Showing posts with label bail bonds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bail bonds. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Burbank Jail Closed for Construction

Finding an arrested person is typically a straightforward process. For the most part, all you need to do is find out where the person was arrested, and then head for the closest jail. In rare cases, the person may be taken to the larger Los Angeles County Jail for holding, but that usually warrants extenuating circumstances.

But not in Burbank. People arrested in Burbank, at least for the foreseeable future, will be taking a longer ride in the back of the police car.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

California Bail Bonds

Although the bail bonds business is fairly regulated throughout the United States, each individual state is allowed to create its own laws. For example, Illinois, Oregon, Kentucky, and Wisconsin have completely banned the practice of using bail bonds and instead require a 10% cash deposit.

California law, like many other states, requires that bail bonds companies charge exactly 10% of the total bail. This figure is non-negotiable and cannot be lowered or raised.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

How Bail Works

Bailing someone out of jail is a fairly standard process, involving the release of an arrestee in exchange for money. This payment can be thought of as “insurance” that the defendant will attend every court date. Trials often take weeks or months, sometimes even years, to work their way through the judicial system and reach a conclusion, so bail allows the arrested person to live freely and await trial from home under the Constitutional Right of being innocent until proven guilty.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

How to Pay for Bail Bonds

Finding out a loved one has been arrested is tough enough emotionally, not to mention it can be very expensive. Along with the pricey trial costs, bail bonds prices can get very high, depending on the crime and the arrestee’s priors, but there are ways to help alleviate some of the struggles of making payments. The keys to qualify are proving credit, once that is completed, it is easier to get a financing plan to alleviate the stress of paying a large sum at once. Here is a quick guide on how to pay for bail bonds.

Bail Bonds Tips: Selecting an Attorney

During an arrest, bail bonds and the process of your release might be a difficult and stressful process. But as much of a relief it is when you are finally freed from jail and have made arrangements to compensate the bail bonds company for posting your bail, there are still your bigger-picture legal issues to handle.

The next step in the process is to examine the details of your trial and seek legal counsel in order to minimize your potential penalties with the State.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when selecting an attorney and the answers you should seek to find.

Bail Bonds Tips: How To Select a Bail Bondsman

Choosing a bail bonds company can seem like a difficult task after you get word of a loved one being held in jail. There are many companies to choose from— especially in major cities, where bail bonds are a necessary part of the legal system, so there’s a large demand for bail bonds companies in many municipalities.

Bail Bonds Basics: Learning the Ropes

It is not an easy phone call when you receive word that a friend or loved one has gotten in trouble with the law and needs the help of a bail bonds company to get released.

Most of us do not ever deal with this situation more than a time or two in our lives (thankfully), so it’s important that if happens to you, take some appropriate steps that will minimize the stress related to the incident, free your loved one as quickly as possible and expedite the legal process that you will have to face in order to put the incident behind you.

Understanding Bail

It is of utmost importance to contact a Los Angeles bail bondsman as soon as you have received word of the arrest. In Los Angeles, bail bonds are a necessary part of the arrest process, and thus highly regulated in terms of price and services.

Choose a bail bonds company that you trust to get your loved one free quickly and efficiently. Location will usually be the determining factor when considering various bail bonds companies. Find a nearby bondsman or one willing to travel to your location.

Know the Legal Bail Fee

State regulations determine the fee that bail bondsmen are allowed to collect for their services, usually a percentage. In California, for example, the bail fee is 10% of the entire bail cost. Find out what the bail fee is so you receive a fair and legal charge for the bail bonds services.

This includes financing charges, so if any company is attempting to manipulate the pricing of your case, it’s probably best to thank them and quickly move on to the next number you can find.

Posting Bail

All bail monies are freed from the responsibility of the defendant if a bail bonds company is used and they attend all of their scheduled court appearances. The only money that will not be returned is the bail fee kept by the bail bonds company.

Courts are rather unforgiving of instances where defendants fail to appear as they are very costly to the State. Missing a court appearance could even cause you to forfeit some of your rights or lead to financial or jail time penalties.

Bail bonds companies usually accept all kinds of payment for their services, including credit cards, cash, checks or payment plan options. If one company is giving you a hard time about financing options, stick to your guns as it is common for almost any company to offer them as a way of staying competitive with the competition.

Knowing Responsibilities as an Indemnitor

Being an indemnitor means that you are signing or paying for a bail bonds service on behalf of another person. Be certain you trust the person arrested enough to get in this position. As an indemnitor, you are not just paying for a person’s release form jail, but accepting financial responsibilities for their total bail amount should they fail to appear in court or flee.

