You will wonder about the next steps when you find yourself behind bars. Your first step should be to contact a reliable bondsman to bail you out of custody. Justice Bail Bonds offers reliable Del Mar bail bond services. Our reliable bondsmen will come to where you are detained and have you released within the shortest time possible. It is simple to secure your freedom with our bondsmen. You only need to reach us online or over the phone. We have been helping defendants post bail for many years. We will get to work and secure your release from jail in no time after obtaining essential information from you.
How Bail Bonds Work In Del Mar
You will be taken to a nearby detention facility in San Diego County if you are arrested in Del Mar. Once the bail amount is set, you will be released from jail upon paying the total amount. Unfortunately, not every person has the money ready to post bail immediately. This is where our Del Mar bail bond services come in. You will only need to pay a fraction of the total bail amount, usually 10%. We will cover the rest to ensure you secure a quick release from jail. For example, you would pay Justice Bail Bonds a premium of $1,000 if the set bail is $10,000. The bail bond premium acts as compensation for the bail bond services.
Ways Of Posting Bail
There are several types of bail, each with distinct laws and provisions. They include:
Surety Bond
This is the most common way of bailing yourself out of custody. It involves using a bail bondsman who assures the court that you will attend all the court proceedings. In exchange, you pay a bail bond premium to the bondsman for their services.
Cash Bond
A cash bail is where you use cash to post the entire bail. Posting cash bail is a good gesture and could enhance your chances of being released on your own recognizance.
Own Recognizance Release
Own-recognizance release bails are a popular type of bail. Release on your own recognizance means the court releases you without posting bail. You only make a written commitment to attend all the bail hearings.
Citation Release
A citation release is when you secure your freedom from jail after obtaining a citation. A citation is the same as a traffic ticket; you do not have to post bail. You only sign the citation and commit to show up in court. You could be subject to arrest if you fail to attend court hearings.
Whether Bail Is the Same as a Bond
Bail and bond differ in the following ways:
Who Is Involved
A bail is an agreement between the court and the arrestee. On the other hand, a bond is an agreement between three parties, including the arrestee, the bail bondsman, and the court.
Who Pays The Money
You or a family member is responsible for posting a cash bail, while a Del Mar bail bondsman is responsible for posting a bail bond.
The Repercussions Of Failing To Appear
The court will issue a warrant for your arrest if you miss essential court dates or fail to appear for trial. This could happen whether you pay your own bail or use a bond service. You will also forfeit any assets or money you posted with the court. However, bail bonds add a problem because bondsmen agree to pay the court the entire bond if you fail to attend court hearings. Most laws allow bond companies to send bounty hunters to look for defendants who try to escape. The police and bounty hunters could be looking for you if you miss a court date after working with a bondsman.
Refunds
The court will refund your money, minus a small administrative fee, if you honor all court dates. Bond companies, however, will not refund the bail bond premium. The ''no refund'' rule applies even if you attend all the court hearings.
The Amount To Be Paid
In a cash bail, you must post 100% of the set bail, while a surety bond requires only a section of the bail bond amount and some collateral.
Factors Considered When Determining Bail
Once you are arrested and placed in jail, posting bail is a sure way of securing release. Bail serves as a surety that you will honor court proceedings. Various factors will determine how much you pay for your bail, whether you use a bail bonds service, property bail, or cash bail. The judge will consider the following factors when deciding the bail amount:
Bail-setting Algorithms
Most jurisdictions have used computer-driven algorithms to determine bail in the digital age. Information like the offense committed, age, criminal record, and previous court appearances are entered into a computer program that gives the recommended bail figure. The judge will assess the bail and consider other factors to determine the appropriate amount.
Danger To The Public
Whether you are a threat to the public, victims, or witnesses is one of the most vital factors that could influence the bail amount. If the judge believes you will compromise the public's safety, he/she will impose high bail on you or have you remain in custody without bail. People accused of serious felonies like sexual violence or assault are likely to be considered dangerous to the public.
Roots In The Community
An arrestee with solid community ties like a good reputation, family living there, and involvement in community organizations has a low flight and bail-skipping risk. The judge could grant you a lower bail amount because of your ties to the community.
Previous Court Appearances
The primary purpose of bail is to commit that you will attend the court proceedings. You could end up with no bail or high bail if you have a history of skipping court dates. The judge is less likely to offer you bail if you habitually skip court hearings.
Failing to honor court dates has severe consequences, apart from affecting your bail amount. First, your property bond gets forfeited, and you do not get a refund for a cash bond. Second, the bondsman could hire bounty hunters to track you if you used a bail bond. Lastly, the judge could issue a warrant of arrest to have you back in jail.
Personal Status
The judge will examine your job status and wealth when determining your bail. You could have fewer reasons to skip court hearings if you have dependents and a stable job. You can also secure a lenient bail.
Your Criminal History
You could get a lower bail if you have no criminal record. An arrestee with an active and lengthy criminal record will likely get a higher bail. However, having a previous criminal record does not mean you will get excessive bail. The judge will consider the seriousness of the previous crimes to determine the bail amount. He/she could also consider whether you pleaded guilty to the charges. The judge can deny you bail if you have outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions or are on parole.
The Nature Of The Alleged Crime
Generally, various offenses attract different amounts of bail according to federal and state laws and specific jail regulations. Severe offenses attract higher bail, while minor offenses attract lower bail. For example, you could pay higher bail if convicted of a felony like murder. The judge could even deny bail if you commit certain severe crimes. On the other hand, you will likely pay lower bail if convicted of a misdemeanor like a DUI.
