Some defendants are forced to remain in custody waiting for a court trial because the bail amount for most offenses is often unaffordable. However, you can work with a bail bondsman to secure bail for a defendant if you cannot afford to post bail in cash. Retaining the services of a bail bondsman increases the chances of having your loved one released from jail within the shortest time possible.
A bail bondsman does not offer a defendant legal representation but can ensure the defendant gets out of jail promptly. At Fausto’s Bail Bonds, we understand that arrests are often unexpected events. Our Lemon Grove bail bondsmen are available 24/7 and will be there for you whenever needed.
Lemon Grove Bail Bonds Process
The bail bond process often starts after the arrest of the defendant. The police will take the defendant through the booking and processing process and take them to a holding cell while the case is forwarded to the District Attorney. The District Attorney will determine whether to file charges against the defendant. Your loved one will have no case to answer and can be released if the prosecutor fails to file charges against the defendant. The defendant will remain in custody waiting for arraignment if the district attorney files charges against them.
During the arraignment hearing, the judge will ask the defendant to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges and set the bail. A judge can use discretion to grant or deny bail. Your loved one will remain in jail until the case is resolved if the judge denies them bail. If the judge grants the defendant bail, you must post the set bail before the defendant is released.
You can reach out to a Lemon Grove bail bondsman to help you post bail for the defendant. The bail bondsman will start the bail process by asking you several questions to help them complete the necessary paperwork. You will be required to pay a service fee, and the bail bondsman will travel to the detention facility to post bail with the court. The defendant will be released once the bail bondsman posts bail.
It can be confusing to navigate the bail process, especially if you are not conversant with legal proceedings. You should seek the services of a bail bondsman because of the strict regulations and complex paperwork involved. Your bail bondsman will explain the procedure, gather the necessary information, and file paperwork to ensure your loved one is released fast.
A bail bondsman will also guide you in case of any problem during the bail process. He/she will communicate with the attorneys or the court. Relying on the support and expertise of a reputable bail bondsman will alleviate stress in times of need.
The Information A Lemon Grove Bail Bondsman Will Require To Initiate A Bail Bond Process
The bail bondsman will require the following information to start the bail process once your loved one is arrested:
The Name Of The Defendant And The Jail Booking Number
The bail bondsman will require the full name of the defendant and the jail booking number before he/she starts the bail process. The defendant’s booking number is the only form of identification while in jail. Your bail bondsman will need the defendant’s booking number to know who he/she is paying bail for, ensuring no mistake occurs.
The Name Of The Detention Facility
The bail bondsman will also require the name and location of the jail where the defendant is to process the bail as fast as possible. You should provide the bail bondsman with the correct details about the detention facility, including the city and zip code, and the actual place where bail is going.
The Bail Amount
The bail bondsman will check to know the amount of bail set once you provide the details about the detention facility, the name of the defendant, and the booking number. However, you can inform the bail bondsman about the predetermined bail amount on your initial call to save them the burden of checking the bail amount.
The bail bondsman will tell you the amount to pay as a service fee after knowing the bail amount. Usually, most bail bondsmen have various payment options you can use to pay your premium, including:
- Cash
- Paypal
- Bitcoin
- Western Union, and
- Banker's check
Factors To Consider When Finding A Dependable Bail Bondsman
A bail bondsman is a licensed professional whom you can hire if your loved one is arrested and you cannot afford bail. He/she will agree with the court to clear the bail at a certain fee if a defendant fails to show up in court after the release.
A bail bondsman plays a major role in the legal justice system, but it can be challenging to find a reliable bail bondsman after the arrest of the defendant. You should consider the following factors when looking for a reliable Lemon Grove bail bondsman:
The Bail Bondsman's Reputation
Secure the services of a bail bondsman with a credible reputation from previous clients. You should check the previous client’s reviews on the websites to know whether your prospective bail bondsman’s reputation is credible. Pursue a different, reliable bail bondsman if most feedback, comments, or reviews about the bail bondsman’s quality of services are negative.
The Bail Bondsman Services Fee
The standard service fee or premium for a bail bond is 10% of the bail amount. Secure the services of another bail bondsman if your chosen bail bondsman’s service fee is more than 10% of the bail amount. A higher or very cheap service fee could be a red flag about the quality of services offered.
Whether the Bail Bondsman offers 24/7 Services
Time is of the essence if your loved one is in custody as a suspect for any offense. Reach out to a bail bondsman who can offer fast bail bond services to secure the release of a defendant. You should find another bail expert if your prospective bail bondsman does not offer 24/7 services.
Whether A Bail Bondsman Is Licensed
Hire a bail bondsman who is legally licensed and ready to provide documents to show the license is up-to-date and legitimate. An unlicensed bail bondsman is considered incompetent.
