When someone you know or you is arrested, it is recommended that you get out of jail as soon as possible and start building a solid defense. It takes knowledge to navigate the bail process, and this guide is designed to provide you with a clear roadmap. Learning about the process is the first step in making informed decisions during this time.
The Orange County bail bond process may appear complex. However, with our appropriate information and guidance at Alana's Bail Bonds, you can face the situation with certainty and secure your release.
Understanding the Bail Process in Orange County
The arrest and release process is a systematic but usually confusing procedure. Becoming familiar with every step can help minimize the stress and fear of being arrested in Orange County. After an arrest in Orange County, you will likely be booked at any of the following detention facilities:
Orange County Central Men's & Women's Jails
This is the main jail complex located in Santa Ana. While they are separate facilities, they are at the same location.
- Address: 550 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703
- General Information Phone: 714-647-4666
Theo Lacy Facility
This is a maximum-security jail located in the city of Orange.
- Address: 501 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868
- General Information Phone: 714-935-6940
James A. Musick Facility
This facility, located in Irvine, primarily houses lower-security inmates.
- Address: 13502 Musick, Irvine, CA 92618
- General Information Phone: 949-855-2600
In the process, which may last several hours, your personal information is documented, you are fingerprinted and photographed, and your possessions are inventoried.
It is essential to keep in mind your rights during this period, such as the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Whatever you say may be given in evidence against you, so it is typically in your best interest not to say anything until you have spoken to a lawyer. Below are the primary courthouses in Orange County where arraignments take place:
Central Justice Center
700 Civic Center Drive West,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
United States
Harbor Justice Center- Newport Beach
4601 Jamboree Road,
Newport Beach, CA 92660-2595
United States
How Bail is Set in Orange County
You will appear in court in an arraignment process within 48 hours of your arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. During this hearing, the judge will read the charges against you and set your bail, if you qualify.
In Orange County, judges consult the standard bail schedule, giving suggested bail amounts for different crimes. Nevertheless, a judge may raise or lower the bail amount above or below the schedule’s recommendation.
Section 1275 of the California Penal Code states that the judge will consider:
- The gravity of the crime you are accused of
- Your criminal record
- The likelihood that you will attend future court hearings
- The community's safety is the main factor
What a Bail Bondsman Can Do to Secure Your Release
A licensed bail bondsman is an invaluable partner when the amount of bail required by the court is too significant to be paid in cash. They offer an essential service, allowing a defendant to be released at a small percentage, usually 10% of the full bail.
Therefore, if bail is $30,000, the non-refundable premium you would pay to a bail bondsman is $3,000. This is the amount of money you pay to the bondsman to secure their service of ensuring that the surety bond is posted to the court so that you can be released as your case continues.
In California, a bail bondsman must be licensed by the Department of Insurance, which involves taking an examination and a background check. This is a regulation that will make sure that you are dealing with a professional who is familiar with the legalities of the system.
A licensed bondsman deals with the complex paperwork and directly with the jail to have the release process as soon as possible. Their experience can bring some comfort, as they can assure you that each step is being dealt with properly and effectively, and this is one of the pillars of a professional Orange County bail bonds service.
Options for Securing a Bail Bond in Orange County
Posting a cash bail payment could cause a significant financial burden, especially if the set bail amount is higher than you can gather. Fortunately, many bail bond companies allow affordable and flexible payment plans, enabling you to pay the premium in several installments. Collateral could be unnecessary in some instances for qualifying clients. It could be in the form of real estate or other valuable assets to guarantee the bond. This flexibility forms a significant component of our Orange County bail bond services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning Orange County bail bonds:
What do I need to know to begin the bail bond process?
To initiate the process as quickly as possible, you must know the defendant's full name, date of birth, and the city or jail where they are detained. If you have the booking number, it also helps, but it's not necessarily the only thing that helps. Using this basic information, we can find the person on the system and confirm the bail amount.
How long does it take to get released from jail?
The release process starts after the bond is posted at the jail. This period may differ according to the facility and its current activity. Release may take three to eight hours or more in the main Orange County Jail. The release process is usually much faster after the bond is posted in smaller city jails such as Anaheim or Newport Beach.
What do I have to do when I'm bailed out?
The first thing you must do once you are out on bail is to show up at every court date. Failure to show up will mean the bail bond will be forfeited, and a warrant of arrest will be issued against you. You should also comply with any other conditions of release stipulated by the court.
Find a Licensed Orange County Bail Bonds Company Near Me
Getting through an Orange County arrest is overwhelming. A licensed bail bondsman is your key to quick, affordable, legal release. Knowing the process and what you are required to do is key. Let a professional assist you through this stressful period and ensure the best possible result. At Alana’s Bail Bonds, we have helped many defendants secure their release from jail. Call us at 619-468-9333 to speak to a knowledgeable Orange County bail bonds service provider today.