Understanding Your Rights Regarding Bail
The following are some of your rights while seeking bail:
A Right to Reasonable Bail
According to the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, no arrestee should be subjected to excessive bail. In this case, the bail amount the judge imposes should reflect the seriousness of your crime. Judges are not allowed to use bail as a form of punishment. You can apply for a bail reduction hearing if your bail has been set too high. At the time of the hearing, you can present evidence, like your financial situation, to ask for a reduced bail amount.
You also have a right to a reasonable fee if you hire a bail bondsman to post your bail. Bail bond companies charge different rates of bail. However, the standard rate is 10% of the entire bail amount. Researching and comparing fees from different providers is essential because some companies could charge higher fees.
A Right To Get Your Bail Money Back
The bail amount you paid to your Del Mar bail bondsman will be returned to you once your criminal case is resolved and you have honored all the court hearings. However, the court could keep a section of the amount to Carter for any outstanding fees or fines you owe. The court could also refund the bondsman's money minus their fee if you hired them.
A Right To Examine The Bail Receipt
You have a right to receive a receipt when you post bail or hire a bondsman to do so. The receipt should indicate the amount you posted and any related fees. You should keep the receipt because you could need it if any dispute arises.
Crucial Tips When Choosing a Del Mar Bail Bondsman
Finding the right bail bondsman is crucial when faced with the overwhelming situation of posting bail for yourself or a loved one. A trusted and competent bondsman can efficiently guide you through the legal process, ensuring a swift and smooth release. Some of the factors you should consider when choosing the right bail bondsman could include:
Assess Their Professionalism
The crucial and distinguishing factor when choosing a bail bonds company is professionalism. How bondsmen conduct themselves teaches you a lot about their reliability. If your bondsman does not return your texts or calls or is late to the in-person appointment, this is a red flag. This reveals how the bondsman will handle you as a client as time passes. A professional bondsman should be non-judgmental, understanding, punctual, and respectful. He/she will handle your situation with discretion and respect for your privacy.
Excellent Communication Skills
A good bondsman should have excellent communication skills. A good bondsman will explain the booking and release on bail processes in detail. He/she will update you throughout the release process without leaving you to wonder what is next. The professionalism of your bondsman could manifest in the following areas:
- Recovering from you when you fail to attend court hearings
- Handling a failure to appear
Choosing the wrong bail bondsman could cause stress and harassment if things do not go as planned.
Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness is essential in the bail bonds industry. A bondsman should always be trustworthy because you work with them in high-stakes situations. Seek the services of a bondsman with a proven track record, positive reviews from previous clients, and a solid reputation.
Carry out thorough research about a bondsman, and do not hesitate to ask questions regarding insurance, licensing, and fees. If a bondsman is not forthcoming with details or seems evasive, this could be a red flag. A good Del Mar bail bondsman should make you feel comfortable so that you can trust them to handle your case.
Understand the Local Legal System
Each jurisdiction has specific procedures and rules related to bail. Choosing a bondsman who understands the local legal system is advantageous. They have the knowledge and experience to go through the process effectively, ensuring a faster release.
Licensed And Insured
Each state has its laws governing bail bonds. Ensure that your bondsman is authorized to operate in the state in which you reside. The bondsman you choose must be licensed and insured in your jurisdiction. A license ensures that the bondsman complies with the legal requirements. Licensing also shows that the bondsman has the expertise required to handle your situation efficiently. Insurance also offers additional protection, ensuring that your financial interests are secure. A licensed bondsman can be liable according to the bail bondsman agreement if anything goes wrong.
24/7 Availability
Choosing a bondsman who offers 24/7 availability is crucial because legal situations can arise at any time. You should select a bondsman who will be there to assist you promptly because emergencies can occur outside of regular business hours. A bondsman who is always out of the office and difficult to reach cannot help you. Additionally, a bondsman who takes over 24 hours to respond shows that he/she cannot offer the timely service you require when you are facing jail time.
Compassion
Being arrested and going through the legal system can be emotional and stressful. A good bondsman understands these situations and will offer compassionate service to ease your worries. A good bondsman should be empathetic and kind, making you feel comfortable during challenging moments.
A bondsman who seems dismissive and uncaring of your situation cannot be of any help to you. A good bondsman will make themselves available whenever required, offer compassionate service, and go out of their way to ensure you are free.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Bail Bond Company
Being arrested can be among the most emotionally draining and horrifying experiences. This could make you want to secure a release from custody as fast as possible. A Del Mar bail bondsman can help you secure freedom from custody and answer any legal questions. Even if there are many bail bond companies, it can be challenging to identify the best one. The following are some of the mistakes you should avoid when choosing a bail bond company:
Failing To Do Research
Most defendants settle for the first bail bond company they come across because of the situation. This is understandable because of the high emotions, but it is not recommended. You should thoroughly research a company before choosing it to ensure it is the right fit for your needs. You should visit your target company's website to learn more about it and its services. Check past clients' reviews and testimonials to see how the bail bond company handles the clients. Avoid settling on a company with a suspicious website and many negative reviews.
Overlooking Transparency
Learning that a friend or a family member has been put in jail is not easy to deal with. Overlooking transparency regarding a bail bond company's policies and expenses could cost you at this difficult time. A company's transparency regarding charges, procedures, and conditions can save you money, time, and headaches.
Jail Information
San Diego Central Jail – Downtown
1173 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101
Court Information
San Diego Superior Court
1100 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Find A Reliable Del Mar Bail Bondsman Near Me
Have you or a loved one been arrested and need reliable bail bond services? Contact Justice Bail Bonds. Our responsive Del Mar bail bondsmen are available 24/7. We will be there for you whenever you need us. It does not matter whether you contact us after work hours, on weekends, or on a holiday. We will act fast to secure your freedom. Contact us at 714-541-1155 to speak to one of our bondsmen.
