If you or a loved one is arrested in San Diego, several options are available to help regain freedom. San Diego has a bail schedule listing offenses and corresponding bail amounts. Before release, the judge or arresting officer reviews this schedule to determine the precise amount required for pretrial release. The bail money is then deposited with the local court to guarantee attendance at hearings until the trial’s conclusion. If you cannot afford bail, do not worry. Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds can assist in obtaining your release from police custody for an affordable fee.
What is Bail?
Bail is the sum a defendant needs to pay to secure their release from police custody while waiting for their trial. Bail allows the accused to be released under certain conditions, with a commitment to appear in court as required. Eligible defendants can pay bail in cash. However, most individuals cannot afford bail independently due to its high cost. Consequently, many turn to bail bond services, which post the amount on their behalf.
How To Post Bail In San Diego
Once an individual is arrested, they have several options for posting bail. They include the following:
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Cash Bail
Here, you must provide the full sum of bail in cash to secure your release from custody. Cash bail is paid directly to the court and will not be returned if the defendant misses their court date.
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Property Bonds
A property bond is a type of bond where you use assets, such as real estate, jewelry, or cars, as collateral to obtain your release from jail. The value of the property used for collateral must be the same as or more than the amount of the bail. If the defendant misses their court date, they could lose their property.
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Surety Bonds
Surety or bail bonds are used if defendants are unable to afford bail. It allows individuals to secure their release without incurring significant expenses or risking their assets. Securing bail bonds is simple, as the bail bonds service handles the complex documentation on your behalf.
A bail bonds company offers various types of bonds based on the individuals involved and the nature of the crimes committed. For example, they can issue bonds for defendants violating weapon laws and immigration bonds for non-U.S. citizens.
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Own Recognizance Release
An own recognizance release is where defendants are not required to post bail. Instead, arrested individuals sign a written pledge to attend all upcoming court hearings. Not all individuals are eligible for this release. This option is available to those charged with non-violent offenses and who have no prior criminal record. Additionally, defendants must have strong community ties, including secure employment and a family support system.
How San Diego Bail Bonds Work
San Diego bail bond companies operate around the clock to accommodate arrests that can happen at any time. Completing paperwork and making payments can often be done electronically, resulting in quicker bail posting. The contract is legally binding between a bail bondsman and the court. The bail bonds service ensures that individuals understand they are responsible for the defendant’s compliance with court-ordered hearings. The document also highlights the agreed-upon promise, including collateral and specified fees.
Upon contacting a bail bondsman, you will provide your booking number, full name, and specific charges. The bail bonds service will also request the jail’s location. The bail bondsman will then secure your release by posting bail. Upon arrival at the jail, they will receive the court date, a receipt, and necessary paperwork. This information allows them to follow the case.
Securing your release from jail can take several hours, depending on the necessary procedures. The timing of the release also depends on the correctional facility’s activity level. If you fail to appear at court-ordered hearings, your bail bondsman will be responsible for the full bail amount owed to the court.
If you fail to meet your bail conditions, the bail bonds service will hire a bounty hunter to apprehend and return you to custody. Additionally, if you do not appear at the court trial, you may face extra penalties or lose any collateral specified in the contract.
Bail Hearing
A bail hearing is held by the courts to determine the bail amount. The court reviews the crime’s severity and the accused’s case specifics. Some correctional facilities also use bail schedules to set bail amounts. These schedules specify bail amounts based on the offense committed. Before the bail hearing, the schedule can be posted directly with the detention facility. Generally, jail bail schedules are not negotiable.
During a bail hearing, the judge can establish the specific bail amount the defendant must pay. This typically occurs during the defendant’s initial court appearance after arrest. Judges often decide by considering the defendant’s crime and criminal record. The court evaluates the nature of the offense, determining whether it involved violence or not, as well as the defendant’s conduct and history.
The court will also assess whether the defendant poses a risk to the community upon release while awaiting trial. The defense attorney can negotiate the factors that determine the bail amount. They may attempt to persuade the court to reduce bail in certain circumstances.
Occasionally, the court may release arrested individuals on their own recognizance. In this case, the arrestee promises to follow the rules and attend all scheduled hearings. This type of bail, called “own recognizance bail,” exempts the defendant from paying bail fees. Under these circumstances, the accused can save a significant amount of money, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
The accused’s defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor and judge to secure a recognizance bail. However, under specific conditions, a recognizance bail is invalid. The outcome depends on the legal jurisdiction and the nature of the offense. The court’s decision is also influenced by whether they perceive the arrestee as a flight risk. Felonies and crimes associated with gangs and violence often do not qualify for recognizance bonds.
Details About Local Police Stations, Jails, and Courts in San Diego County
If you or a loved one is arrested, the following information can help you locate the local courts, jails, and detention centers in San Diego:
San Diego Central Jail
1173 Front Street,
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego City Jail
446 Alta Rd,
San Diego, CA 92154
San Diego County Jail
1173 Front Street,
San Diego, CA 92112
San Diego Central Courthouse
220 West Broadway,
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Hall of Justice
3330 West Broadway,
San Diego, CA 92101
Kearny Mesa Courthouse
8950 Clairemont Mesa Blvd,
San Diego, CA 92123
Madge Bradley Building
1409 Fourth Avenue,
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Police Department
72222 Skyline Drive,
San Diego, CA 92114
San Diego County Sheriff's Department
10282 Rancho Bernardo Rd.,
San Diego, CA 92102
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
10282 Rancho Bernardo Rd.,
San Diego, CA 92127
Find A San Diego Bail Bonds Service Near Me
If you face an arrest for the first time, you likely have no experience with a bail bonds company. Therefore, the process of obtaining bail bonds can be stressful. While there are many bail bond companies in San Diego, choosing the right one can be challenging. At Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, we prioritize your needs and offer guidance to help you understand your situation and determine the best course of action. Call us now at 844-400-2245 to schedule a meeting with our San Diego bail bondsmen.