Having copies of their initial court appearance information and making sure they attend will help them stay out of additional trouble and free you of any financial burdens associated with their case.

More Los Angeles Bail Bonds

If you would like to learn more about the fascinating world of Los Angeles bail bonds, visit our bail bonds blog http://www.my1800bailbond.com/bail-bond-blog/bail-bonds-basics-learning-the-ropes

If you need to contact a Los Angeles bail bondsman, call 1-800-BAIL-BOND or visit our website: http://www.my1800bailbond.com/

Qualifying for Bail Bonds

If you’ve gotten word that your loved one or family member has gotten into trouble with the law, the last thing you want to worry about are expenses. Unfortunately, bail bonds are the first things you’ll actually need to deal with in order to get your loved one released from prison and in a position to move forward.

In most states, bail amounts are set extremely high. Even the legally-set 10% fee to your bail bonds agent can often exceed a few thousand dollars. If paying for your bail bondsman will be difficult for you, here are some tips about common financing options and actually qualifying for bail through a bondsman.

Determine the Total Cost

Determining the total cost for your bail bonds services is easy. The amount owed to a bail bonds company cannot fluctuate. Rather, it’s set by the State Department of Insurance. For example, in California it is set at 10% of the total bail amount determined by the judge. The bail bonds business is not permitted legally to alter the price of a bail bond.

This works to your advantage because interest charges cannot be tacked onto bail bonds fees either. While most bail bonds companies will require payment in full up front for their services, most will also offer some type of financing options or payment plans in order to stay competitive with other companies in the area.

Qualifying for a Financing Plan

Most bail bonds companies will require a credit check in order to finance a potential client. A good credit score assures the bondsman that a client is diligent in paying bills on time and can afford his or her services.

Some will even request using a house or other assets as collateral in order to release your loved one. If you don’t think you will qualify for bail financing, consider obtaining another family member or friend as a co-signer. Then that person provides additional collateral, guaranteeing the Los Angeles bail bondsman he will not lose money if the defendant flees.

More Qualifying Factors

Again, the two main things most companies will take into consideration are home ownership and credit history. For non-homeowners, many bail bondsmen will also consider employment status, length of residency, arrest history and crime severity for consideration when determining whether you qualify for bail services and financing plans. The bail business wants to earn its bail cost fee so it will not be too discerning, but it will also not take on a shady client. Speak to a Los Angeles bail bondsman for more details.

 More LA Bail Bonds

Would you like to contact a Los Angeles bail bondsman in order to bail someone out of jail? Well visit our bail bonds blog and see this original post here: http://www.my1800bailbond.com/bail-bond-blog/qualifying-for-bail-bonds

Or to directly speak to a Los Angeles bail bonds agent, call 1-800-BAIL-BOND for immediate service with your LA bail bonds.

After Arrest: The Post Arrest Process

When an individual is charged with a crime, after arrest the bail bonds process is key to re-obtaining freedom. Once out of jail, the defendant will be upset and worried for the future. You may have an idea of what to do in order to get bailed out of jail, but what happens after you’re released?

There are a few things you’ll need to do in order to ensure the full bail amount is returned by the courts, as well as here are a few things to consider that will help get your life back on track.

Rights When Arrested: Know your Rights

Getting arrested can be a life-changing experience and getting through the bail bonds process is only a start—once you get released, there are many responsibilities you will have to deal with your legal issues and recapture control of your life.

Along the way, there are many processes and some bureaucracy you’ll have to get through in order to get back on your feet. Many of these processes, however, are actually in place to protect your inalienable rights as an American citizen.

Here is a list of a few of your inherent rights that can help you deal with the overall process.

The Right to Fair Bail

The very purpose of bail bonds in America is to allow the release of prisoners who may not be guilty. Trials are lengthy and can take months to actually occur in a court of law. In order to prevent the loss of employment or neglect of family responsibilities, bail exists to allow all arrested citizens to tend to their personal business and adequately prepare for their trial. Plus, this prevents the overcrowding of Los Angeles county jails.

A bail bonds company will alleviate this process by covering your entire bail amount. Ensure your financial responsibilities are minimized by appearing to all court dates after you have paid your bail bondsman their 10% fee.

The Right To Know Your Charges

It’s against the law for authorities to hold American citizens without a legitimate legal reason. This is simply a basic constitutional right guaranteed to all citizens. You should have what you are charged with in writing, together with your documentation related to assigned court dates or appearances before a judge.

The Right To an Attorney

We all know the “you have the right to remain silent…” line made famous by TV cop dramas, but a key phrase in that spiel includes the right to an attorney. While you may benefit more from hiring an attorney, not everyone has the means to do so. If you’ve spent most or all of your available funds on your bail bonds company, you can get an attorney appointed to you for free in the form of a public defender.

