After an arrest, it is natural to feel anxious, especially if it is your first arrest. Interacting with law enforcement during an investigation can feel stressful, even if you have experienced an arrest before. Fortunately, bail in the criminal justice system restores freedom to defendants or arrestees and upholds their presumed innocence until the court makes a verdict. Unfortunately, bail amounts can be very high for many offenses, making paying the total amount quickly difficult.
However, you do not have to stay in jail while your case is ongoing. With the assistance of our efficient Buena Park bail bonds service at Riverside Bail Bonds, you can obtain your freedom without delay. While we will not act as your legal representatives in court, we provide fast bail bond services in Imperial Beach to help you secure your pretrial release while awaiting your case’s outcome.
Understanding Bail
Bail is the money that you or someone close to you pays to a court or jail to ensure the authorities release you and attend all required court hearings. The term ‘bail’ is often used interchangeably with ‘bond’ or ‘bail bond’ when discussing release from police custody before trial, but they are not the same. A bail bond involves a third party, typically a bail bonds service, posting the amount on your behalf to facilitate your release.
The court does not grant bail for every crime, and the decision to impose it depends on its severity and type.
Bail is not intended as a punishment. It ensures that you agree to follow certain conditions and attend court as the judge requires. Bail acts as a guarantee you provide to the court, ensuring you will return for future court dates after the authorities release you. If you do not show up in court or break the rules of your release, you risk losing the bail amount you paid.
The Booking Process After an Arrest
When the police arrest you as a suspect in a criminal case, the officer will take you through a process called booking, which includes:
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Take your mugshots and fingerprints.
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Searching you for illegal items.
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Recording the details of the charges and your legal name.
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Checking your criminal history.
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Take your belongings and clothing.
After booking, you will stay in jail until you post bail. Here, you can contact a Buena Park bail bonds company for prompt assistance with bail services so you can return home to your family.
If there is no set bail amount for your crime, you will remain in custody until the judge decides if they can grant you bail during your first court appearance, known as the arraignment or bail hearing.
How Does the Judge Determine Bail in Buena Park
In California, each county has its own bail schedule for different crimes, which judges use to determine bail amounts. In Buena Park, judges refer to the Riverside County bail schedule. They have the authority to modify the bail amount. Other factors that influence the judge’s decision on bail include:
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Your potential threat to public safety
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Your criminal record
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Your risk of fleeing
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The likelihood of appearing in court
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The seriousness of your crime
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Your connections to the community
If the judge sets bail at an amount you cannot afford, you can ask for a lower amount during a bail hearing. Conversely, the prosecution can petition for an increase if the judge sets a low bail. When deciding on bail adjustments, the court looks at several factors:
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The severity of the crime
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The severity of any injuries and whether anyone sustained injuries
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Any threats made to the alleged victim
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Use of drugs or weapons during the commission of the crime
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Your community connections, like property or business
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Your employment status
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Your criminal history
Your lawyer can provide evidence to persuade the judge to lower your bail. This action might include proof that you are not a public threat, have attended all previous court dates, are not likely to flee, and have no criminal record, among other things.
If you face serious charges like robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, or murder, the judge may not lower your bail. They only do this for unusual reasons.
These reasons could include:
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Being found with a large sum of money
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Witnesses going missing or not cooperating
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Discovery of new evidence by the prosecution
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Serious illness on your part
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Changes in the case facts
How to Post Bail in Buena Park
In Buena Park, there are three main ways to pay bail: cash bail, bail bonds, or using property as collateral.
Cash Bail
The easiest method to pay bail is by providing the full cash amount. Once the court settles your case and you have followed all bail conditions, the court will return your money. You can pay with cash, a traveler’s check, a cashier’s check, or a money order. In some cases, the court or jail may also accept personal checks.
However, if the source of the bail money seems suspicious, the court may refuse to accept it. It can happen if the money comes from illegal proceeds, especially if you try to post a significant amount. For example, if someone faces drug trafficking charges and wants to pay a high bail, the judge might ask about the money. It often happens with amounts like three hundred thousand dollars or more.
