After your arrest, securing your release through bail is generally the initial step towards returning you to your home, work, family, and everyday routine. Nevertheless, the bail process is just the beginning of a complicated journey through the criminal judicial process. Alana’s Bail Bonds is committed to promptly ensuring you return to what matters most. We can guide you on posting your Los Angeles bail bonds, give you considerations to make, and advise you on what to do after posting bail.
How Bail Bonds Work
Bail allows you to secure a pretrial release before your trial hearing, provided you agree to appear in court when required. When determining whether to grant bail, the judge considers factors like whether you are a threat to public safety, a flight risk, the alleged crime, your criminal history, and your community ties. While there are different ways of posting bail, using bail bonds is ideal if you cannot raise the required bail amount. Below is a comprehensive explanation of the Los Angeles bail bonds procedure.
Determining Your Bail Amount
The judge sets the required bail amount for you that facilitates your release from police custody based on various factors like the seriousness of your crime, your criminal history, community ties, whether you are a threat to yourself and the community, and your likelihood to flee the jurisdiction.
The 8th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits excessive bail. Bail amounts that are unreasonably high relative to the crime. However, judges may deny bail altogether in certain cases if the defendant poses a serious flight or safety risk. The figure should reasonably ensure you return to court and safeguard public safety.
Securing Your Los Angeles Bail Bonds
A bail bond is an agreement between the accused or their co-signer and a licensed bail bondsman. You or your co-signer pays the bondsman a premium (10% of your set bail money) in return for the firm’s promise to pay your entire bail if you skip bail. The premium is nonrefundable regardless of the outcome of your case.
When contacting your bondsman, ensure you have the following information in advance:
- The defendant’s name, address, telephone number, and date of birth
- The name of the holding jurisdiction
- Booking number
- The alleged crime
- Set bail amount
Posting Your Bail
Next, your bondsman will post your Los Angeles bail bond with the court, facilitating your release so you can return to work, home, or family while awaiting trial.
Typically, the court and the bondsman impose release conditions you should follow.
Attending Your Court Proceedings
As previously mentioned, you should show up in court for every scheduled court proceeding. Otherwise, the bondsman will use bounty hunters to locate, arrest, and return you to court.
When you hire a seasoned bondsman, you can receive reminders of the court hearings.
Criminal Case Resolution
After the court resolves the case and exonerates the Los Angeles bail bond, the bail amount will be refunded to the bondsman, provided you comply with your release terms. If you skipped bail, your bondsman is financially accountable for the entire bail money.
What to Do and Avoid After Your Release on Bail Bonds
Depending on the facts of your case, posting bail may be your best option to return to your responsibilities. Obligations like family, school, and work do not stop because you are under arrest, making it wise to use bail and Los Angeles bail bonds opportunities so you can return to your routine. Nevertheless, securing a pretrial release comes with responsibilities. Here is what you should do and avoid after the release:
Avoid Jumping Bail
After posting bail, either with the assistance of a bondsman or using cash bail, you should make all scheduled court appearances. Skipping bail could result in the following:
- Additional criminal charges
- The court orders the forfeiture of the bail amount, which could be financially devastating to you and your loved ones
- The court issuing your arrest warrant
Stay in Touch With Your Cosigner
A cosigner is a person who agrees to be financially accountable for your bail if you violate any of your release terms. Some of the benefits of keeping in touch with the cosigner include the following:
- Since the cosigner has your best interests, they can offer you emotional support
- It ensures your compliance with your bail terms
- It preserves your relationship
- It prevents bail forfeiture — If the cosigner believes you are less likely to meet your bail conditions, the law allows them to contact the bondsman and request to terminate their responsibility, resulting in your rearrest.
Seek Legal Assistance
Once you are released from police custody, the next step should be consulting a skilled criminal defense lawyer. The attorney will advise you of your rights while on bail, how to challenge an excessive bail amount, build your case defense, and represent you in court.
Your lawyer will help ensure you comply with your release terms and handle all communications with law enforcement officers on your behalf.
Return to Your Employment or Business
If you have a business or job after the arrest and bail release, ensure you return to them and perform your responsibilities as expected. Maintaining your career or seeking employment shows your dedication to being a productive member of society. It also indicates strong community ties, which reduces the likelihood of being a flight risk.
You can also consider job training programs if you have challenges finding employment. Starting the program shows your commitment to improving your life and avoiding committing another crime.
Jail, Courthouse, and Police Department Contact Details and Address
Metropolitan Detention Center
535 Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Los Angeles Police Department
100 W. 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Los Angeles County Superior Court Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 N Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Find a Knowledgeable Bondsman Near Me
Bail is an effective way to secure a pretrial release. It allows you to avoid spending extended durations detained and continue working and taking care of your loved ones. However, you can work with a skilled bondsman if you do not have enough money to post bail.
If you need assistance, contact a licensed and experienced bail bondsman near you. At Alana’s Bail Bonds, we are ready to help you through this stressful process. Our knowledgeable and friendly Los Angeles bail bonds team is available 24/7 to stand with you, help you navigate the process, and answer your questions. We recognize that time is of the essence and can work aggressively to help you secure your release effectively and promptly. Please call us at 619-468-9333 to learn how we can assist you.