The Right to Due Process

Be sure you are presented with all proper documentation related to your charges and that you have all your scheduled court appearances in writing. As long as you attend your court dates, you will be given a fair trial and due process of law. If you skip multiple court dates, you will not be refunded your bail cost, you will be seen as a fugitive, and the Los Angeles bail bondsman may send a bail enforcement agent out to track you down and return you to custody. This is why it is crucial to attend all court dates.

 Find a Los Angeles Bail Bondsman

If you know someone in jail waiting for Los Angeles bail bonds, don't waste time trying to find the perfect Los Angeles bail bondsman. Call 1-800-BAIL-BOND, a quick, confidential bail bonds business based in Pasadena with decades of experience.

If you want to learn more about Los Angeles bail bonds, visit our blog where we offer plenty of tips: http://www.my1800bailbond.com/bail-bond-blog/rights-when-arrested

Los Angeles Bail Bonds Info: Bail Forms

In Los Angeles, bail bonds and the bail bond process stays pretty consistent with the processes established throughout California by the CA Department of Insurance.

When it comes to common arrests for petty crimes, the Los Angeles bail bonds process will only really vary based on the location of the arrest. While the actual bail bonds process remains the same, wait times for release will vary, depending on if the arrestee is being held at a local city jail within a police station or has been transferred to an LA county jail. Wait times can also vary based on how busy the particular police station or jail is and how the staff is being utilized that particular day.

For the most part, bail cost and other details will remain constant. But there are instances throughout the state of California where the bail process will differ in ways that aren’t contingent on the particular location of arrest. Here are 7 different bail forms that vary slightly depending on the actual crime a suspect is charged with and the nature of their citizenship.

Forms of Bail

Citation Release: A citation release, oftentimes called a “cite-out” is an extremely simple form of bail that requires no financial exchange., and rarely involves a defendant taken into custody. Officers provide a citation to the arrestee that has an official court date listed. The appearance of the defendant is purely up to the integrity of he or she cited as no financial burden is imposed, but arrest warrants and additional fines for failure to appear may be issued if the defendant does not attend court.

Surety Bond: A surety bond essentially describes the function of a bail bonds company. A bail bonds company or other licensed third party becomes the indemnitor of the suspect’s total bail amount, meaning they legally take on responsibility for the total amount. A fee is charged for the service that the third party or bail bonds company keeps. In Los Angeles, bail bonds fees are set at 10% of the total bail.

Recognizance: This term is used in rare cases where judges agree to waive bail fees for suspects who pledge to attend all of their scheduled court dates. This is usually reserved for higher-profile cases, cases involving public figures, or cases that present extenuating circumstances to a judge that show the defendant presents little or no risk of flight.

Property Bond: A property bond occurs when a defendant acts on his or her own behalf, presenting real property as collateral for their total bail amount. Under this circumstance, the State becomes authorized to forclose on the defendant’s property if they forfeit bail by failing to appear in court.

Immigration Bond: This is a specific bail situation that occurs when an arrested defendant is determined to be an illegal immigrant to the U.S. This is a Federal bail bond that is usually dealt with directly with the Department of Homeland Security or the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Cash Bond: A cash bond occurs when a defendant can either fund their own bail amount with cash proven to be obtained by legal means. It can also be a court-ordered form of bail, giving the arrestee extra incentive to attend trial. 10% cash bonds occur in some locations as well, where defendants are permitted to pay the courts a 10% cash deposit on their bail instead of utilizing a bail bonds company.

More Los Angeles Bail Bonds

Has someone you know been arrested? Need a Los Angeles bail bondsman? Call 1-800-BAIL-BOND to contact one of our agents.

If you are simply interested in the Los Angeles bail bonds process, check out our blog where we discuss a bunch of bail and arrest related topics: http://www.my1800bailbond.com/bail-bond-blog/los-angeles-bail-bonds-info-bail-forms

LA Bail Bonds: Should I Leave Someone in Jail?

One common threat that most children receive when they are young is, “If you end up in jail, you had better get comfortable because you will be spending the night there.” This threat is generally given by a concerned parent who does not want his or her child to break the law. Most of the time, they don’t actually believe the child will do something bad enough that it warrants an arrest, but they give the warning nonetheless, in order to scare their child into acting sensibly and making smart decisions. But, what if your child actually did get arrested? Is it important to maintain the validity of the threat and leave the individual in jail for the night?

