If accused of a crime, pretrial release could mean the difference between freedom and time behind bars waiting for trial. Every day you remain detained is another day you cannot work, build your case defense, or spend quality time with your loved ones. One approach the law facilitates pretrial release is through bail, the amount you post with the court as a guarantee that you will attend your court proceedings. If you do not have enough money to post bail, you can contact a seasoned bail bondsman like Fausto’s Bail Bonds. We can offer you affordable, prompt Boulevard bail bond services.
How Bail Works
Bail is not intended as a punishment. Instead, it is a way of ensuring you follow your release conditions and make future court appearances. If you attend your court hearings, the court will refund the money to the person who posted it. However, if you violate the release conditions, the court could order forfeiture of the posted amount.
California courts set a fixed bail amount for different crimes based on each county's bail schedule. However, judges can modify bail amounts based on factors such as the defendant’s criminal history, the severity of the crime, community ties, and whether the defendant poses a danger to the community.
Various Release Options
The release options available to your arrested loved one include the following:
Cash Bail
A release on cash bail requires you or your relative to post the full bail amount. If your loved one attends all court appearances, the court refunds the money to the person who posted it after the criminal case is closed. Nevertheless, if it fails to appear, the cash is forfeited to the court.
Own Recognizance (O.R)
With an OR release, you do not pay any money to the court. Instead, you only promise to appear in court when required. Typically, judges grant release to first-time offenders who are not flight risks and do not pose a threat to society.
Property Bond
Based on the court’s jurisdiction, your relative may secure your release by posting a property bond. The process involves the court recording a lien on property used to secure the bail amount. If your loved one fails to appear in court, the court will initiate foreclosure proceedings against that property.
Surety Bonds
If you do not have property or enough money to post your bail, you can consult a bail bondsman. The Boulevard bail bonds company will post your surety bond with the court, guaranteeing that you will make future court appearances. If you fail to comply with your release conditions, the Boulevard bail bonds firm becomes financially liable for your entire bail money. The bondman charges ten percent of the set bail amount as their fee. The service fee is nonrefundable.
Steps to Take After Your Loved One's Arrest
Here are crucial things you could do to assist an arrested family member:
Stay Calm and Collect Relevant Information
The first step, once you learn of a relative's arrest, is to stay calm. Panicking can hinder your response and your ability to take your next course of action proactively. Instead, ask where the family member is detained, the charges they are facing, and the arresting agency.
You might need to contact the sheriff’s office or local jail to confirm the accuracy of the information. California jails provide booking details online or by phone. Some localities have inmate locators and a database on their official websites. Finding these details early can help you determine what to do next as you try to assist a family member following an arrest.
Learn of the Nature of their Charges
Next, strive to understand the charges the suspect is facing. The charges can determine the potential penalties and bail eligibility. Once you know the charges they are facing, you can better explain their predicament to a lawyer or Boulevard bail bonds service provider.
Call the Sheriff’s Office or Local Jail
Upon the confirmation of your arrest, you can contact the sheriff’s office or jail to inquire about the following:
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The booking procedure
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Visiting regulations
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Bail amount
Typically, California facilities require you to give the defendant’s birthday and full name. Certain jails can request the defendant's booking number. Essential questions to ask include the following:
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How much is bail set for?
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Can you post bail immediately?
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Can you contact the jail by phone?
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What are the jail’s visitation hours?
The law requires detention facilities to permit suspects to make a single call following booking. The call is free of charge. If your family member contacts you, note everything they say.
Consult a Defense Lawyer
Enlisting legal counsel is crucial following the arrest of a loved one. An experienced attorney can safeguard their constitutional rights and stand by them throughout the entire legal system. The attorney can also help your friend or relative with the following:
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Take them through their pre-trial release options
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Negotiate for their bail amount reduction before the judge or even request an own recognizance release
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Assist them in preparing for trial
Contact a Bail Bondsman
If you cannot post your family member’s bail in full, contacting a licensed Boulevard bail bonds service provider may provide fast, reliable release while awaiting the hearing and determination of their case. Here are the details you should have about the suspect before you contact a bail bondsman:
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Birthday
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Full name
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Their address and phone number
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The criminal charges they are facing
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Booking number
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Their bail amount
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Name of the holding jurisdiction
Next, the bail bondsman will review the available details about the defendant to determine their eligibility for a bond. If your loved one qualifies for a bond, you will pay at least a 10 percent service charge to the bail bondsman.
Sometimes, the bond companies request collateral. The collateral could be jewelry, automobiles, real estate, or any other valuable item. The collateral guarantees that your family member will appear in court as expected. However, if they fail to show up in court, the bail bondsman can seize the collateral to cover their losses.
The advantages of partnering with a bail bondsman to help your loved one secure release include the following:
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Round-the-clock availability — Arrest can happen at any time. Therefore, securing the release of a family member cannot wait. Most Boulevard bail bonds firms are open 24/7 to process clients' requests.
