It can be difficult for first-time offenders or their families to secure release after an arrest. This is also the case for people who have faced an arrest before. Not having enough money to post bail can lead to longer custody. A bail bonds company can speed up the process and make sure you are released as soon as possible, as you prepare for trial. If you need bail bond services in Simi Valley, contact King Stahlman Bail Bonds. We know local jail and court rules and bail procedures, and our local bondsmen are available 24/7.
Why Bail is Important
Your arrest could happen suddenly, causing problems for your personal and work life. When you post bail, you are released to go home, continue your job, and discuss your case with a lawyer.
Bail helps reduce the number of people in detention centers by letting eligible people stay home until their trial. It reduces the use of resources and follows the rule of presuming innocence.
Per California law, most people charged with crimes can get bail. If you cannot raise bail, working with a reputable Simi Valley bail bonds firm and learning about bail can help you walk out quickly.
What Happens After Your Simi Valley Arrest
Upon arrest in California, you are booked, and your personal details and criminal background are recorded. The information helps the prosecutor choose the ideal charges for the case. After being booked, you are detained until your arraignment within 48 hours, not counting weekends or holidays.
The charges are announced at the arraignment, and you enter a plea, whether guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge also addresses whether to set or deny bail at this stage. The judge could set another date for the bail hearing.
Judges look at whether you are likely to flee when making a bail decision and how connected you are to the community. In some cases, a judge will grant bail, deny it, and in others, release you on your own recognizance (OR).
What Affects a Judge’s Decision on Bail?
Judges look at several elements when setting bail to guarantee the defendant will appear in court and to keep the public safe. Although bail is set at specific amounts for each offense in the schedule, judges can change these amounts for several reasons.
Criminal History
Your criminal history is a significant factor in deciding bail. If charged for the first time with a non-violent offense, you may not have to pay much bail or be allowed to go free on OR. If you have a violent criminal record and have missed a court date before, you may be denied bail or may have to pay a much higher amount.
Severity and Nature of the Crime
How serious the crime is said to be affects the amount of bail set. A felony offense is likely to lead to a higher bail or even to having bail denied to protect the community.
Flight Risk
Judges consider that you might avoid going to trial. When you are involved in the community, have a stable job, and care for family, you may not be considered a flight risk. If a person has a history of not showing up in court or has no local ties, the judge may decide to set a higher bail or refuse bail.
Public Safety
Judges could either refuse bail or set a higher amount when a defendant is considered dangerous to the community, victims, or witnesses. It becomes essential when the crime is severe or there is a high chance the person will commit another crime.
What Happens After You Have Been Granted Bail
After the court sets bail, you can take several actions to be released from custody. Knowing what each method involves can help you select the best method for your needs.
Cash Bail
Choosing cash bail means you must pay the full amount to the court. If you go to all your court hearings, you will get all your money back after your case is done. Yet, the biggest problem is that substantial funds are needed upfront, which is difficult for many people to manage financially.
Property Bond
You can use valuable assets, such as real estate, as security to get out on a property bond. The court checks the property's value to ensure it is sufficient for the bail. Though you won’t need money upfront, checking and approving your items can take time, so your release may be delayed. Your pledged property may be taken away if you do not attend court.
Surety Bond
When you don’t have the funds immediately, engaging a bail bondsman for a surety bond is a usual alternative. To use this service, you must pay the bondsman a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the bail. The bondsman takes charge of the bail amount and helps you leave jail. This method is most helpful for people who cannot pay the entire bail cost upfront. In addition, many bail bondsmen provide flexible payment methods, which help relieve financial worries.
Advantages of Using Surety Bonds
Thanks to bail bondsmen, people who cannot afford bail in full can use surety bonds. Having these bonds brings many significant benefits:
Affordability
Most defendants in Simi Valley pay a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the bail amount, to a local bail bonds firm. Because of this, you could secure your release without spending your savings or giving up important assets.
Flexibility
Since bail is often costly, Simi Valley bail bondsmen usually let people pay over time with installment plans. As a result, you can spread out the payments, making it easier to handle your immediate expenses.
Availability
Because bail bond services are open around the clock, help is always available after an arrest. Being available always helps ensure quick release and less time in jail.
Expertise
Simi Valley bail bondsmen with experience understand the legal system's ins and outs and how the courts work. Because of their knowledge, securing the release of defendants is faster, and they help defendants understand what is happening in court.
How the Bail Process Works With a Simi Valley Bail Bondsman
After the judge sets the bail, you should contact a well-known Simi Valley bail bondsman. Sometimes, a friend or family member who co-signs must ensure the defendant shows up in court and provide collateral when required.
A Simi Valley bail bondsman will handle the paperwork and communicate with the court to help with the release. If you cooperate with your bondsman, you can be released from custody much faster.
Following all court rules after release is crucial to keep your bail and avoid legal problems.
Jail and Court Information
Jail Information
Ventura County Jail
2101 E Olsen Rd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Court Information
Simi Valley - East County Courthouse
3855 Alamo St F
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Contact a Trustworthy Simi Valley Bail Bonds Firm Near Me
If you find it challenging to manage the bail process in Simi Valley, especially if the bail amount set is too high, talk to a trustworthy Simi Valley bail bondsman. They will help you follow court rules and work towards a positive result.
At King Stahlman Bail Bonds, we focus on reliable, affordable, and personalized bail bond service. Call us today at 619-232-7127.
