- Travel limitations, for example, staying within a particular geographical area
- Obeying certain curfews, such as staying at home during certain hours of the day
- Being subject to regular drug and alcohol testing if you are charged with drugs or alcohol
- Surrendering any firearms or weapons, you might have
Options to Secure Your Release After an Arrest
If you are arrested in California, you usually have three options for release after an arrest. However, the options depend on the nature of the alleged offense, your criminal record, and other factors the court considers. The aim is to keep you returning for your court hearings while considering public safety.
Own Recognizance (OR)
In California, the court can release you from custody without paying bail through an Own Recognizance (OR) release. If the court grants you an OR release, you must sign a written promise promising to appear for all court dates and avoid crime commission until your trial.
OR is usually granted after judges consider several factors, like whether you have a criminal history, are a flight risk, and the severity of the offense. The court could release you on OR if you are a first-time offender or charged with a non-violent offense.
After being released, you must follow conditions, like regular check-ins with law enforcement or participation in certain programs.
Held on Bail
Being held on bail in California means that after your arrest, the court has decided to set an amount as a condition for your release. Bail is the collateral to ensure you will attend your scheduled court appearances. You can leave jail pending trial if you post the required bail amount. If not, you will stay in jail until the case is concluded.
The court sets bail upon considering many factors, including:
- The seriousness of the offense
- The likelihood that you will flee
- Your criminal record
California has a bail schedule, but judges can set bail above or below the amounts listed in schedules on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you are charged with a serious felony, your bail will be much higher than if you are charged with a misdemeanor. If you have been found guilty in the past, the court can increase the amount or deny you bail.
Held Without Bail
If held without bail in California, the court has decided that you are a danger to public safety. This happens when you face serious charges, like violent felonies, or fail to appear in court.
Being held without bail means staying locked until your case's conclusion, whether by plea deal, trial, or other legal actions. The longer you stay in custody, the more difficult it is to build your defense or maintain your family or job responsibilities.
What Happens to Bail When the Case is Over?
The outcome of your case determines what happens to your bail. If you satisfy all the court conditions, you receive the bail back. However, the period you wait for your bail back depends on several things, including how you posted bail.
If you posted cash bail, the return process usually starts once your case ends. You receive your bail amount back minus any court fees or fines. If you went through a Menifee bail bonds service, remember that the premium you paid the bondsman is nonrefundable.
If you skip bail, your bail is forfeited, meaning you lose that entire amount. If the court issues a bench warrant for your arrest, you will have more legal consequences.
The Role of a Co-Signer
You need a cosigner if you seek help from a Menifee bail bonds service. The cosigner acts as a guarantor, taking on the financial responsibility for the bond. So, if the defendant does not appear in court proceedings, the cosigner forfeits the collateral they placed for your release. For example, a bondsman would hold property deeds or other assets if given bail.
Usually, the bondsman requires a financially stable person, such as a family member or close friend, to cosign the defendant’s bond. The Menifee bail bondsman relies on the cosigner’s commitment that the defendant will follow the terms of their release.
Jail and Court Information
Jails
Menifee Police Department
Phone No.: 951-723-1500
Courts
Superior Court of California, County of Riverside—Southwest Justice Center
Phone No.: 951-704-7634
Find a Competent Menifee Bail Bonds Company Near Me
The bail process can be complicated and overwhelming, especially if you cannot afford to post cash bail. In such an instance, your only hope lies within a Menifee bail bonds company. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds in Menifee, we know what you need to do to secure your freedom and can help you quickly.
If you or someone you love remains jailed because the set bail amount is too high, contact us at 844-400-2245. Our bail bondsmen are on standby to assist you with your Menifee bail bonds needs.
