Understanding Bail Options

Downtown Bail Bond Store

When a person is arrested, they are either eligible to post bail, or they are required to stay in jail. On the surface level, that is as simple as it gets, but understanding bail options is where it gets more complex. There are multiple methods to posting bail and getting out of jail.

  • Cash Bail

    In this method, if a defendant is given a $10,000 bail, they will pay $10,000 to the court. Every penny of this must be paid before the jail will release the defendant. This money can be refunded later on as long as the defendant makes good on his or her release terms and conditions, including showing up for their court appointments.

  • Bail Bond

    A person can choose to post bail using a bail bond. Instead of paying their $10,000 to the court, they hire a bail bondsman. They pay the bail bondsman 10% of their bail in premium payments. In this case, that would be $1,000. In addition, they work with the bail bondsman on a payment plan. So, this $1,000 is paid off in increments following the release of the defendant. Unlike cash bail, the premium is not refundable. There are also other requirements for bail bonds, like needing a co-signer and pledging collateral. The defendant will still need to oblige by his or her bail release terms and conditions, or they risk losing collateral, being taken back into custody, and paying fines.

  • Own Recognizance

    In some instances, the judge will grant a defendant release on own recognizance. This means they do not owe money to the court to be released. Instead, they sign paperwork promising to show up for court and oblige by any other court-mandated instructions. Being granted own recognizance release is reserved for those who essentially have no criminal history, have good ties to the community, and are being charged for a minor offense. In other words, this type of defendant is one who is likely to honor their word.

Only when a defendant is arraigned can they and their family decide the best bail option that fits their needs and situation. If you are ever in the situation of needing a bail bond for yourself or a loved one, feel free to contact Downtown Bail Bond Store to discuss options and get a free consultation.

Downtown Bail Bond Store can be reached online or at 877-793-2245.

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Get the Best with Norwalk Bail Bond Store

Norwalk Bail Bond Store

You get more than you pay for when you use Norwalk Bail Bond Store to help bail your loved one out of jail. Norwalk Bail Bond Store charges 10% of the full bail amount where other companies will charge more and give you less quality service.

Here is what to expect with Norwalk Bail Bond Store:

  • Free consultations
  • 24/7 availability throughout California
  • Customized payment plans
  • Discounts available
  • No interest
  • No hidden fees
  • Cash, credit, debit, and checks accepted
  • Convenient, secure online payment portal
  • Fast, confidential service
  • Genuine, friendly, licensed bail agents

Learn more about Norwalk Bail Bond Store by speaking with a bail agent or representative by Chatting With Us online, or by calling 877-793-2245.

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Cash Bail Isn’t For Everyone

california bail bonds

The Justice Department behind the Obama administration is making efforts to further protect defendants’ rights, especially those who come from the lower classes. They’re arguing, before a federal appeals court for the first time, that it is unconstitutional to hold defendants in jail when they cannot afford to post bail. It’s a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The filing stems from the case of Maurice Walker of Georgia. Walker was arrested for being a “pedestrian under the influence,” a misdemeanor crime. He was held on a $160 bail, which he could not afford; he was kept in jail for 6 nights. In Walker’s case, he was eventually granted release on own recognizance. But of course, there are supporters and opposers of both sides.

All defendants are to be protected against excessive bail, but “excessive” is relative to each and every person because each and every person is in a different personal and financial situation.

Los Angeles Bail Bond Store is here to help try and alleviate stress on paying for bail by offering affordable bail bonds with a payment schedule. The cost of a bail bond is dependant on the cost of the bail; the bail bond will be 10% of the full bail amount.

Talk to one of our agents online or on the phone at 877-793-2245 to get more information on bail bonds and a free consultation. We’re very easy to work with and we’re very flexible in finding the best bail bond solution for you.

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The Pros And Cons Of Cash Bonds And Bail Bond Store

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The only way to get out of jail to live at home before and during your trial is to post bail. Now, there are two options for posting bail: paying in cash, or using a bail bond. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each:

CASH BAIL:

    Pros:

  • No third party involved with your bail.
  • Money is returned as long as you adhere to terms and conditions of bail, such as appearing in court when ordered.
  • Less paperwork.
  • No extra fees.
  • Shows court your bigger promise to return to court – it’s your money (or a loved one’s) on the line.

    Cons:

  • Must have all the money to pay at once. No payment plans.
  • Failure to show in court means cash bail is kept by court.
  • Refund is returned in check instead of cash.
  • Refund can take up to 3 months.
  • IRS is notified of checks $10,000 or more.

BAIL BOND:

    Pros:

  • Pay only 10% of bail amount to bail agent, meaning you have extra money to spend on other necessary expenses like a lawyer.
  • Allowed to pay the 10% over a period of time – low monthly payment plans.
  • If defendant fails to show in court, you are not responsible for paying the full bail amount.
  • Bail agent knows the process and will be with you the entire time to explain everything.
  • Bail agent is responsible for making sure defendant goes to court.

    Cons:

  • 10% paid is non-refundable.
  • More paperwork (though the time it takes to release the arrested person may be just as long as if a cash bail was paid).
  • Third party is involved.

Weigh the pros and cons if you’re ever arrested, or if you know someone who is. Just like having a lawyer is always very helpful, having a bail agent to help you is also very helpful.

If you decide to go the bail bond route, please contact OC Bail Now at 714-973-2245.

Our friendly, licensed, and professional agents and representatives are ready to help you with all their power.

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