Most citizens do not expect they will ever find themselves in the position of needing a bail bond. That is why many are so unprepared when the unexpected event actually does occur. Los Angeles is one of the most crime ridden states in the U.S. meaning a high number of residents will find themselves facing charges. When they do, it can put them in jail until they are proven innocent. Others may be granted the ability to leave after posting jail. Under the law bail should be done within reasonability for the person to be able to meet it and it should be based off the seriousness of the crime. Posting bail is like an agreement between the defendant and the court. Through a payment to the court the defendant is saying that if they are released they will return on the day of their trial. In exchange for their freedom they are making an oath.
Not everyone upholds this contract though and the bail amount is used as both collateral to the court if the person does not show, as well as incentive to the defendant to return. If they fail to be present on their trial date, they forfeit their bail amount and the court keeps it. Not all people that are arrested are granted bail in the city and some may be refused it depending on what their crime was. Those that committed a more serious offense may be suspected of committing further crime if they are released or may also be at risk for fleeing before they are tried. In addition to being granted the ability to post bail, a person will then have to come up with the bail amount. For many that were not expecting to be arrested they will not have the amount that their bail costs. In the Los Angeles County 2012 Felony Bail Schedule, the cost for bail can range from $20,000 to $1,000,000. It is a high price for those that are arrested that they may not be able to come up with on their own and on time.
Adding to the difficulty is the fact that they are behind bars and limited in their contact which further restricts their ability to collect the money they need. Due to the high expense involved and the necessity to be released from jail, many will turn to a bail bond agent. These agents are able to provide the bail amount up front so that the suspect can be released from jail to return to their life and search for a criminal defense attorney. If a person fails to show up on the day of their trial, however, it can leave the bail bond company reliable to pay the fine. Due to the responsibility that is taken by the agent, they will not approve just any person. They will evaluate a case to determine who gets approved for the assistance their company provides. If it is not the defendant contacting the company themselves, which often it is not, then they will want to know the relationship. They will also want the details of the crime the person is charged with including the arrest. In addition they will take into consideration if the person calling or the defendant is a homeowner as well as their employment status.
In addition, there are different types of bonds and different amounts which will be factored in when determining if a person is approved. They will review the case to determine if they will post bail or if there is too much reason to believe the risk involved is too steep. The agent should be able to make the decision upon that initial review, giving the defendant time to make arrangements. If a defendant is approved and they fill out the necessary paperwork, bail should be posted shortly after and the defendant will be released and allowed to return home. Sometimes the court may place restrictions on the person, preventing them from leaving the area. On the day of their trial they should return back to court where they can carry on their defense with the help of a lawyer.
Not everyone upholds this contract though and the bail amount is used as both collateral to the court if the person does not show, as well as incentive to the defendant to return. If they fail to be present on their trial date, they forfeit their bail amount and the court keeps it. Not all people that are arrested are granted bail in the city and some may be refused it depending on what their crime was. Those that committed a more serious offense may be suspected of committing further crime if they are released or may also be at risk for fleeing before they are tried. In addition to being granted the ability to post bail, a person will then have to come up with the bail amount. For many that were not expecting to be arrested they will not have the amount that their bail costs. In the Los Angeles County 2012 Felony Bail Schedule, the cost for bail can range from $20,000 to $1,000,000. It is a high price for those that are arrested that they may not be able to come up with on their own and on time.
Adding to the difficulty is the fact that they are behind bars and limited in their contact which further restricts their ability to collect the money they need. Due to the high expense involved and the necessity to be released from jail, many will turn to a bail bond agent. These agents are able to provide the bail amount up front so that the suspect can be released from jail to return to their life and search for a criminal defense attorney. If a person fails to show up on the day of their trial, however, it can leave the bail bond company reliable to pay the fine. Due to the responsibility that is taken by the agent, they will not approve just any person. They will evaluate a case to determine who gets approved for the assistance their company provides. If it is not the defendant contacting the company themselves, which often it is not, then they will want to know the relationship. They will also want the details of the crime the person is charged with including the arrest. In addition they will take into consideration if the person calling or the defendant is a homeowner as well as their employment status.
In addition, there are different types of bonds and different amounts which will be factored in when determining if a person is approved. They will review the case to determine if they will post bail or if there is too much reason to believe the risk involved is too steep. The agent should be able to make the decision upon that initial review, giving the defendant time to make arrangements. If a defendant is approved and they fill out the necessary paperwork, bail should be posted shortly after and the defendant will be released and allowed to return home. Sometimes the court may place restrictions on the person, preventing them from leaving the area. On the day of their trial they should return back to court where they can carry on their defense with the help of a lawyer.
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