When a person is arrested unexpectedly, loved ones may need to post bail to get them out of jail. The bail process can be overwhelming and costly, especially when time is of the essence. If you are arrested, bail bonds are designed to help you secure your release from jail. Bail bonds allow you to pay a percentage of the total bail amount with a licensed bail bond company to get out of custody.
If you or a loved one needs fast and reliable Oxnard bail bonds, contact King Stahlman. We are available 24/7 to help guide you through the process. Read on to familiarize yourself with the process.
Understanding What Bail Is and How It Is Determined
When police officers arrest you, you can seek bail at your first court appearance. Bail is a financial promise to the court that you will come back for your trial dates. Think of it as a security deposit. The money is not a penalty but an incentive to make sure you comply with the legal process. The amount of bail set is not arbitrary. Judges take many factors into account when deciding how much bail should be, including:
- The nature of the alleged crime
- Whether you are a flight risk
- Your criminal history
- Your ties to the community, for example, family, employment, and residence in Oxnard
In some situations, you may be released without posting bail. This release is known as an own recognizance (O.R.) release. With this release, your promise to appear in court when required is sufficient.
The Role of a Bail Bondsman
Many people are unable to afford the complete bail amount set by the court. This is where the bail bond process becomes essential. A bail bond is basically a surety bond provided by a licensed bail bondsman. Rather than paying the entire bail amount to the court, you or a co-signer pays a non-refundable fee, or premium, to your bail bondsman. In exchange for this payment, the bail bondsman assures the court that they will ensure you appear for all required court dates.
The bail bondsman acts as the surety to take on the financial risk and the responsibility of the whole bail amount if you do not appear.
The Cost of Oxnard Bail Bonds
In California, the amount charged for a bail bond is set by the state. The usual premium rate is 10% of the total bail amount. If the courts set your bail at $20,000, you would pay the bail bondsman a nonrefundable fee of $2,000. The bail bondsman earns a 10% premium for their service and guarantee. The premium is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your case.
Besides the premium, bail bondsmen could require collateral for high bail amounts or riskier cases. Collateral is something of worth or value that you promise to the bail bondsman to cover their loss if you skip court and the bond is forfeited. It can be a home, a car, or anything else that is of value.
Reputable bail bondsmen will disclose all expenses upfront.
Choosing the Right Bail Bondsman
Choosing the right bail bondsman can make a huge difference when you need a bail bond. Working with a licensed bail bondsman is essential, as they are regulated and comply with state laws. When vetting bondsmen, do not hesitate to ask questions. Check if they are licensed, read reviews, and ask about fees, services, timelines, and the whole process.
You never know when you will need bail, so the bail bondsmen must be available 24/7. Therefore, you want a bail bondsman who is professional and provides all the required information to you. Further, your bondsman should also be available to help you around the clock. Numerous licensed bondsmen work in various areas in the county, so it is not hard to find Oxnard bail bonds assistance.
The Bail Bond Process
When you have a professional bondsman to help you, the bail bond process is easy. The typical steps begin by contacting a licensed bail bondsman. You will need to provide:
- Your full name
- Booking number
- Jail facility location
- Charges against you
After that, you will fill out the application and bail contract before the bail bond is posted. Once your cosigner pays the premium, the bail bondsman will post the bond at the jail. Once the jail takes in and processes the bond, which may take time depending on how busy the jail is, you will be released. Many companies know how urgent this can be and offer 24-hour Oxnard bail bond services.
Your Responsibility After Posting Bail
When the bail bond is posted, you accept several responsibilities as well as the co-signer or indemnitor. The co-signer can be a friend or family member. This person has to pay the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. They co-sign the bail bond agreement with the defendant, in essence guaranteeing the bail bondsman that the defendant will attend all their court appearances.
You need to appear at all court dates as ordered. Failure to appear can have serious consequences. You must also follow any additional rules attached to your bail, like restrictions on travel or being required to check in with someone. If you fail to appear in court, the bail bond will be forfeited, and the co-signer is obligated to pay the bail bondsman the full amount of the bail since the co-signer took the risk when they agreed to cosign your release.
Stay in contact with your Oxnard bail bondsman to avoid missing critical dates. By communicating with the bail bondsman, you and your co-signer can stay updated about upcoming court appearances.
What Happens if You Miss Court (FTA)?
If a bail bond is posted and you fail to appear (FTA) in court, it is an offense with significant consequences. A judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest and forfeit your bail bond if you fail to show up for court. When bail is forfeited, that means the bail bondsman must pay the entire bail amount to the court. This is the reason why bail bondsmen have vested interests in seeing you appear. If you fail to appear, they could hire a bounty hunter or bail recovery agent to find you and apprehend you.
The repercussions of an FTA are serious and can have a significant impact on you and the co-signer. Those facing Oxnard bail bonds FTA cases know this all too well.
Jail and Courthouse Information
Jail Information
Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility
800 S Victoria Ave,
Ventura, CA 93009
Ventura County Jail Todd Road Facility
600 Todd Rd,
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Ventura County Sheriff
2101 E Olsen Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Court Information
Ventura County Juvenile Justice
4333 E Vineyard Ave
Oxnard, CA 93036
Ventura County Juvenile Court
4353 E Vineyard Ave #122
Oxnard, CA 93036
Find a Bail Bondsman Near Me
After being arrested, navigating the legal system can be a headache. However, understanding how bail bonds work can help you find the path forward to getting out of jail and awaiting your court date. If you or a loved one requires credible and professional bail bond help in Oxnard, do not fret. Contact King Stahlman at 619-232-7127. We are available 24/7 and are ready to provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
