If you are arrested for violating California law, you could face detention awaiting trial. California law allows most defendants to secure their release through bail. Bail assures the court that the defendant will appear for trial or other proceedings.
Bail amounts vary between defendants and often depend on different case factors. You could pay the bail by presenting the full amount in cash. However, the option is unaffordable for many defendants due to the significant bail amounts that the judges in California set. Under these circumstances, you can explore a bail bond by contacting us at King Stahlman Bail Bonds. Our Thousand Oaks bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to support you.
Bail Setting in California
During the initial court appearance, a judge might refer to an applicable bail schedule to set bail for the defendant. Bail schedules are public lists that associate bail amounts with certain crimes in California. Counties determine their schedules, which often depend on the severity of the offenses.
If a person is arrested, officers or judges refer to the schedule to set a bail amount at first. Some bail schedules permit immediate release without a court hearing. While bail schedules provide consistency, they can lead to unfair outcomes if the defendant cannot afford the set amount. However, judges can raise, lower, or waive the bail based on individual circumstances. Factors affecting bail amounts in California include:
Nature and Severity of the Crime
The seriousness of the alleged offense is a significant factor when setting bail. Violent crimes like assault, robbery, or homicide often result in higher bail amounts. Less serious crimes, such as petty theft or non-violent drug charges, may lead to lower bail or even release without bail. Judges look closely at the facts of the case when deciding.
Defendant’s Criminal History
A person’s criminal record matters in bail decisions. Someone with a lengthy criminal record is more likely to receive a higher bail. If a defendant has a history of failing to appear in court, the court may see them as a risk and set a higher bail.
Risk of Flight
Judges want to be sure the defendant will show up for court after a release on bail. If you have strong ties to the community, the judge considers you a lower flight risk. Having a stable job or failing in the area can prove the strength of your ties. However, bail may be higher or denied if you have no local connections or have skipped court.
Public Safety Risk
Securing a bail release allows a defendant to go home and return to normalcy while attending their court proceedings. However, protecting the public is a top priority. If the judge believes the defendant threatens others, they may set a high bail or deny it altogether. This factor applies in cases involving weapons, threats, or ongoing danger to victims.
Ability to Pay
Under recent legal reforms, courts must consider a person’s ability to pay when setting bail. The goal is to avoid jailing poor defendants because they cannot afford bail. Judges can choose non-financial release options if they believe it is fair and safe.
Input from Prosecutors and Defense
The prosecution and defense can argue for a specific bail amount. The prosecutor may ask for high bail due to risk factors. The defense might argue for release or a lower bail by showing community ties, low risk, or financial hardship. The judge weighs both sides before making a decision.
Bail Bonds in California
A bail bond is the agreement you make with the surety company. The Thousand Oaks bail bonds company assures the court of your return for trial, which allows you to be released. In most cases, the company does not need to pay any amount to the court upfront. However, they may owe the full amount if the defendant skips bail.
Bail bonds are useful for defendants and families who do not have enough money or assets to post a cash bond. Securing a bail bond release begins after the arrest and booking. In this case, you can contact a Thousand Oaks bail bonds company and request their help. When contacting a company, you must ensure they are reliable and experienced.
The company will appoint a skilled bondsman to guide you. The bail bondsman reviews the defendant's criminal history, flight factors, and other factors to determine bail eligibility. If the company accepts your request for a bail bond, they will draft an agreement that you must sign.
After signing the agreement, you could pay the 10% premium fee and secure your release or that of your loved one. Sometimes, the Thousand Oaks bail bonds company may need collateral for the bail bond. Collateral ensures that they do not lose money when a defendant skips bail and must pay the full amount.
If you are seeking a bond for someone else, you act as their co-signer. As the cosigner, you have multiple responsibilities, which include:
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Paying the bail bond premium
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Providing collateral
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Ensuring the defendants appear for all proceedings
If a defendant attends all court proceedings, the surety company will not have to pay the full amount to the court. In this case, you can recover the collateral you provided. However, the service fee you pay to the company is nonrefundable.
Jails serving Thousand Oaks, CA:
Ventura County Jail
2101 E Olsen Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Todd Road Jail Facility
600 Todd Rd
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Courts serving Thousand Oaks, CA:
Superior Court of California, County of Ventura
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009
Find a Competent Thousand Oaks Bail Bonds Company Near Me
Facing an arrest or learning of a loved one's arrest is an overwhelming experience. Although you can guarantee a release on bail immediately after arrest, bail amounts are not always affordable. If you cannot afford cash or property bonds, you could explore bail bonds, which are cheaper and more convenient.
When you seek help from a surety company, they will assure the court of your return to court after the release. You will cover up to 10% of your original bail amount in exchange for the service. If you or someone you care about needs immediate help with bail, you should contact a Thousand Oaks bail bonds company. At King Stahlman Bail Bonds, we offer confidential and affordable bail bond services. Contact us today at 619-232-7127 for much-needed assistance.
