Arrests are common in California. After an arrest, an individual is expected to remain in custody until the court schedules a trial and their case ends. Fortunately, California law allows most defendants to secure a release while their case is pending through bail.
With the bail, the court is assured of your return to face the consequences of your crimes after an arrest. At your first appearance before the court, a judge will set a bail amount, which you can pay in cash, using property, or through a surety bond.
Many defendants prefer posting bail bonds because they are more affordable and convenient. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we will offer you financial help and top-notch guidance to navigate the bail release process.
Understanding Bail
California law defines bail as the agreement you make with the court in exchange for a release while your criminal case is pending. After the bail is posted, you can go home, return to work, and move on while the court schedules your trial and other proceedings.
At your first arraignment, a judge will set your bail using the amounts on the local bail schedule as the base value. Bail schedules list all crimes and the bail recommended for each. If your bail is attached to an arrest warrant, the court will adjust the bail by considering these factors:
- The seriousness of your offense. The nature and seriousness of your crimes will dictate the bail amount you must pay. The more severe your crime, the higher your bail amounts.
- Flight risk. Bail guarantees that a defendant will attend the scheduled proceedings and trial after your release. California law defines flight risk as a defendant’s likelihood of skipping bail. The strength of your ties to your community and criminal history could help determine your flight risk.
- Your criminal history is critical when setting bail. Individuals with an extensive criminal history may require a higher bail than first-time offenders.
- Risk to the community. Bail allows a defendant to go home and continue their life as the case continues. However, when granting a bail release, the court ensures community safety. The judge sets high bail amounts or orders defendants who pose a threat to the safety of others to be held without bail.
Bail Bonds
Bail bonds are agreements between a surety company, defendants, and the court. Under this agreement, the surety bonds company posts the defendant's bail for a 10% service fee. Many defendants prefer this type of bail due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Posting bond begins when you are notified of a loved one's arrest and lack the financial capacity to post a cash bail for them. You can contact an Apple Valley bail bonds company for their assistance.
When contacting the bail bonds company, you must provide the defendant's certification information. The surety company will check your eligibility for the bond by assessing the defendant's flight risk. Additionally, your ability to pay the costs associated with the bond is critical.
If the bail bonds company agrees to give you the financial aid to post bail, you will pay 10% of your total bail. This is the service fee and is not refundable. In addition to this premium fee, the company may mandate that you provide collateral to secure the bail bond in case of a forfeiture. In California, bail collateral could be anything from real estate property to vehicles and valuable assets.
When posting a bond, the Apple Valley Bail Bondsman ensures that the defendant appears in court as scheduled and follows all the bail conditions.
Critical Factors When Hiring an Apple Valley Bail Bonds Service
The process of posting bail is complicated and financially demanding. Your choice of a surety bond service can determine your experience during this process. Crucial factors to consider include:
Reputation
Your Apple Valley bail bonds service will provide the financial assistance and expert guidance necessary to secure a loved one's release from jail. Therefore, you must hire a company with a reputation for delivering excellent and convenient services. You can learn about the company's reputation through its online reviews or referrals from individuals who have used the service.
24/7 Availability
Arrests in California can occur anytime. When you learn of a friend’s or loved one's arrest, you want to secure their release as fast as possible. Therefore, you want to hire a surety bonds company available around the clock.
Insurance and Licensing
All surety companies must have the necessary licensing and insurance to offer their services. When you choose a surety bonds company, you must check for their licensing and insurance. This ensures your protection in case something goes wrong.
Availability of Flexible Payment Options
Posting bail is a financially demanding process. Sometimes, the 10% premium you must pay to the surety company may be unaffordable. You should work with a company that allows for flexible payment plans. This can allow you to devise a repayment plan and pay 10% in affordable installments.
Good Communication
The bail bondsman is an intermediary between the defendant and the court. This ensures that the defendant is conversant with all the court requirements and that you understand the case process.
For this reason, your bail bonds service must have good communication skills. Good communication begins from the moment you contact the surety company. If your calls go unanswered or you receive an automated message, you should consider contacting another company.
Jails in Apple Valley, CA:
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
14931 Dale Evans PKWY,
Apple Valley, CA 92307
High Desert Detention and Assessment Center
21101 Dale Evans Pkwy,
Apple Valley, CA, 92307
Courts serving Apple Valley, CA:
Superior Court of California County of San Bernardino
247 W 3rd St,
San Bernardino,CA, 92415
Find a Competent Apple Valley Bail Bonds Service Near Me
While you can post the full bail amount and have your loved one released from jail in no time, the bail amounts set by California courts make it impossible for many defendants to use this type of bail. You can post a bail bond for an affordable and convenient release, which a surety company will provide.
When you post a surety bond, you will only pay 10% of your bail, while your Apple Valley Bail Bonds agency covers the rest. If you or a loved one is arrested and needs a fast release, you will benefit from our top-notch services at Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds. Contact us at 844-400-2245 for much-needed assistance.
