Getting arrested in California, especially for anyone experiencing it for the first time, can be a stress-inducing ordeal. People, when faced with this situation, have countless questions on their minds. One of the most important questions to find an answer to is what the next step should be when you are arrested so that your bail or release can be expedited. This is when bail bonds come in handy. When you know what bail bonds are, how they work, and whom to contact when arrested, you can navigate such situations with relatively more ease. So here’s all you need to know about bail bonds and who you can contact when you face an arrest in California.
Understanding the Concept of Bail
Bail acts as an assurance for the court that once a person who has been arrested is released, they come back to the court for their hearings. Defendants are expected to pay their bail in cash. When the defendant shows up at the court for their trial, the money is returned. In case the defendant fails to do so, they do not get the money, and an arrest warrant may be released for the defendant’s arrest. In most cases, since bail can be expensive, paying such amounts at once can be challenging. This is when bail bonds come into play.
What are Bail Bonds?
A bail bond is an agreement that the defendant can undertake by contacting a bail bond company and working with a bail bondsman. This type of service alleviates the need for the defendant to pay a lump sum bail to the court. Instead, the defendant or their loved one can pay a small percentage of the bail amount to the bail bondsman, which is generally about 10% of the bail fee. The bail bondsman then pays the full amount of the bail to the court on behalf of the defendant to secure their release.
Contacting a Bail Bondsman
The first step right after getting arrested is for the defendant or their loved one to contact a bail bondsman and initiate the process of securing bail. Bail bondsmen are individuals certified and qualified to secure the release of defendants.
Before you initiate the process, do your research about different bail bond companies to understand the rates and work with a company such as the Bail Boys Bail Bonds that works with licensed professionals. You can also check online reviews to ensure you select the right bail bonds company.
Contact an Attorney
Working with a bail bondsman is a crucial first step to ensure your release from jail. However, once you’re out, you will have to ensure you prepare for your court trial. Contacting an attorney will help you prepare for the defence. Attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of different types of cases, and their expertise will help you with the guidance you need to defend yourself. Further, an attorney also helps you understand and protect your rights. Additionally, with an attorney representing you in the court, you can expect a strong defence strategy and effective negotiation with the prosecutor.
Contact a Friend or a Family Member
Contacting a trusted friend or a family member soon after an arrest is extremely important to ensure they can handle the process of finding a bail bondsman and an attorney for you. In your absence, a loved one can ensure every legal aspect is taken care of and the process moves forward smoothly.
Moreover, they can also provide you with emotional support, as getting arrested, especially for the first time, can be extremely daunting and stressful. Having a family member or friend who knows the details can also help you be more focused.
What Happens After You Contact a Bail Bondsman?
Once you’re arrested, you will be taken to the police station to record your personal information and book charges. Your bail amount will be set based on the offence and a date for the trial will be set as well. As you have the trial dates and the bond is set, you can contact a bail bondsman. Once that is done, the bail bondsman contacts the court, makes the bail payment on your behalf, and has you released from custody. You have to keep a record of the trial dates so that you make it a point to appear for your court hearings.
When you’re arrested in California, navigating the process of securing your release can be made easier and less of a hassle by contacting a reputed bail bonds company. Most bail bonds companies provide assistance and are available around the clock, allowing you to communicate with the bail bondsman anytime. Being released after an arrest will help you not only prepare for your defense but will also help you get back to your life, continue to work, and handle other personal responsibilities without the arrest impacting your life significantly.
