The Different Types of Bail in Irvine, California
There are different types of bail in California, here we talk about some of them:
Cash Bail
Cash bail suggests that the accused pays the full amount of bail in cash. Sometimes the court allows checks or even a credit card payment.
Bail Bond
Also called a surety bond, a bail bond can be used for any amount of bail, but it is quite useful when the accused can’t afford to pay his/her bail. This type of bail often involves a friend or relative of the defendant contacting an Irvine Bail Bondsmen, also known as a bail agent. A bail agent is backed by a unique type of insurance company called a surety company and promised to pay the total value of the bond if the accused doesn’t show up in court. In return, the bail bondsman charges his client a 10 percent premium and collects a collateral (i.e. a title to property, car, jewelry or electronics).
When a friend or relative is involved, the bail bondsman hopes that the defendant feels coerced to show up in court since this friend or relative is probably paying the bail agent’s premium and has collateral in the game. The bail agent’s bond is also at risk, and if the individual does not appear (known as skipping or jumping bail), then the responsibility for paying the entire bond falls in the bail bondsman’s hands. If the defendant misses a court date, the bail agent, and even the family or friends of the defendant, might look out a bounty hunter that are legal in Irvine, California as of September of 1999 enacted in the law A243 termed “bail fugitive recovery persons.”
Irvine, CA requires bondsmen to be licensed. Considering you are in need of a bail agent, make sure to contact Angels Bail Bonds, we are licensed and comply with the legal requirements.
Read more about the factors that affect a defendant’s punishment in Irvine, CA
Release on Citation (Cite Out)
In some instances, an officer will not arrest a suspect at all but will instead issue a citation saying that the accused must show up in court. While this process is less meticulous than taking a defendant to a police station and completing the regular booking procedure, it allows the arresting officer to concentrate on catching more dangerous offenders.
Release on Own Personal Recognizance
A judge may also determine to release a suspect on his recognizance, meaning that he is responsible for attending upcoming court dates and does not have to pay bail. Personal recognizance is usually only granted when the charge comprises a relatively minor, nonviolent offense and if the defendant does not suppose a danger to anyone else or at risk of flight which implies that it is quite unlikely that the person will escape and not appear for his/her court date.
You can watch a video about Chris Brown´s case where he was given a release on own personal recognizance.
Property Bond
Sometimes a defendant can present some property to act as a bond. In these cases, the court gets a levy (mostly a legal claim) on the assets of the bail. If the defendant does not show up for his court appearances, the court can foreclose on the property to recover the relinquished bail.
Working with Bail Bond Agencies
Bail bond agencies are a company like any other. Just like you would with a professional in any other area, ask to see a bail bondsman’s license and identification. Most agents charge a 10 percent premium, but there may be some extra charges. Ask the agent to explain these charges to you and present them in a detailed list. Likewise, get receipts for everything, and request copies of anything you sign. (Of course, make sure to review any documents you are asked to sign.) Like you would do with any loan, don’t get involved in financing that you cannot afford.
If you are employing a bail agent on behalf of a friend or relative, your agent should still be available to you for any questions and assistance. They have to; it is part of their job considering they have an invested interest in making sure his clients appears at their court dates. Technically, the defendant is in their custody, and it is their responsibility. If it seems that an agent will not be available to talk to you, it is better for you to reach out to someone else. Let us assist you; you can contact us by phone and also online.
Although there are federal laws about bail procedure, state laws may vary. We are giving you all the information pertaining Irvine, CA but you can call us, we will be glad to assist you!