You are responsible for showing the court that the funds are from a legitimate source. The court may not accept your cash bail if you cannot prove this.
Property Bond
A property bond involves using your property title as collateral for the court or jail. If you do not attend all required court hearings, the court can take your property and sell it. Before using the property as a bond, the court must evaluate it to confirm its value matches the bail amount and check for any existing liens. Some courts may also require the property value to be double the bail amount. Because of these conditions and the risk of losing your property, only a few people choose this option.
Buena Park Bail Bonds/Surety Bonds
The most reliable and popular method to post bail is by obtaining a surety bond from a licensed Buena Park bail bonds company. This type of bail is beneficial when the bail amount is high. You will typically pay the bail bondsman up to ten percent of the total bail. For example, if your bail is four hundred thousand dollars, you would pay $40,000 to secure the bond.
Once you pay the ten percent fee, known as the premium, the bail bondsman will go to the jail or court to post the surety bond and arrange your release. This premium is non-refundable.
The bail bonds service might ask you to provide collateral to back up a bond, especially if the bail amount is high. If you miss a court date, the bail bonds company you worked with will lose the bond amount.
As a result, the bail bondsman may sell the collateral you provided. You can also ask a third party to co-sign your bond with the bail bonds service, but they will have specific responsibilities. If you do not show up in court or flee the area, the bail bond company will first try to find you. They will seek payment from your co-signer if they cannot locate you.
Release On Your Own Recognizance
If the alleged crime is minor, like a DUI without injuries or serious damage, the authorities will release you after booking without needing to pay bail. In this case, you do not need to contact a bail bonds company or collect money for bail. This process is called release on your own recognizance (OR release). If the court chooses an OR release, you sign a document that commits you to attend all required court hearings.
Skipping Bail
When someone released on bail does not attend their court date, it is called skipping bail, which is a serious matter. If the charges were misdemeanors, missing court hearings will attract additional misdemeanor charges. If they were felonies, you might face felony charges.
Failing to appear in court will lead the judge to issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Additionally, your bail will be canceled, causing you to lose any cash bail you posted. If you went through a bail bonds service, the loss will fall on your bail bondsman, not you.
If you provided collateral for the bond, the bail company might sell it to recover its losses. They might hire a bounty hunter to find you if you do not provide collateral.
Bounty hunters earn a share of the bail money, but they must first find you. They can arrest and return you to the local police where you went missing. The Buena Park bail bonds company has 180 days to locate you and hand you over to the authorities, or they will forfeit the bond amount.
However, if you show up before the deadline and explain why you missed court, the judge can cancel the forfeiture order and reinstate your bail. Valid reasons for skipping bail might include:
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You sustained injuries
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You could not attend because of your disability
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You have a mental illness
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You were sick, and you can provide a medical statement
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Law enforcement in another jurisdiction arrested you
Benefits of Using Buena Park Bail Bonds
Using a bail bonds service for pretrial release has many advantages, including:
Affordability
With bail bonds, you only need to pay a small percentage (10%) of the total bail, which eases your financial stress during tough times.
Convenience
Bail bond payments allow for flexibility, which helps you manage your finances better. You can pay the 10% fee using several methods, such as cash, credit, or debit, to choose what works for you. These options simplify the process.
Time-Saving
When you sign a collateral agreement with the bail bondsman, they will pay your bail quickly, usually within a few hours so that you can secure your release fast. On the other hand, gathering the full cash bail can take a long time, which delays your release. With a bail bonds service, you can pay the bail fee in smaller installments after you secure your release.
24/7 Availability of Buena Park Bail Bonds Services
Arrests can take you by surprise, especially when dealing with money problems. Bail bonds are accessible anytime, ensuring you can find support when needed. It means you can secure a pretrial release even if you cannot pay the full bail amount during your arrest. Bail bonds allow you to concentrate on your daily life and prepare a strong defense against the charges instead of depleting your savings or retirement funds to post bail.
