Jail For Not Paying Bail
When a person is arrested in California, they must be booked into jail and allowed to post bail in order to be released. The bail amount is determined by the crime committed and the severity of that crime. Bail amounts can range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. Most people don’t have this much money in their possession and will need to use a bail bondsman to get out of jail. Bail bond companies work 24 hours a day and can usually make arrangements to pay a defendant’s bail at the jail where they are being held.
Bail is a way to guarantee that a defendant will attend their court hearings and trial appearances. It is also a means of protecting property and other financial interests. If a defendant fails to abide by the terms of their bail, they can be placed back in custody. In some cases, a judge may reduce the bail amount in exchange for certain promises or requirements. For example, they may require a defendant to remain under house arrest or surrender their passport and driver’s license.
The most common way to post bail is for a loved one or family member to contact a San Diego bail bondsman. The bondsman will then agree to sign a surety bond with the state on behalf of the defendant. The surety bond is an agreement between the bond company, the state and the defendant that the defendant will attend all of their court hearings and trials. In return, the bond company will charge a premium to cover the costs of signing the bond with the state.
Getting Out of Jail For Not Paying Bail
This is typically 10% of the total bail amount. The 10% is non-refundable and doubles as the bail bond agency’s fee for posting the bond on behalf of the defendant. The defendant can be charged with additional fees, depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s flight risk.
In addition to the 10% premium, a co-signer will be required to sign a contract that guarantees the bond company they will pay the full amount of the bail amount if the defendant doesn’t appear in court. The co-signer is also responsible for ensuring that the defendant attends all of their court appearances. The defendant will be called by the bail bond company prior to each court date and will be asked to check-in with them at the office.
Getting out of jail as soon as possible after an arrest is the number one concern for most defendants. It can be frustrating to wait days, or even months, for the arraignment and other court dates. If a non-serious offender is arrested and has the funds available, they can often be released from jail within a few hours of being arrested. It is the serious crimes that tend to have the most contingencies attached, requiring that a bail amount be paid or posted in order to be released from jail.