When a person is arrested in Los Angeles County, CA, the first concern families have is how they will secure their loved one's release from jail. Often, bail is the answer, which enables pretrial release. One problem with bail is that, sometimes, the amounts are so high that most families cannot afford to pay. However, hiring a bail bond company can easily remedy this issue.
At King Stahlman Bail Bonds, we assist families in navigating the bail process by offering quick and affordable Los Angeles County bail bonds. Contact us at any time to prevent your loved one from spending more time than necessary in custody.
Defining Bail
Bail refers to a monetary guarantee that the defendant will appear in court as required after being released pretrial. It is not meant as punishment. Rather, it only ensures the accused person appears in court. If they appear at all court dates as required, the court returns the bail amount at the conclusion of their case (minus any court fines and costs). However, if the accused person fails to attend court hearings, the bail funds will be forfeited to the court.
How Bail Is Set in Los Angeles County
Every California county has its bail schedule, which provides standard bail values for every crime. When your loved one is under arrest, the arresting officer may set bail per this schedule, depending on the criminal charges filed. The schedule lists the initial bail value, but judges can adjust it during the defendant's arraignment. The following factors impact a judge's decision on whether to increase or reduce the bail amount:
- The severity and nature of the criminal charges
- The accused person's criminal history
- The likelihood that the defendant can flee the jurisdiction
- The accused's community ties
- Whether the accused poses any danger to public safety
- The defendant's capability to pay the bail
California law allows bail to be posted for most crimes. However, judges can deny bail in some instances involving violent felonies or capital offenses where they find clear, convincing evidence that the defendant is a threat to public safety.
How to Post Bail in Los Angeles County
There are three primary ways to pay bail in LA County after the judge imposes a bail amount. These are cash bail, Los Angeles County bail bonds, and property bonds.
Cash Bail
To post cash bail, you deposit the whole bail value directly with the court. You can make the deposit using cash or a check. Some courts accept money orders. The court returns the bail amount at the end of the defendant's case, provided the defendant attends all court hearings. Posting bail with cash is the easiest option. However, you must have the entire bail value available upfront. That makes this option infeasible for many people.
Los Angeles County Bail Bonds
Purchasing a bail or surety bond is the most prevalent way to pay bail in Los Angeles County since it is convenient. Here, you pay a certified local Los Angeles County bail bonds company a nonrefundable premium (usually 10% of the entire bail value), and the company posts the total bail for you.
For example, say the judge sets bail at $100,000. In this case, you will have to pay the bond company $10,000 as the premium. That is the company's charge for assuming the bail-related financial risk for you and is non-refundable, regardless of the case outcome.
The bond company might also request collateral, which secures the bail bond. If your loved one fails to attend court hearings as required, the bond company may sell the collateral to recover the forfeited amount.
Property Bonds
Property bonds use real property as collateral for the bail value. Here, you surrender your property to the court in exchange for your loved one's release from custody. If your loved one fails to attend court, the court can foreclose on your property and sell it to recover the bail money. Most courts require that the equity on the property used be equal to twice the bail value. So, if, for example, bail is $50,000, the collateral must have equity of at least $100,000.
Processing a property bond takes longer since the court first verifies equity and ownership. This bail payment option is not as prevalent, but it can come in handy when you do not have a bond premium or cash.
The Los Angeles County Bail Bonds Process
The process to post bail in Los Angeles County involves quick, simple steps that can also be completed remotely via a phone or online. Once the judge has set bail, your first step will be to contact a local Los Angeles bail bonds company, where a bondsman will attend to you. The bondsman will ask you for some information regarding the defendant. They will want to know:
- The defendant's name and date of birth
- Where they are being held
- The booking number
- The bail amount imposed
- The location of arrest
- The alleged charges against them
Using the information they have obtained, the bondsman will prepare a bond agreement and application. You will need to sign this, plus any other relevant paperwork, and pay the bond premium. Once you have done that, the bail bondsman will go to the jail holding your loved one to deposit the required bail amount. The defendant can then be released from custody once the bondsman has made the payment.
The jail release process can take anywhere from half an hour to twelve hours, contingent on the specific jail, staff, time, and case facts.
Jail Information
Phone No.: 213-473-6100
Phone No.: 213-473-6100
Court Information
Central Arraignment Courthouse
Phone No.: 213-974-6068
Find a Professional Los Angeles County Bail Bonds Service Near Me
The inability to post bail after your loved one’s arrest in Los Angeles County should not cause them to stay in custody longer than necessary. You have the option of seeking assistance from a bail bond company. At King Stahlman Bail Bonds, we can help you post bail quickly so your loved one can return to their daily activities as soon as possible. Our Los Angeles County bail bonds are affordable thanks to our various payment plans and financing options. Call us anytime at 619-232-7127 to initiate the bail bond process.