Ways In Which A Defendant Can Secure Freedom After An Arrest Without Bail
The court can award a defendant a recognizance release if the charges he/she is facing are non-severe. This means you will not post bail for the defendant. However, the judge can order the defendant to sign an agreement to show up in court on the set court dates. The defendant will be required to comply with all other terms and conditions of the release, which can include:
- Agree to put on a GPS tracker
- Consent to random drug tests
- Surrender their gun
- Avoid associating with certain individuals
- Avoid calling or visiting the protected people
- Remain alcohol-free
Sadly, not every defendant is eligible for a recognizance release upon arrest. The defendant’s attorney must provide the judge with the right evidence to secure the defendant's freedom without bail after an arrest. The evidence should show that the defendant is a suitable candidate for pretrial release.
For example, the judge can award the defendant an own recognizance release pending case ruling if an attorney proves that:
- The defendant does not have the financial capability to post or clear the bail
- The defendant has family ties
- The defendant is not a threat to public safety
- The defendant has no record of missing court dates
- The defendant’s crime is not serious
- The defendant has no criminal record
A competent attorney can convince the judge to reduce the bail amount if the defendant does not qualify for an own recognizance release.
Legal Consequences Of Jumping Bail
A defendant can secure freedom on bail after an arrest. However, the defendant must comply with the terms of the release for the period specified by the judge. Under Penal Code 1320.5, it is an offense for a defendant to fail to appear in court after a pretrial release on bail.
The judge can issue an arrest warrant when a defendant jumps bail, allowing the police to arrest and detain the defendant as investigations of the case continue. Your loved one will face the penalties under Penal Code 1320.5 depending on the severity of the underlying criminal charge. Violation of PC 1320.5 can attract felony penalties if the underlying charge is a felony.
Importance Of Securing The Attorney’s Services When Posting Bail For A Defendant
You should not risk handling the defendant’s case without an attorney, even if the crime is a minor one. An attorney can help in the following ways:
Negotiate For A Reduced Bail Amount
Bail is often not a punishment for a defendant, but sometimes the judge can set an unreasonably high bail for the crime. An attorney can fight for a reduced bail amount if he/she believes the defendant’s bail is unreasonably high or excessive. He/she can provide evidence to show that the defendant is indigent and has no resources to post the set bail.
Understanding The Available Bail Alternatives
There are many ways in which bail can be posted. The attorney will help you know the best option that suits your financial situation. For example, you can post bail using property bonds, bail bonds, or cash bonds.
Help The Defendant Know Their Rights
A defendant has constitutional rights that he/she should know during the bail process and the whole prosecution process. The following are some of the constitutional rights:
- The right to humane treatment
- The right to remain silent during police questioning
- The right to know the charges he/she facing
- The right to have a public defender to offer them legal representation if the defendant cannot afford a personal attorney
- The right to remain free from warrantless searches by the police
- The right to a fair bail amount
- Right to a speedy trial
An experienced attorney can help a defendant secure a pretrial release on bail, win the case, or secure a reduced sentence.
Being A Cosigner In The Bail Bond Process
A defendant can secure a pretrial release from custody if he/she has people ready and willing to provide the help he/she requires. You can be a cosigner on your loved one’s bail bond, ensuring that he/she appears in court when needed. If the defendant skips bail, you will incur the cost of bail forfeiture. However, not every person can be a cosigner on a bail bond. A cosigner must meet the following requirements:
- Be credit-free with a credible financial responsibility
- Have several forms of collateral that the Lemon Grove bail bondsman will need as security for a defendant’s pretrial release on bail
- Have the financial capacity to pay the premium or service fee and any other expenses related to bail forfeiture
The bail bondsman will ask you to sign a written agreement if you meet the above requirements. The agreement is important because it shows your duties and the repercussions the defendant will face if he/she skips bail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bail Bond Services
Most people often ask questions before securing bail for their loved ones. This helps them know what to expect during the legal process. The common questions asked include:
Who Is A Bounty Hunter?
A bail bondsman can hire a professional bounty hunter to track the defendant before he/she seizes your collateral. The bounty hunter will receive a certain percentage of the bail amount as a service fee once he/she brings the defendant to the bail bondsman.
What Does Bail Forfeiture Mean?
Bail forfeiture happens when a defendant fails to make the required court appearances after being released on bail.
Court Information
San Diego Central Courthouse
1100 Union St, San Diego,
CA 92101, United States
Jail Information
Western Region Detention Facility
220 West C St, San Diego,
CA 92101, United States
Find A Skilled Lemon Grove Bail Bondsman Near Me
Having your loved one in custody can be discouraging, but it does not mean that all is lost. With the help of a skilled Lemon Grove bail bondsman, you can seek a pretrial release of your loved one pending trial. At Fausto’s Bail Bond, we have dependable bail bondsmen who are available whenever you need them. Our bail bondsmen are located in strategic locations close to the main courts and jails. Call us today at 951-445-4455 to speak to one of our bail bondsmen.