Bail is the payment a defendant makes to a court as a guarantee that if released from police custody, they will make all scheduled court appearances. Nevertheless, the amount the judge sets does not mean it will be affordable, since they set it based on several factors like the defendant’s criminal history, community ties, flight risk, nature of the crime, and the severity of the crime. Like most defendants, you might not raise the required amount on short notice, which is where a bondsman comes in. King Stahlman can make the Carmel-by-the-Sea bail bonds process simple. You can meet with one of our bondsmen, fill out your application, and sign an agreement, securing your release discreetly and promptly. We can also travel for you in police custody for your convenience.
What is Bail? How Does Bail Bonds Work?
Bail is the money a defendant posts with the court to secure a release from detention pending trial. If you adhere to all terms of your release, including making required court appearances, the court will refund the amount to the person who posted it.
Bail bonds work by permitting defendants to post bail that they would not have otherwise been able to afford. Thanks to a bondsman. Your Carmel-by-the-Sea bail bonds company will post your surety bond at a 10% premium of the bail money. The fee is non-refundable irrespective of the outcome of the criminal case.
Here is what to expect with the bail bonds process:
- Setting bail — After your arrest and booking process, you will attend an arraignment court hearing where the judge will set bail. When setting bail, judges consider many factors, including the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal record, the defendant’s community ties, whether the defendant poses a threat to society, and whether the defendant can flee California.
- Consulting a bondsman — While some defendants and families can pay the entire bail amount upfront, others do not have access to the vast sums of money and seek assistance from a bondsman. When calling them, you need information like the defendant’s name, the name of the holding jurisdiction, the booking number, the alleged criminal charges, and the defendant’s address.
- The paperwork — The bondsman will require you to complete relevant paperwork and sign a contract to secure their services. It entails paying the premium and issuing collateral.
- Posting your bail and release from police custody — The bondsman can travel to the holding jurisdiction and post the required bail amount. How soon the police release you depends on how busy the jail is that day.
Questions to Ask Before Signing Your Carmel-by-the-Sea Bail Bonds Agreement
When needing bail bonds, you should understand the terms of your agreement. One way to avoid surprises is to ask your Carmel-by-the-Sea bail bonds service provider questions before signing your contract. These questions include the following:
- What is the total cost of securing a pre-trial release? —Although California’s standard premium is 10% of the full bail amount, bail bond companies charge more fees, like late payment penalties and renewal fees. Knowing every cost beforehand allows you to budget and avoid financial surprises.
- Do you offer payment plans? — Judges can set a huge bail amount that not every defendant can afford. Inquiring about payment plans can make the process more affordable, easing the financial burden on your family.
- What occurs when you jump bail? — An emergency can prevent you from making the required court appearance. Inquiring with your bail bonds firm about what to do in that situation can help you mitigate risks.
- Is collateral needed? When can your bondsman forfeit the collateral?
- What are the release conditions?
- How long does the release process take?
Steps to Take After Posting Your Carmel-by-the-Sea Bail Bonds
Securing a release through Carmel-by-the-Sea bail bonds does not mean an end to your criminal judicial process. There are key steps to adhere to legal requirements and avoid a re-arrest. These steps involve the following:
Understand and Comply With Your Release Conditions
During your release, the court imposes release conditions based on your criminal case facts and the nature of the alleged crime. These terms are as follows:
- Avoiding specific places or people
- Travel limitations
- Wearing a SCRAM if charged with driving under the influence
- Avoid committing another crime
- Regular check-in with your Carmel-by-the-Sea bail bonds company or the pretrial services
Failing to follow one of your release conditions could lead to your bail revocation and the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
Maintain Open Lines of Communication with Your Carmel-by-the-Sea Bail Bonds Service Provider
Your compassionate bondsman can guide you through your bail process, and you should inform them of changes to your situation, including changes of employment or address.
Prepare for Trial
You should use the duration between securing your pre-trial release and your trial to build your case defense. You can achieve this by doing the following:
- Hiring a defense lawyer — A qualified and experienced defense attorney can offer legal counsel, represent you before the judge, and develop valid defense strategies.
- Collect evidence and interview witnesses — Your lawyer can help you collect relevant evidence, including records, photos, receipts, and videos supporting your case. Additionally, you should identify witnesses who can testify in your favor.
- Understand your criminal charge and its potential penalties — It will aid you in developing the most effective legal defense strategy.
Maintain a Low Profile on Your Social Media Platforms
The prosecution team can use your social media posts against you in court. The prosecution team can use or misconstrue even innocent posts when building a criminal case against you. Therefore, you should avoid discussing details about the criminal charges, arrest, or circumstances surrounding the arrest on social media.
Seek Help from Support Networks and Family
Facing legal challenges can be emotionally draining. Reaching out to supportive family and friends can offer comfort, practical support, and guidance. You can also consider joining support groups or seeking professional assistance.
Police Department, Courthouse, and Jail Contact Information
Monterey County Jail
1410 Natividad Rd,
Salinas, CA 93906
Superior Court of California, Monterey Division
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Carmel Police Department
Junipero Avenue and 4th Avenue
Carmel, CA 93923
Contact a Competent Bail Bonds Firm Near Me
Bail bonds are a financial arrangement that allows you, the accused, to continue with life while awaiting your trial, preventing disruption of your family obligations and work. Without Carmel-by-the-Sea bail bonds, defendants without financial muscle might face unnecessary incarceration durations before their conviction. In other words, they balance your right to freedom and the court’s need to ensure court appearances. At King Stahlman, we are devoted to offering reliable and prompt bail bonds services. We understand that you were planning on posting bail and can make the process easy by guiding you and offering a pocket-friendly, flexible payment plan based on your budget. If you need immediate bail bonds or answers to your questions, please call us at 619-232-7127. Our responsive bondsmen are ready to assist you at any time of the day.
