The Basics of Bail Bonds

 You are never prepared for those unexpected emergencies: the late-night phone call of a frantic family member or friend explaining they have been arrested and taken to jail. Your first thoughts are of how you can help get them released from jail as quickly as possible. A bail bondsman is often the fastest and easiest way to help bail out your friend or family member. It's important for you to know how the bail bond process works from start to finish, that way you can know what to expect along the way.

 

Arrest and Booking

Once someone is arrested, they will be transported to the detention center for booking. This process will consist of fingerprinting, photographs, a background check, and a nationwide warrant search. They will be searched for any weapons or contraband, and any personal belongings will be collected and held until their release from jail. This process could take anywhere from 2-6 hours to complete, depending on how busy the jail staff is with processing other arrestees.  The defendant's bail amount will be set after the booking process has been completed and they will be able to make arrangements to post bail. They will have access to a phone to make calls to a friend or family member, lawyer, or bail bondsman. Also Read: Bail Bonds Oxnard

Setting Bail

Several factors will be taken into consideration when a defendant's bail amount is set. The judge will look at criminal history; a repeat offender will likely be given a higher bail amount than someone who has no criminal record. The severity of the crime is another key factor when a judge sets the bail amount. The more serious the defendant's charges, the higher their bail amount. A judge will also determine if the individual is considered a flight risk, meaning that they are not likely to reappear for court. Bail amount could be set higher for anyone the judge fears will not return to court.

 

Bailing Someone Out

Bail amounts are set high for a reason- to make sure the defendant comes back to face the charges against them. This amount could be in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most people don't have the means to pay such a large amount of money. They may need to put up their home for collateral in order to secure the release of their loved one. If you wish to pay the full bail amount, it will have to be done by cash or cashier's check directly to the jail or courthouse. If the defendant makes it to all court appearances, this money will be returned to you once the case has been concluded. However, it could be months or even years before you see your money again.

Thanks to state regulations, this amount cannot be increased or decreased by the bondsman for any reason. Some agents will be willing to work with you on payment options for the bail bond premium, but they cannot charge you additional fees or reduce the total amount.

 

 

 

Indemnitor Responsibilities

 

When you agree to sign a bail bond contract with a bondsman, you will become the "Indemnitor." This means that you agree to be financially responsible for the contract. You must ensure that the defendant makes it to all scheduled court appearances pertaining to their case. Make sure that the bail bondsman and the court are kept up-to-date on the defendant's contact information.

 

If the defendant flees, or "jumps bail," you will be responsible for paying back the entire bail amount, as well as any additional court costs and fees, and any expenses incurred by the bondsman for going after the defendant. This could include the cost of a bounty hunter. Also Read: Thousand Oaks Bail Bonds

It's a stressful time when someone you care about is in jail. You want to make sure they are released as quickly and safely as possible. Before you decide to take on the responsibility of bailing them out, though, you need to be certain that the defendant is going to do what needs to be done and face their charges in court.

 

Superior Bail Bonds is a fully licensed and bonded professional bail bondman from Westlake Village-one of the most trusted names in the bail bond industry in California. In Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, we are also specialize in providing Bail Bonds in different locations. To know more about Bail Bond Company Near Me. Visit us

 

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