After your arrest, you should stay detained while awaiting your trial. Posting bail is the only way to secure a release before your trial date. If you know how bail functions, you should spend only a few hours or days behind bars. Your first step should be contacting your Spring Valley bail bonds company. The qualified and aggressive bondsmen at Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds know how the California bail system works, how to navigate the process, and who is eligible for bail. We handle all cases compassionately and can help you make wise decisions by guiding and answering your questions. If you or your loved one is under arrest, we can work relentlessly, and our goal is securing a prompt release at an affordable cost so you can return to your family and work.
What You Should Know about Bail and Spring Valley Bail Bonds
Bail is money or property you post with the court if you seek to be discharged from police custody while awaiting trial. On the contrary, a bail bond is a financial assurance deposited by a bondsman to secure the defendant’s release.
After your arrest, the police will book and detain you until your trial date unless you post bail. Below is what to expect with the bail-setting process and paying bail.
Setting Your Bail Amount
After your arrest, you can secure your release immediately by posting the bail listed on the bail schedule. Every California county has a bail schedule that outlines each crime and the required bail amount.
Alternatively, you can wait for 48 hours from your arrest for your arraignment, where the judge determines your bail amount based on the factors below:
- The severity/seriousness of your criminal activity
- Your potential risk to yourself, your community, and the alleged victim(s)
- Whether you can flee California
- Your criminal history
- Whether you are on probation for another crime
You have a right to request a reduced bail amount after the judge determines the amount. Your request could result in a bail hearing, where the judge will review whether your bail reduction is appropriate.
Hiring a defense lawyer can help secure reduced bail by arguing that you are less likely to flee the jurisdiction. Factors like having no criminal record, lack of a passport, and having a family, business, or stable employment can strengthen your persuasion that you have strong community ties.
Posting Bail
Next, you should post the required bail amount with the court.
If you have sufficient funds, you can pay the full amount directly to the courthouse, allowing your release. However, most defendants and their families cannot raise the money and seek a bondsman’s services.
Spring Valley bail bonds involve you, the defendant, entering into a contract with the bondsman and paying a 10% non-refundable premium. Then, the bondsman will cover your entire bail amount, facilitating your release. The agreement includes release terms you should follow.
Contact your bondsman for a flexible, affordable payment plan if you cannot afford your premium. The payment plan involves paying a deposit upfront and clearing the balance within the agreed-upon duration. Please note that you should clear the outstanding balance, even after your criminal case is dropped or closed.
You are not restricted to Spring Valley bail bonds or cash. Courts also accept different types of collateral, including real estate, stocks, vehicles, artifacts, and jewelry. The asset’s value should equal or exceed the required bail amount.
Release Process and Abiding by Your Release Terms
After contacting your bondsman, they will travel to the holding jurisdiction and post your bail. The release process can take thirty minutes to eight hours, depending on how busy the jail is that day.
Your Spring Valley bail bonds company and the court could order you to comply with specific bail conditions. Violating the terms can lead to additional criminal charges and a re-arrest.
Standard conditions include the following:
- Appearing in court when required
- Not violating another law
- Avoid contacting the alleged victim
- House arrest
- Meeting with your bondsman
- Not operating your car while drunk
- Restricted travel
Bail Money Refund
Whether the court will refund the bail money depends on your court appearance. The court will refund the amount, provided you appear in all court proceedings. On the other hand, the court will forfeit the asset or money if you jump bail.
The premium you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of your case at trial. If you meet your obligation to comply with your release terms, your Spring Valley bail bonds firm will recover the entire bail money.
If you skip bail, your bondsman will lose the amount. You or your co-signer could be accountable for any financial loss your bondsman incurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a loved one is in police custody, you need answers fast. Seasoned Spring Valley bail bonds companies have bondsmen available to answer questions and address concerns round-the-clock. Some of the commonly asked questions include the following:
When is a Defendant No Longer Accountable for Spring Valley Bail Bonds?
After the defendant meets all legal obligations, attends court hearings, and pays fines, the court will exonerate the bond, and they will no longer be liable for the bail bond.
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What Occurs If a Defendant Fails to Post Your Bail?
If you decide not to or cannot post bail, you will remain detained until the court decides bail is unnecessary. One scenario is a release on your own recognizance. An O.R. release happens when the court releases you on your word that you will appear in court when required. Typically, judges grant the O.R. release to defendants without criminal records and with strong community ties.
Police Department, Courthouse, and Jail Contact Details
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
97977 Campo Road
Spring Valley, California 91978
South County Regional Center
500 3rd Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
San Diego County Central Jail
1173 Front Street
San Diego, California 92101
Find an Experienced Bail Bonds Firm Near Me
Since bail money can range from tens to hundreds of thousands, most defendants and their loved ones find it challenging to raise the amount. Fortunately, Spring Valley bail bonds make the process more seamless and accessible. Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds will take on the responsibility by posting your full bail amount with the court in exchange for a ten percent premium. If you cannot afford the premium, we can arrange flexible, cost-effective repayment plans. Each case is unique, but our qualified and friendly bondsman can help you, regardless of your criminal charges. Please call us at 844-400-2245 for more information.