If you have ever watched a TV show or movie where a character is arrested, you are probably familiar with the term bail. The film's process looks like this: the police arrest a character, the suspect makes a few phone calls and posts bail to secure their release from detention, and the movie narrative continues. If you took the Hollywood process, you might think you can secure your release provided you have vast sums of money.
If you have been wondering how bail works, you are in the right place. Please read this article to learn how Bail Bonds discusses the difference between bail and Jurupa Valley City bail bonds, how the judge sets bail, ways of posting bail, and common mistakes defendants make when posting bail.
How Bail and Jurupa Valley City Bail Bonds Work
The legal terms bail bond and bail are often interchangeably used. While they are related to release from detention, they are different.
Bail is the amount paid to secure a suspect’s release from jail. You can post bail via cash, using a bondsman's services, or using a property bond.
On the other hand, bail bonds function by allowing defendants to pay bail they could otherwise not afford. The bonding company provides the court with a surety bond to release you. Without their services, you could remain in jail until your trial date.
Put simply, the agency fronts the required set bail amount on your behalf to secure your release from detention. It is vouching for you to abide by your release terms, including making all future court appearances. In exchange, the bondsman will require you to pay a percentage of your total bail amount, often 10 percent, for their services. The premium is non-refundable.
The California Department of Insurance regulates and certifies bonding companies. The authority also imposes the rules and fee schedules to which bail companies adhere. Seasoned Jurupa Valley City bail bonds agencies are dedicated to doing everything possible to finalize your release quickly and efficiently after taking on your case.
Since the agency is on the hook for vast sums of money if you skip bail, it can check on you regularly, require you to consent to be monitored, or require you to provide collateral. The bail bond collateral should be valuable and commensurate with the set bail amount. Common acceptable collateral types include the following:
- Real estate — You can use a building, home, or land. It should be in good shape and not under a mortgage. You should file a deed with the court to inform it that the property’s legal title is with the bonding firm until your criminal case is closed.
- Automobiles, including cars, bikes, trucks, aircraft, yachts, boats, and RVs — The bail bond agency will hold the vehicle’s title, but you can use it. If you skip bail, the company will sell the automobile to recoup incurred losses.
- Valuables like watches, precious metals, jewelry, electronics, antiques, and art — Since it can be challenging for the bond agent to quantify the item’s value, they can ask you for a certificate of authenticity or an appraisal.
- Credit card.
- Investments like bonds and stocks.
Determining Bail Bonds Amount
Defendants can be released from detention before their arraignment. Thanks to the bail schedule. Every California county has its bail schedule for every crime. Sometimes, it is wise to wait for the bail hearing. The judge can set a lower bail amount than specified in the bail schedule, especially when charged with a less severe crime.
During your first court appearance, the judge will set your bail or release you on your own recognizance (O.R.) with the assurance that you will attend court later. You could be released without bail for a light offense, like driving under the influence (DUI), without injury charges.
Law enforcement agents can suggest that your bail be higher than the specified bail schedule. The judge has the discretion to deviate from the bail schedule. You can object to the bail amount two days after the prosecutor files your charge.
During your bail hearing, the bond can stay unchanged, be increased, reduced, or released on your own recognizance. Some factors that influence the bail amount include the following:
- The nature of your crime.
- The seriousness of the offense committed.
- Your criminal history (You will pay a higher bail than a first-time offender if you have a previous criminal record).
- Whether you used a deadly weapon.
- Whether you are a flight risk.
- Your family responsibilities — Judges understand that a defendant can be a parent, spouse, or caregiver and consider these facts while setting bail.
- Community ties — If your community ties are strong, your bail amount could be light.
- Whether you are a threat to witnesses, victims, yourself, or your community.
- Whether you are on parole or probation.
- Whether you ever skipped bail.
Upon the determination of your bail, your options include the following:
- Remain in jail, waiting for a resolution of your charges.
- Make arrangements for Jurupa Valley City bail bonds.
- Pay your bail pending the resolution of your case.
Can a Judge Deny Bail?
Judges typically deny bail when considering a defendant a danger to society or a flight risk. If you are charged with a violent offense, the court can use it as proof of a potential danger to the community. The judge will almost always deny bail to terrorism-related crime defendants.
Your defense lawyer can suggest release conditions to persuade the judge to grant or reduce your bail. These conditions could include the following:
- Forfeiture of your driving license and passport.
- House arrest and electronic monitoring.
- Staying away from the victim.
- Not leaving California.
- Putting on a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor).
- Not driving a motor vehicle with measurable alcohol in your bloodstream.
- Completing mandatory classes or therapy.
When reading the document highlighting your bail conditions, some items can be confusing, especially if you do not have a legal background. Your defense attorney or Jurupa Valley City bail bond agent should clarify them. Additionally, your lawyer should guide you if any term conflicts with another court order.
