Are you looking for valuable advice on San Diego Bail Bonds services and posting bail following an arrest in the State of California? You’ve come to the right place.
If you or a loved one has been arrested in San Diego, posting bail is the only way to secure your freedom between now and your trial date. While you will naturally be looking to do this, it is very common for defendants to feel a little confused about the process and the prospect of using San Diego Bail Bonds services.
Our experts here at SD Bail Bonds are ready to support you through every step of the process and can be contacted to get immediately started on the process. In the meantime, check out the following frequently asked questions San Diego Bail Bond to gain a better understanding of the situation.
Why does bail exist in San Diego?
When arrested in the state of California, the gap between first arraignment and going to trial can be over 85 days. While most people accused of a crime are entitled to a speedy trial, this still leaves them facing the prospect of months or years in custody. Whether guilty or innocent, it is a situation that can cause severe financial, reputational, and emotional damage.
The opportunity to post bail gives defendants the chance to secure their freedom leading up to their trial. The defendant pays their bail amount and is subsequently allowed to leave the jail and continue their life as normal. However, they will be required to attend court hearings and satisfy other bail conditions or run the risk of being arrested again.
Posting bail does not influence the trial verdict. Meanwhile, the bail fee is returned to the defendant at the end of the trial irrespective of the verdict. Ultimately, the freedom between arraignment and trial allows the defendant to prepare their defense and clear up any issues that need attention.
Is bail available for all crimes in San Diego?
Following the booking process, a judge will determine whether the defendant is entitled to post bail. While it does not have to be granted in all situations, bail is offered for the vast majority of offenses. The main exceptions are murder, fraud, and embezzlement although a past history of skipping bail may also lead to a rejected claim.
Generally speaking, though, defendants will have the opportunity to post bail. The fee set to secure an individual’s release will be influenced by the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the type of crime. The average bail figure in California is $50,000. However, it is possible for the figure to be far higher.
Why is bail set to such a high amount?
The California Courts set bail this high so that it will prevent defendants from skipping bail or failing to attend court hearings. If a defendant fails to meet their bail conditions or tries to take flight, the full bail amount is surrendered to the courts. Setting the figure so high serves as a deterrent, thus providing peace of mind to the judge.
How do San Diego bail bonds services work?
If finding $50,000 to post the cash bail fee is beyond your remit, San Diego bail bonds services provide a fantastic alternative. In short, a licensed bail bondsman will stump up the cash to secure your (or a loved one’s) release from jail. The bail bondsman additionally takes on the responsibility of ensuring that you attend all court hearings.
In return for posting the full cash bail fee on your behalf, a bail bondsman charges a one-off fee known as a premium. This is commonly set to 10% of the overall bail amount. So, if the courts set your bail fee to $50,000, San Diego bail bonds services will cost $5,000. However, there are some instances where discounts are available - such as for military veterans.
Once bail has been posted via a bondsman, defendants in San Diego will enjoy the same freedoms as if they had posted cash bail. In essence, the bond is a simple contract between the defendant and the bail bonds company that exists from the moment bail is posted until the trial date.
What are the benefits of using San Diego bail bonds services?
Firstly, calling a bail bondsman is a great option if you cannot access the funds needed to post the cash bail figure for yourself. Similarly, if you are posting bail on behalf of a loved one, it removes the financial burden from your shoulders. It should also be noted that the courts often take up to 30 days after the trial to issue refunds. So, it also aids cash flow.
Perhaps more importantly, an experienced bail bondsman can utilize their experience to ensure that the bail process runs smoothly. This ultimately translates to a quicker release for the defendant who is currently in custody. Not least because 24/7 services save you from trying to access funds when arrested outside of business hours.
Why choose SD Bail Bonds?
When selecting a bail bondsman, it’s imperative that you select a trustworthy and reliable service. SD Bail Bonds operates 24/7 and boasts good working relationships with all 32 jails and prisons in San Diego County. When combined with our client-centric approach, it is no wonder why our services are among the most popular in California.
What if I can't pay the bail bond amount today?
Opting to post bail through a bail bondsman reduces your financial commitments, turning a $20,000 fee into a $2,000 cost or a $100,000 one into $10,000. However, finding the money today can be particularly difficult and any delay in this process results in more time spent behind bars. At SD Bail Bonds, we believe everyone deserves their freedom until trial.
With this in mind, we are proud to offer an extensive range of repayment plans that allow you to spread the costs. For example, our 1% bail bonds will allow you to secure your freedom while only making a payment of $500 today for a $50,000 bail. The remaining $4,500 of the $5,000 bail bondsman premium can then be paid off over the coming weeks or months.
Even when taking this route, our experts can complete the necessary checks in super quick times. So, you can still be released from custody within a matter of hours. Alternatively, we can discuss a variety of other options with you, such as using a co-signer or putting down an asset as collateral for the bail bondsman services.
If calling on behalf of a loved one, what else do I need to know?
When a loved one has been arrested in California, you naturally want the process of securing their release to be as smooth as possible. If you are unsure of where the inmate is held, it is possible to track them through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). However, this does prolong the process.
As such, it’s best to be equipped with details of where they are held, what crime they have been accused of, the bail fee (if this has already been set), and the defendant’s booking number. You should also have the funds or collateral used for the premium ready to send. Do this, and we can take care of things whether you contact us by telephone or in person.
What can be used as collateral?
If you wish to use collateral for your San Diego bail bonds services rather than paying the full premium amount today, several assets may be used. The list includes real estate, stocks, vehicles, bonds, personal credit, and jewelry. The best thing to do is call our friendly advisors to discuss your options and get the process started now.
How can I make San Diego bail bonds services work for me?
This is already a stressful time in your life, but professional San Diego bail bonds services can make life a lot easier. First and foremost, you must familiarize yourself with the process. In its most simple terms, you will pay the bail bondsman 10% of the bail amount and they will subsequently pay the full amount to the courts, thus securing your release from custody.
Following this, you will regain your freedom until your trial date. However, you must pay attention to the bail conditions. As well as attending court hearings, you may need to have a curfew, wear an electronic tag, or remain within the state of California. If you need to leave for business or personal matters like funerals, the courts may grant this.
If you fail to meet the demands, a bail bondsman may surrender the bond. In turn, a warrant for your re-arrest will be issued while a bondsman will also call a bounty hunter to locate the defendant and return them to jail. Finally, if you are arrested for another crime, the bail posted for your original arrest will not cover you.
How do I use SD Bail Bonds services?
Ready to embrace our help to get yourself or a loved one out of jail today? Contact us now to discuss your options and get the process started now.