Qualities of a Reliable Buena Park Bail Bondsman
When looking for a trustworthy bail bondsman, remember some key points to ensure a smooth experience.
Here are some qualities to look for in a bail bondsman:
Availability of the Bail Bondsman
Selecting a bondsman who is available and responsive at any hour can give you the support you need when it matters most. This availability helps create a sense of security and trust during the legal process.
A bail bondsman who is available 24/7 ensures you can receive help whenever needed. This constant access is crucial in legal situations where prompt action is often required. By focusing on a bail bondsman’s availability, you can feel confident that you have dependable support throughout the bail process.
Quality Customer Service
Consider seeking out a bail bondsman with excellent customer service. They can enhance your experience and assist you in managing this challenging situation more effectively.
Good customer service can reduce stress and uncertainty during the bail process. Working with a bail bondsman who is professional and understanding can make you feel more supported and informed as you navigate your legal challenges.
A bail bondsman who quickly addresses your worries and provides straightforward advice can create trust and confidence, which is crucial in difficult situations.
Picking a bail bondsman who pays attention to your needs can make the bail process more accessible and more suited to you. Clear communication builds a good relationship with the Buena Park bail bondsman, helping you feel more confident in your choices.
Flexible Payment Options
Picking a bail bondsman who offers flexible payment options can ease your financial worries. This approach makes the bail process easier and more convenient.
A bail bondsman who accepts different payment methods, like checks and credit cards, can simplify the bail process for your unique financial situation. Various payment options help you manage the bail process. They allow you to gather the necessary funds without extra pressure.
A Bilingual Bail Bondsman
You can check if the bail bondsman speaks languages other than English. Choosing a bondsman who can communicate in multiple languages can improve your understanding and accessibility.
By offering support in various languages, the bail bondsman can meet the needs of a diverse group of clients, promoting inclusivity in the legal system.
The Bail Bonds Service Reputation
Choosing a bondsman with a strong and reliable reputation can help you feel secure and confident as you go through the bail process.
A bondsman known for their good reputation is more likely to provide quick and trustworthy services. Evaluating a bail bondsman’s reputation can offer helpful information about the quality of their services and how satisfied their past clients have been.
What Should You Not Do After Securing a Pretrial Release?
After your release on bail in Buena Park, California, know what to avoid. It will help prevent any issues or legal troubles. Following these tips can help you maintain your legal standing and work towards a successful outcome for your case.
Some key things to avoid include:
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Do Not Miss Any Scheduled Court Hearings
If you do not attend court, the court can revoke your bail and issue a bench warrant. This verdict could lead to re-arrest and more legal problems.
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Do Not Carry Any Firearms or Weapons
While on pretrial release, you must not have any firearms or weapons, even if the court has not specifically stopped you from using them. Staying away from weapons can help you prevent legal problems and issues with bail conditions.
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Do Not Leave Buena Park Or Riverside County Without Seeking Permission
If you travel without permission, the court may revoke your bail and arrest you again. It could result in staying in jail longer without the chance for bail. If you stick to these guidelines, you can keep yourself safe and make your legal process easier.
Buena Park Jail and Court Information
If you or a loved one is detained in Buena Park, you can use the following court and detention center information to find them:
Buena Park City Jail and Police Department
Superior Court of California, County of Riverside—Riverside Hall of Justice
Find a Reliable Buena Park Bail Bonds Service Near Me
If you are arrested and jailed, posting bail secures your freedom pending jail. Unfortunately, some people find bail too expensive to pay. If you are like them, consider using a Buena Park bail bonds service.
We at Riverside Bail Bonds provide reliable bail services around the clock. Through our bail bonds, you have enough time to hire a defense lawyer, collect evidence, and prepare for your trial. Call us today at 951-788-2663 to talk to one of our representatives.