Failing to abide by your bail condition can result in additional criminal charges.
Posting Bail Bonds Requirements
First, as a co-signer, you should legally be a resident of the United States, aged 18 or older. Other requirements include the following:
- Identification, like their state identification or driver’s license.
- Proof of residency by providing a current utility bill.
- Evidence of a salary, like a paycheck.
You should also offer your Jurupa Valley City bail bond agent the following details:
- Birth date of the defendant.
- The charges against the defendant.
- Where the individual is jailed.
- The defendant’s jail booking number.
Your bondsman should discuss various options for posting bail and guide you throughout the process after contacting you. Once you pay the required premium, the agency will go to the facility holding your loved one and pay the bond. Some of the payment methods accepted by different jurisdictions are as follows:
- Credit card.
- Money order.
- Cashier’s check.
- Personal check.
- Cash.
- Money order.
- Western Union.
The release depends on where the arrest occurred and where they are in custody. Nevertheless, many releases take up to four hours after posting bail.
Bail Forfeiture
Bail forfeiture means the individual who posted bail will lose their bail amount on top of the police re-arresting and holding the defendant while awaiting trial. It occurs when you fail to appear in court when required without a proper, justifiable excuse. The judge will declare in open court the forfeiture of bail.
Two scenarios can happen in bail forfeiture. They are as follows:
- The bail bond company must present you in court within 180 days with no financial repercussions or make payment of the original bond to the court.
- A judge can issue a bail forfeiture court order.
Common Bail Bond Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
You will likely make expensive mistakes if you have never posted Jurupa Valley City bail bonds. The section below discusses some common mistakes you should avoid.
Lying to the Court or Your Jurupa Valley City Bail Bonds Agency
When determining your bail, the bail bond agency and the courts can ask some questions. These questions help the bondsmen and the courts understand whether you can pay bail and are reliable enough to make future court appearances. Ensure you answer all questions truthfully. Giving dishonest responses can lead to the revocation of your bail, or the police could re-arrest you, which can be inconvenient.
Writing the Incorrect Address While Posting Bail
You are required to fill out different forms when applying for a bond. You should be vigilant when writing the address to avoid any mistakes. Otherwise, you can lose your bond, resulting in your re-arrest.
Providing the wrong address can also be used against you in court. Spare yourself the stress by checking that you have filled in the correct address.
Using the Wrong Co-Signer or Making Them Angry
You may need more funds for your bail and decide to use a cosigner to assist you in raising bail. You should be thankful for your family, friends, and relatives who are your cosigners.
Ensure you are respectful and avoid upsetting them because of their power over you in your situation. They could withdraw their support at any moment, and if that occurs, you could be re-arrested.
Also, you must choose your co-signer wisely. Only some people can be excellent co-signers. An ideal co-signer should have the following characteristics:
- Get approval from a bail bond agency.
- Have a state-issued Identity card.
- Proof of stable income.
Being Arrested While On Bail
When a court grants you the right of release on bail, instead of remaining in custody, they do so believing you will avoid breaching the law once out. Your obligation must be to stay on the right side of the law.
Maintain a low profile, and do not interact with people who initially led you into legal trouble. You should instead enjoy time with your loved ones because committing another crime will cause the revocation of your bail.
Upon revocation of your bail, you will not leave police detention on bail again and will remain in jail pending the court date. You also lose your bail money.
Traveling When Out On Bail
You must follow specific regulations and restrictions when out of custody. Some individuals could receive travel restrictions. The court could ban others from associating with certain people, going to particular places, and surrendering passports or driver’s licenses. No matter your bail terms, you must adhere to them.
If you are allowed to travel, notify your bail bondsman. That way, the agency can reach you whenever a need arises.
Skipping a Court Date
You should work on gaining good standing with the judge during court hearings. One practical way to win the judge over to your side is to show up in court without missing a court date.
When you skip a court date for any reason, you will lose your bail money, and a judge could view you negatively, potentially resulting in a longer time in jail or a harsher sentence.
Jail, Courthouse, and Police Department Contact Information
Robert Presley Detention Center
Blythe Jail
Jurupa Valley Station
Superior Court of California, County of Riverside
Contact a Compassionate Bondsman Near Me
It is natural to feel confused and want to assist once you learn the police have arrested your loved one. Sometimes, borrowing money can only make raising the total bail amount possible. And if you can afford the amount, you have bills and mouths to feed. That is where Jurupa Valley City bail bonds come in. At Bail Bonds, we recognize you are struggling and can guide you through the legal process. Please contact us at 323-579-1415 at any time of the day to learn about the available options. We offer affordable and flexible payment plans, and our release process is seamless and fast, so your loved one can return to what matters to them quickly.
