Posting bail should be your priority if you or a loved one is arrested for committing a crime. Bail is an amount you post with the court to secure your release from custody as you await to appear at future court proceedings. Bail is a fundamental right in California, and no one should be held in jail because he/she cannot afford bail. The law prohibits judges from setting excessively high bail amounts to ensure a just and fair process for all. Alana’s Bail Bonds can help you or your loved one access prompt Santee bail bonds services. Our bail bondsmen are committed and will respond after you contact them.
Understanding The Santee Bail Bonds Process
The bail process in the city of Santee is the same as in the whole state of California. This process starts once the police arrest you and you are booked at a local jail. Following this, you could be scheduled for a brief bail hearing, during which the judge will determine bail. The aim of the hearing is to decide if bail should be granted and how much should be set as bail.
Most offenses are eligible for bail, except serious offenses like murder and violent felonies. Repeat offenders and people with a history of skipping bail are unlikely to be set free on bail. The bail amount can range from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Usually, the judge takes into account the following factors when determining the bail amount:
- Whether you are a flight risk
- Your ties to the community
- Your criminal history
- The seriousness of your offense
The judge will set the bail accordingly, and you must first post it to be released from custody. You will also be required to show up for your court hearings until your trial ends, upon which you will be refunded your bail amount if you had posted a cash bail, regardless of the ruling.
The Role Of A Santee Bail Bondsman In The Bail Process
Some of the responsibilities of a Santee bail bondsman in the bail process include:
Offering Professional Expertise
It can be overwhelming for you to solely navigate the legal system. Bail bondsmen have extensive experience regarding the bail process and will work closely with you to offer guidance and support during the bail process.
Support During Emergency Situations
You cannot predict life. Sometimes, circumstances can force you not to attend court hearings. Whether you miss a court hearing due to an emergency, illness, or any other valid reason, your bail bondsman will help you communicate with the court. The bail bondsman can explain why you missed the court hearing and request another court date.
Clear Communication
Another major role of the bondsman is to ensure you understand your responsibilities when out of jail on bail. Your Santee bail bondsman will give you clear instructions and reminders to help you avoid missing your court dates.
Missing A Court Hearing In Santee
Also known as ‘’failure to appear’’, missing a court date happens when you do not attend your scheduled court hearing. Judges treat missed court appearances seriously because they interfere with legal proceedings and reflect poor reliability. The repercussions are often severe, whether the absence is because of international evasion, misunderstanding, or forgetfulness.
The following are the legal repercussions you can face for missing a court hearing while out of custody on bail:
Issuance Of A Bench Warrant
The judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest if you miss the scheduled court dates. In this case, the police can be instructed to arrest and take you to court.
Negative Influence On Your Case
Missing a court hearing can taint your standing and credibility in your ongoing legal case. The judge can be less inclined to show you leniency, and the prosecutor can claim that your actions demonstrate guilt or a lack of responsibility.
Forfeiture Of Bail
The judge can order forfeiture of the bail amount if you miss the court dates. You or your Santee bail bondsman could lose substantial money if you had paid the entire bail upfront. If you secure the services of a bondsman, the bail bondsman can demand repayment of the entire bail amount from you or your cosigner.
Bail Revocation
The court can revoke your bail if you miss court dates. If you use the bondsman to post bail, he/she can take action to locate you and surrender you to law enforcement. Working with an attorney to help you understand your obligations to avoid this outcome is often good.
Additional Charges
If you miss court proceedings, you can face additional criminal charges, such as contempt of court. This offense attracts penalties, including potential jail time and fines.
Financial Implications Of Missing Court Hearings
The following are the negative financial implications of missing a court hearing:
Collateral Risks
Missing court proceedings will put your collateral at risk in situations where you provided one. Your Santee bail bondsman can seize the collateral to cover the losses incurred because you failed to appear in court.
Increased Costs Of Bail
Missing court can result in extra fees. A bail bondsman invests substantial resources in ensuring you adhere to the court requirements. If you miss the court proceedings, your bail bondsman can charge you extra fees to cover the expenses of tracing and returning you to court.
Loss Of Bail Money
Missing a court hearing can mean losing the whole amount of bail if you paid the bail in cash. This loss can cause financial trauma for friends or family members who sacrificed to have you released from custody.
How To Avoiding Missing Court Dates
You should avoid missing court dates to avoid the accompanying consequences. Some of the practical steps you can take include:
Keeping A Record Of Your Court Dates
You can use a digital reminder system or a calendar to capture all the upcoming court dates. Setting several reminders will help you attend all the court hearings.
Reaching Out To Your Bondsman Regularly
Your Santee bail bondsman can remind you of the upcoming court dates and help you to stay on track. You should communicate openly with your bail bondsman to benefit from their guidance.
Plan For Emergencies
It is important to have a contingency plan because life is unpredictable. Identify a person who can help you during emergencies, whether by organizing transport or notifying the judge on your behalf.
Court Information
San Diego Central Courthouse
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Jail Information
San Diego Central Jail
1173 Front Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Find a Committed Santee Bail Bondsman Near Me
You do not have to remain in custody after an arrest. You have a constitutional right to post bail. Posting bail earns you release from jail as you await future court hearings. For timely Santee bail bonds, contact Alana’s Bail Bonds. We have bail bondsmen located in strategic locations close to courts and jails. Contact us at 619-468-9333 to speak to one of our bail bondsmen.