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Less expensive — Raising bail can be a financially taxing ordeal, but bonds are more pocket-friendly, making them more accessible for most suspects. Instead of posting the full bail amount upfront, you pay only a small percentage.
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Quicker release time — Bail bondsmen have a better understanding of the legal system and excellent connections that can speed up your loved one’s release, resulting in less time in detention.
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Professional support — A licensed bail company can maintain confidentiality about your family member’s case.
Ensure Your Family Member Complies with the Court Release Conditions
During your loved one’s pretrial release, the court could impose strict requirements, which can include the following:
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Mandatory check-ins
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Travel restrictions
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Routine drug testing
You can help your loved one adhere to the court’s bail conditions. Otherwise, they risk revocation, rearrest, and additional penalties, depending on the facts of their case.
Bail Forfeiture
Bail forfeiture occurs if a defendant who has been released on bail fails to appear in court. Skipping critical court proceedings, including arraignment, trial, and sentencing, can trigger bail forfeiture.
Forfeiture is considered the last option by the courts when the bail bondsman's efforts to locate the defendant have been exhausted. If unanticipated or unscheduled events, like an accident, illness, or other personal issues, occur that could prevent your loved one from appearing in court as required, they must notify the court of their absence in advance.
If the court intends to forfeit bail, the bail bondsman will try to locate and return your loved one to jail. The court grants the defendant a six-month grace period to return to court before forfeiting the bail amount or the asset. If unsuccessful, the bail bondsman can seize the cosigner’s collateral, indicating that the cosigner may lose their property. The Boulevard bail bonds firm will sell the asset to recover the costs of paying the full bail amount to the court.
If the court deems your relative untraceable, it will issue an arrest warrant against them. After their arrest, they will face additional charges and penalties depending on the circumstances of the case.
A history of missing court appearances reduces bail bond eligibility and increases the chances of pretrial detention. Those who may agree to post bond for your relative can charge exorbitant premiums.
How to Avoid Forfeiture of Bail
The repercussions of skipping court are severe for the parties involved in the contractual agreement. Here is how you can help your relative avoid bail forfeiture:
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Educate them on the repercussions of skipping court
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Encourage them to maintain constant communication with their bail bondsman and attorney — These professionals can help your loved one with compliance with pretrial release conditions.
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Explain travel restrictions to them.
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Encourage them to show up in court when required. You can also accompany them to court or make transportation arrangements for them.
Debunk Myths about Boulevard Bail Bonds
Here are some misconceptions about bail bonds:
Bonds are Costly
Contrary to common belief, the price of a bond is determined by how much your bail amount is set for. In California, bail bondsmen charge a 10 percent premium for their services. For instance, the service charge for a $10,000 bail is $1,000, which is a small fraction of the full amount.
Hence, bail bonds are much lower than individuals anticipate, making them a cost-effective option for those apprehended.
The Judge Grants Bail to Everyone Arrested
Not everyone apprehended can be bailed out of detention because bail is not a legal right.
Typically, judges do not grant bail to suspects accused of committing severe offenses, including armed robbery or murder. Additionally, the judge could deny bail to a defendant if the defendant is a danger to the public.
Bail might also be denied if the defendant:
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In the past, they failed to show up in court
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Has a prior violation of their bail conditions
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Committed fraud when making a bail application
Whether the judge grants it depends on the facts of your case and what the court considers appropriate for public safety and accountability in the criminal legal system.
Bail is a Form of Punishment
Bail is an integral part of the California justice system. Following your or your loved one's arrest, bail offers pre-trial release while awaiting trial.
The court set bail at an amount that ensures you will attend scheduled court dates, meaning bail cannot be used as a form of punishment following an arrest. Bail amounts should be reasonable to avoid undue financial burden. Also, the law considers defendants innocent until found guilty.
Bail is designed to ensure fairness in the dispensation of justice by safeguarding the constitutional rights of defendants.
You do not have to Mind Your Actions After Your Release on Bail
While securing bail means obtaining pretrial release, it comes with certain conditions you must follow. The bail conditions include the following:
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Appearing for your court proceedings
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Limiting or no communication with some individuals
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Keeping off alcohol or controlled substances
If you do not obey the court-imposed conditions, the consequences could be severe.
Jail, Courthouse, and Police Department Contact Details
San Diego Central Jail
173 Front St
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Superior Court
1100 Union St
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego County Sheriff's Department Jacumba Substation
39919 CA-94
Boulevard, CA 91905
Find a Seasoned Bail Bondsman Near Me
An arrest can turn your life upside down, but you should not remain detained for long. Fausto’s Bail Bonds can help you navigate the complicated legal system with confidence and return to your work and loved ones promptly. Please call us at 951-445-4455 to learn how we can help you. When you contact us, we can answer your questions, provide you with more information about Boulevard bail bonds, and advise you on what to do.