Your Basic Guide to the Bail Process
Bail is the process by which defendants who are accused of a crime are released from jail in exchange for money that will be held until after all the trials and proceedings have taken place. The bail process works like this:
1. When an individual is arrested, he or she is taken to a police station and booked into jail. Police officers record basic information, such as his or her name, birth date, and the nature of the crime he or she may or may not have committed. The offender is subsequently placed in a jail cell with other recent arrestees. For minor crimes, bail can be posted immediately, but otherwise, a bail hearing will take place within 48 hours or so.
2. During the bail hearing, the amount of bail is set. The more serious the crime, the higher the bail. Some states have a set amount per crime, but it is also up to the judge’s discretion. He or she will take into account past crimes, ties to the community, risk of flight, and the nature of the crime itself.
3. There are several types of bail. Cash bail pays the amount in full. A bail bond requires the use of a bail bondsman who will put up the full amount through an insurance company. A bail bond usually requires only10 percent of the total bail amount from a friend or relative of the accused. If the accused does not show up for their court date, the bondsman loses their money. A property bond puts a lien on a house or other property. In the event of a no-show in court, the property is forfeited.
When entering the bail bond process, finding a reliable bail bond service can be difficult. In San Diego, King Stahlman Bail Bonds is a fair, reliable option. Call (619) 232-7127 to learn more about how we can help you or your friend or family member.
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