After an arrest, waiting days or even months in jail until your court date is stressful. However, bail provides a solution to secure your release. Obtaining a pretrial release helps you return to work and concentrate on your defense strategy. If the judge sets a higher bail you cannot afford, you can work with a trusted San Bernardino County bail bonds company like Future Bail Bonds.
The Meaning of Bail
Bail refers to an agreement you enter with the court that allows you to obtain your pretrial release by paying a certain amount of money set by the judge to guarantee that you will return and attend all court proceedings. If you attend all court hearings and meet all court requirements, the bail amount is refunded at the end of the case, regardless of the verdict. However, failing to appear can lead to bail forfeiture, a rearrest, and additional legal consequences.
San Bernardino County Bail Bonds
When you cannot pay the bail amount upfront, a bail bonds company can help. Bail bonds refer to a financial arrangement made through a licensed bail bondsman who assures the court that you will attend all court hearings and meet all requirements, and if you fail to do so, they are liable to post the bail on your behalf.
San Bernardino County bail bond companies do so for a fee of 10% of your bail. The bond is a promise that you will comply with all the judge’s orders. If you do not attend court hearings, the bail bondsman may be liable to pay or retrieve the bail. Because of the risk involved, a bail bond company usually asks you to present collateral before agreeing to provide services.
Types of Bail Bonds
Surety Bond
This is the most common type of bail bond. It involves a bail bondsman, a defendant, and a third-party insurer. You or a family member pay a service fee of 10% of the bail amount to the bail bond company, which then secures your release. This fee is non-refundable. You must adhere to all court requirements, or the bail bond company risks financial liability.
Cash Bond
With a cash bond, you or your family have to pay bail in cash. While this method ensures an immediate release, it is often financially burdensome. The money is returned after the case concludes, provided you comply with all court requirements and attend all court proceedings.
Property Bond
With property bonds, you use real estate, companies, or other assets of the same value as your bail or even more as collateral for bail. This option is available when you or your family lacks cash but owns the property. If you fail to appear in court, the court may seize the property to cover your bail.
How Bail Bonds Work
When arrested in San Bernardino County, the police will take you to the local jail for booking before entering custody. After booking, a judge will establish your bail amount according to the bailing schedule. Through this process, you can secure your freedom by providing financial assurance to attend all court dates. The judge also has the discretion to increase your bail based on your criminal history and the severity of your crime.
When the bail is too high and you cannot pay it upfront, you may seek the services of a bail bonds company. San Bernardino County bail bonds provide an alternative to paying the entire bail amount because they allow you to secure release through partial payments.
Bail bonds are a legal agreement involving the defendant, the court, and the San Bernardino County bail bondsman. The licensed bail bond company will receive a service fee of 10% of the full bail from you or your family members. This is non-refundable. The bail bondsman guarantees the court that you will attend all court proceedings, and if you do not, they will pay the bail amount on your behalf, enabling you to obtain a pretrial release.
Your case will advance normally when you follow court requirements. However, the court will issue a bench warrant when you fail to appear, which could force the San Bernardino County bail bonds company to pay the entire bail amount or track you down and return you to custody. Your cosigner also becomes financially responsible when you do not attend court hearings.
Through San Bernardino County bail bonds, you gain freedom, which allows you to maintain employment and family responsibilities and build your legal defense.
Roles of a San Bernardino County Bail Bondsman
Bail bondsmen perform many responsibilities in their role. The legal system heavily depends on them to fulfil their obligations. Some of the duties of a San Bernardino County bail bondsman include the following:
- Before issuing a bond, the bail bondsman assesses your background information and risk factors
- The bail bondsman verifies that you understand the requirements of your court proceedings
- The bail bondsman guarantees the court that you will attend all court proceedings
- The bail bondsman hires bounty hunters to locate you if you do not attend court proceedings, bringing you back to custody
How Bail Amount is Determined in San Bernardino County
Judges determine your bail amount by considering multiple elements, which include:
- The Severity Of The Crime: Felonies require higher amounts than misdemeanors
- Criminal History: If you have been convicted of several crimes and have a record of them in your criminal record, your bail amount could increase, or judges may deny bail altogether
- Flight Risk: The likelihood that you will flee could raise your bail
- Community Ties: Strong community ties and local employment could help you obtain lower bail amounts from the judges
Can my Bail Amount be Reduced?
Yes. Your defense attorney can schedule a bail reduction hearing to present arguments for lowering your bail. The judge will consider bail reduction when you present compelling legal evidence about financial difficulties or establish solid community connections. You might receive an Own Recognizance (OR) release from the judge when there is no flight risk.
An OR Release
An Own Recognizance (OR) release lets you leave jail immediately without paying bail because you promise to return for your court hearings. Judges consider:
- The nature of the crime
- Your criminal history
- Employment and community ties
- Likelihood of appearing in court
Jail Information
If you or a loved one is detained in San Bernardino County, they may be held at:
San Bernardino County Jail
630 E. Rialto Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92410
Tel: 909-386-0969
Court Information
If arrested in San Bernardino County, you may have court appearances at:
Superior Court of California, County of Bernardino
P.O.Box 15005
San Bernardino, CA
Tel: 903-386-0969
Future Bail Bonds - San Bernardino
Open 24 Hours
Call: (909) 451-9111
Our experienced and knowledgeable bilingual (English and Spanish) agents are here to answer any questions about our services. With the fastest release from jail guaranteed and the lowest prices around, we promise you won't be disappointed with our service! Contact us today to get started on your path to freedom.
Find a San Bernardino County Bail Bonds Company Near Me
If you or a close family member has been arrested in San Bernardino County, you want to secure a pretrial release immediately and build a defense strategy. To secure a release, you post bail or a bail bond when the bail amount is too high. At Future Bail Bonds, we offer reliable and fast bail bond services that help you easily handle the bailing process. Our experienced bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to answer your questions and secure your release. Call us at 619-880-8737 today for immediate assistance.
