The arrest of a loved one can easily get out of control and disorienting in California. The legal system implies the processes, strict time limits and financial choices that are to be made under pressure. The bail bond process is one of the most crucial things that can ensure the release of your loved one. This easy-to-follow guide will assist in outlining what families should be aware of to make the bail bond process easier and more effective.
Step 1: Obtaining Arrest Information
You are going to need some basic information on the arrest of your loved one before you can even start the bail procedure. This contains the complete legal name of the individual arrested, the jail containing them, their booking number (in case available), and the bail amount imposed by the court. This information will allow you to proceed at a high pace and will be working with the right jail and case.
Step 2: Making a call to a Bail Bonds Company
The second thing after having the required information is contacting a licensed bonding company. This process is now made easier through the provision of online services by many companies. An example of this is Future Bail Bonds website that offers an easy and quick application process where the family can go through the entire bail bond process without visiting a physical office, thus being able to do it at the comfort of their home.
Bail bondsmen usually impose a non-refundable %10 of the entire bail. An example is that in case the bail amount is $20,000, you will have to pay $2,000 to the bail bond company. Payment plans are also available in many companies and have helped to ease this financial burden.
Step 3: Finalizing the Paperwork
Once you are convinced of the fee and payment plan, you will be required to do some paper work. This normally involves a bail bond application and agreement. A good part of this paperwork can be carried out online or electronically today increasing the speed of the process. You will also be required to submit identification and in some instances collateral/guarantees based on the policies of the bail bond company as well as the amount of the bond.
Step 4: Posting the Bail Bond
After the paper work has been done and the payment has been made, the bail bondsman will place the bond with the jail. This is what sets the process of releasing your loved one. Posting release times vary depending on the jail but usually it is a few hours or an entire day. The jail workers will deal with the physical release and inform your loved one upon release.
Step 5: Responsibilities and Appearances in Courts
It is imperative to note that release on bail is not a free thing. Your loved one should be present by all the alleged court hearings. Failure to attend any of the court sessions may see the bid bond forfeited and the reinstatement of the arrest, which will leave the co-signer at risk of paying the entire sum of the bail. Thus, families are encouraged to maintain a good level of communication and to fulfill all legal requirements.
Conclusion
The process of the bail bond in California is not the easiest part to go through, though understanding the general steps will assist the family in responding fast and with confidence during such a tense situation. Obtaining valid information about arrests, hiring a recognized bail bond firm, filling out of paperwork, and knowledge of court responsibilities are all critical components of this process. With the help of this guide, you can make sure that your loved one is guaranteed an early release and does not encounter any unnecessary complications.
For more, visit Pure Magazine