If you have a loved one in jail and need to secure bail bonds there are some things you should know. Choosing the right company is essential to keep them out of jail and avoid having to pay their entire bail amount out of pocket.
Bail is money that is deposited with the court as a promise that an individual will return to their trial dates. If they do not, the money is forfeited.
1. You Have Been Arrested
A judge must set bail before the accused can leave jail. This usually happens at arraignment or shortly thereafter bail consists of money or property that you give to the court in return for a promise to appear at all future court dates. Usually, you get your money or property back after your case is over but you can also lose it if you skip a court date and the courts issue a warrant for your arrest.
Whether you are eligible for bail will depend on your criminal record and whether the judge thinks you present a risk of committing additional offenses while out on bail. Your employment status and wealth are usually considered as well.
If the judge sets bail that you cannot afford its a good idea to talk to a criminal defense attorney right away. A reputable law firm like Golden Boy Bail Bonds can help you get your bail reduced they can also explain the process and all your options.
2. Accused of a Crime
When someone is accused of a crime they must appear before the court to set bail. This is a process called arraignment and is typically done within hours of the arrest. It is important for people who are paying or promise to pay the bail amount to show up to court on the day they are supposed to attend because if they do not show up the bail bond agent will lose the money they signed over and the courts may hire bounty hunters to track them down.
The severity of the crime and whether a person is considered a flight risk are factors that will determine bail amounts. If the accused is a flight risk they will be required to abide by more stringent conditions.
Bail bonds are a great option for those who do not have enough cash to get out of jail. They also allow family and friends to put up the necessary collateral for the accused.
3. You Have Been Charged with a Crime
When a person is arrested and accused of committing a crime they are usually allowed to post a sum of money to get out of jail before their court date. This sum of money is called bail and guarantees that the accused will return to their scheduled court dates and will pay any fines or penalties decided against them. The accused may be able to post this bail on their own or with the help of a Golden boy bail bonds.
If the amount of money required to post bail is more than you or a loved one can afford, then it is a good idea to talk to a reputable Bail Bondsman as soon as possible. They can provide you with information about the charges your court dates and other important details about your case. It is vital to make sure that you do not miss any court dates and that you keep all of the necessary appointments that are scheduled with your attorney.
4. You Have Been Apprehended
If your loved one is arrested, they will be arraigned and a judge will set the amount of their bail. If the amount is too high a bail bondsman can step in and help with the payment.
The main reason for setting bail is to ensure that a person will show up for their scheduled court dates. Failing to appear has serious consequences including losing the money or property they gave as bail and a warrant for their arrest.
During the time your loved one is in custody it is important for them to exercise their 5th Amendment rights by not speaking to police (unless required by routine booking questions like their name and date of birth). If they are allowed to make calls they should never talk about their case to anyone other than their attorney and should refrain from posting anything on social media.
The best thing your loved one can do during this time is to ask for a lawyer immediately.