Individuals facing criminal charges in California are detained in jail after an arrest and booking. However, you do not have to remain there until your case ends. If you post bail, you can be released while your criminal case is pending. Bail serves as assurance that you will appear in court for your case.
A judge sets your bail after arraignment by considering the nature and seriousness of your charges. You can pay the amount in cash, use property, or enlist bail bond services. Bail bonds attract many people due to their affordability and reliability. At King Stahlman Bail Bonds, we offer top-notch bail bonds for our clients. Our Calaveras County bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to handle your case.
Types of Bail in California
Bail provides a defendant with an opportunity to remain outside jail custody as their case moves through the court system. There are various types of bail you can consider for yourself or someone else. These types include:
Release on Own Recognizance (OR)
This method is the simplest form of release in California. In this case, the court allows you to leave custody without paying money. However, you will sign a note promising to return for each scheduled court proceeding. You can request an OR release at arraignment. The judge will review your case and then decide if you qualify. Courts look at several factors when determining your eligibility for this type of release. They include:
- Criminal record. A clean record or being a first-time offender can help you secure the OR release. However, if you have a lengthy criminal history, the court will require you to pay bail.
- The seriousness of the charge. Non-violent, low-level offenses are more likely to qualify for release without bail. On the other hand, a serious offense may result in a high bail amount or denial of bail.
- Strength of your community ties. Community ties include a stable job, family, or long-term residence. If you have strong community ties, you can convince the court that you will return even after a release on your own recognizance (O.R.).
If the judge grants you an OR release, you may agree to follow specific rules. These can include travel restrictions or court check-ins. If you fail to appear after the OR release, the court can issue a warrant.
Cash Bail
Cash bail requires you to pay the full bail amount set by the court. This money is held as a guarantee that you will return. The judge sets a bail amount based on the charge. If you have enough money, you can present it to the court clerk. The court will send you a check for the bail amount if you show up for all court dates. If you don't show up for court, you run the risk of forfeiting in full.
Posting cash bail is fast and eliminates the need for third parties. However, California courts set high bail amounts, making it challenging to pay them in cash. Posting a large cash bail can also make people wonder where the money came from. Such actions may result in financial scrutiny. A financial investigation can invade your privacy and delay the release process.
Property Bonds
A property bond allows you to use real estate as collateral for a loan instead of cash. The property must have enough equity to cover the bail amount. If you choose to present a property bond, you or someone else offers property to the court. The court checks the property value if there are existing loans. If the judge approves the property, the court places a lien on it. A lien means that the court has a legal claim to it.
Before accepting a property bond, the court may schedule a hearing on it. At this hearing, the judge reviews documents. These include:
- Proof of ownership
- Property value
- Recent appraisals
The judge also checks if the equity is enough. Equity is the value minus any debts. You must attend all court dates after using a property bond to secure a release. After the case ends, the judge will remove the lien and their claim on the property. If you fail to appear, the court can start foreclosure proceedings.
Bail Bonds
Bail bonds are a popular option for defendants who cannot afford a cash bond in California. To post this type of bail, you must consult a Calaveras County bail bonds company and request their help. After your initial contact, the company will assign a bondsman to handle your case. The bondsman will look into your criminal record and your flight risk to determine eligibility.
Also, a Calaveras County bail bondsman will check the availability of cosigners and their ability to cover the bail bond fees. If the surety company agrees to offer its services to you, the bondsman will pledge to cover the full bail if you do not honor the bail requirements. In return, you pay a service fee. The standard fee for bail bonds in California is 10% of the original bail. After release on bail bond, you must obey all court rules.
You must attend every hearing after posting a surety bond. If you fail to appear, the bail bond company will shoulder the full liability of the bail. Sometimes, you may need a co-signer. The co-signer promises to take responsibility if you do not appear. If you appear for all court proceedings, the surety company will not be responsible for the bail. However, you will still not record the amount you paid as a service fee.
Benefits of Hiring a Calaveras County Bail Bondsman
Posting bail with the help of a bail bondsman offers the following benefits:
- Lower upfront cost. You do not need to pay the full bail amount when using bail bond services. You only pay a small percentage in fees, which makes the release more affordable.
- Faster release. Calaveras County bail bondsmen understand the systems in local courts and jails. Such assistance may lead to quicker release from custody.
- Guidance through the process. The bail process can feel confusing for you and your family. A bail bondsman will explain each step, which helps you avoid mistakes.
Jails serving Calaveras County, CA, include the following:
Calaveras County Jail
1045 Jeff Tuttle Dr,
San Andreas, CA 95249,
Courts serving Calaveras County, CA, include:
State of California Superior Court County of Calaveras
400 Government Center Dr,
San Andreas, CA 95249
Find a Competent Calaveras County Bail Bonds Company Near
Posting bail allows you to go home and move on with your life while your case continues. However, not all residents can afford the high bail amounts set by California courts. If you are in this predicament, you can enlist the help of a surety bonds company. The company will assume financial responsibility for your release.
When posting a bail bond, you only cover 10% of the entire bail. Bail bonds allow defendants from low-income families to be released. In addition to financial assistance, the bail bondsman ensures the defendant appears at all court proceedings. For affordable and reliable bail bonds in Calaveras County, you will need our services at King Stahlman Bail Bonds. Call us at 619-232-7127 to discuss your bail needs.