Leaving Someone in Jail

If you ever have to make the decision about whether or not to leave someone in jail, the answer is simple: bail them out. Jails are horrible places, even for a single night. It might not be as terrible as the prisons in popular entertainment like Oz or The Shawshank Redemption, but they are still miserable. It is one thing to threaten to leave a child in jail; it is another entirely to follow through on the warning.

Ask Your Bail Bondsman

If you are still not convinced that a little tough love is not best for your child, ask a bail bondsman for his opinion on the matter. They will very quickly, and very forcibly, convince you to bail the child out immediately. Sure, they want your business, but they also spend a fair amount of time around Los Angeles county jails and deal with the legal system almost every day, so they know how brutal it can be.

Teaching Your Child a Lesson

After all this precaution, you still may feel the need to teach your son or daughter a lesson. Obviously, if you are in the position to make that decision, they have done something really bad that has angered you. Coupled with the stress of receiving a phone call asking for Los Angeles bail bonds, it is no wonder you are upset enough to consider this option. But take some time to breath and calm down before making a hasty decision.

All of the additional punishments that accompany an arrest should be harsh enough to ensure that your child does not repeat his or her mistake. Among these punishments are: the processing, where the arrestee is fingerprinted and entered into the national database, the pricey bail bonds cost, the trial- which is also very expensive, and the possibility of further time behind bars if convicted. Plus, you can supply further penalty in far less brutal ways, like grounding the kid or community service. And all of this comes with the shame of explaining to friends and family what happened.

Conclusion: Empty Threat

Although it works as an excellent deterrent to keep your child on the straight and narrow, it is not worth following through on this threat, especially if it is a first offense. Instead, find a bail bondsman who can work fast and meet you at the jail as soon as possible to begin the bailing process. You will not regret making the decision to be a little less stringent on this occasion.

Los Angeles Bail Bonds Process

If you would like more information on how Los Angeles bail bonds work, visit the 1-800-BAIL-BOND blog for original articles: http://www.my1800bailbond.com/bail-bond-blog/bail-bonds-leaving-in-jail

If you need assistance finding a Los Angeles bail bondsman to post bail, call us at 1-800-BAIL-BOND. Don't waste time freeing your loved one.

Released on Bail Bonds: Personal Privacy

There was a time when getting arrested and released on bail bonds could be a private matter, shared only with family and close friends. With today’s technology, that is slowly becoming the way of the past. Celebrities were the first to witness this sensation, with paparazzo able to snap their photos or film footage as they got arrested and then obtain case details and mug shots after arrest. Even then, the only ways to spread these forms of media was via television or print. Now, with the internet, news stories, both good and bad, can be spread worldwide in a matter of instants.

Most people do not fall into the realm of “celebrity,” for better or worse. But that does not protect us from someone snapping an arrest photo on their cell phone, posting it on the web, and further sharing it on social media websites. Although you may seem powerless following an arrest and release on bail bonds, there are steps to take in order to prevent having even worse public exposure and humiliation. Here are some methods by which you can retain a sense of secrecy to your disgrace.

1) Contain the Initial News

The first thing to do following an arrest is ensure that nobody in your family shares the news of your arrest. Every family has that nosy aunt or loud-mouth brother. Keep the information from those people as long as possible, at least until you are out of jail and can personally deal with it. The more it gets spread, the easier it will be for someone to locate you and take a picture as you are leaving the holding facility, thus spreading your shame.

2) Hire a Professional Bail Bondsman

Some states have very loose laws to become a bail bondsman; meaning just about anyone can do it. It is best to hire a Los Angeles bail bondsman that has been in business and serving the community for a long time. This way, you are more likely to get someone who is trustworthy and confidential to handle your affairs. Plus, this person won’t call the media if you are a celebrity.

3) Get Out of Jail Fast

Along with the previous step, ensure that the bail bondsman can quickly post your bail bond cost. If he is taking his time and dragging his feet, find another bail bonds services. The longer you’re in jail, the more time you have to be discovered. Plus, you want to get free to control the potential damage.

4) Honestly Consult Your Family

Once you are free, the worst thing to do would be to attempt to hide the whole situation. If you do, there is an increased chance that it will become a bigger deal when it is exposed. Instead, openly discuss what happened. That way, friends, family, and loved ones will be on your side, rather than against you. If the truth does slip onto the internet, they will even be able to defend you.

Getting arrested is a horrible event for everyone involved, but with wise decision making, you will survive.

More Los Angeles Bail Bonds Info

If you would like more information about the process for bail bonds in Los Angeles, check out our original blog: http://www.my1800bailbond.com/bail-bond-blog/released-on-bail-bonds-personal-privacy

If you need a Los Angeles bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail, visit http://www.my1800bailbond.com/ or simply call 1-800-BAIL-BOND for assistance.