The California criminal justice process can be time-consuming, and you do not want to sit detained while your criminal defense attorney and the prosecution work things out. You have a case to build and a family and work that need your attention. The law allows you to post bail to obtain a release as you await trial.
However, like most people facing substantial bail, you might need more money to pay it upfront. While you can post a property bond, the asset's value should be higher than the bail amount sought, making it easier to seek help from a skilled North Palm Springs bail bonds company. At Fausto's Bail Bonds, we understand how important it is to return to your everyday life and will post your bail in exchange for a 10% premium. We can also work with you to create an affordable financing option for you with or without collateral.
Bail and Bail Bonds
Bail is the amount you pay to the court to secure your release while awaiting your trial proceedings. The posted amount assures that the defendant will make all court appearances. Typically, bail can be in the form of a property bond, cash bail, or North Palm Springs bail bond.
Cash bail is when the defendant pays the entire amount in full. California jurisdictions accept payments like cash, money order, cashier’s check, and traveler’s check. You will receive a bail refund once your case is closed, provided you follow your release conditions.
You can post your bail through a property bond if you own a valuable asset. The property’s value should be equal to or higher than the full bail amount. Typically, courts specify what form of property can be used as collateral and the necessary documentation to bring with the court. This documentation can include the following:
- Proof of lien.
- Vehicle title.
- House deed.
You can use a bail bond service if you cannot afford the set bail amount. The company agrees to be responsible for your bail obligation in return for a non-refundable premium, usually 10% of the required bail amount. The remaining amount is secured through collateral like a home, motor vehicle, jewelry, electronics, and stocks. If you jump bail, the bondsman should pay the court the entire bail. Bail bond companies want to prevent this from occurring and will look for the fugitive, sometimes using bounty hunters. They will also go after the collateral used or co-signers to recoup the loss.
Sometimes, the court can also allow the defendant to stay free based on a promise to attend required court hearings through their own recognizance release. In other words, an O.R. release does not require upfront payments.
How Bail and North Palm Springs Bail Bonds Work
After your arrest, you will be detained until you can appear before the judge during arraignment and enter a plea of not guilty, no contest, or guilty. If you plead no contest or not guilty, the judge will give you a date to return to court for your trial. If the judge believes you are not likely to flee town or a threat to your community if released pending your trial, they can release you on bail.
Then the judge sets the bail amount. When determining the bail amount, the judge considers the following factors:
- The severity of the alleged crime — A serious crime attracts a high bail.
- The defendant’s criminal history — The judge will set a high bail amount if you have previously missed court hearings or have a criminal history.
- Having strong community ties — A suspect with family living in the community, with employment, business, and a good reputation is less likely to flee town. Consequently, the judge can reduce the bail amount.
Please note that judges deny bail to defendants charged with severe crimes or offenses punishable by death.
Also, the 8th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bans excessive bail amounts. Bail is neither punishment nor a way for the court to raise money. It is designed to permit pre-trial release while offering an incentive for defendants to show up in court.
How Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Assist with the North Palm Springs Bail Bonds
After your arrest, you will make numerous calls to initiate your release process. Two of the essential calls are to your bondsman and defense lawyer.
The attorney will guide you throughout the criminal justice process. Here are ways they can help you and expedite your release process.
Can Convince the Judge to Lower Your Bail Amount
One factor the judge considers when setting bail or altering the amount is whether the suspect is a flight risk. Your lawyer will prove your commitment to the California criminal justice system to ensure you are not deemed a flight risk. Also, hiring a lawyer alone is enough to convince the judge of your commitment to the case.
The attorney could also bring witnesses who can attest to your good character and strong community ties.
Finally, they can recommend bail conditions to convince the judge to reduce bail. These conditions can include the following:
- Pretrial supervision.
- GPS monitoring.
- Enrolling in a substance abuse program.
- House arrest.
- Refraining from alcohol and drug abuse and participating in random testing.
- Not possessing any weapon.
- Complying with all laws.
- Maintaining your job or seeking employment, if you are not employed.
- Restricted travel.
- Not contacting the alleged victim.
Completing Your Bond Paperwork
A major cause of delay in securing a release is filling out the bail bond paperwork. If you provide the wrong details, you could delay your loved one’s release or even risk being denied bail. Your skilled attorney can guide you through your paperwork, fill out the sections on your behalf, and explain the process.
Additionally, your lawyer can return the paperwork to the bondsman using fax, scanning, and email services. The attorney can meet the bond service. If there is a delay, they will follow up and do everything to accelerate your release.
Co-Signer Liability
Since your North Palm Springs bail bonds company will be on the hook for the bail amount if you skip bail, the bondsman will require a co-signer before issuing the bond. The co-signer will sign a promissory note or indemnity agreement that obligates them to your bond if you fail to appear in court.
The co-signer vouches for you and should ensure that you make all court appearances. Otherwise, they risk losing their savings and possession used as collateral.
To be considered a co-signer, your loved one should meet the following criteria:
- A stable business or employment that helps the North Palm Springs bail bonds service feel secure that the co-signer can pay them if you violate your release conditions.
- A good credit score and a history of making timely payments for loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
- Whether they have strong community ties that make it challenging for them to flee if asked to pay your bail amount.
- Money in brokerage accounts and bank.
Below are other things you should know as a co-signer:
- You are accountable for the accused — You should ensure that the accused person makes all the required court appearances. If they fail to attend court hearings, they will face additional criminal charges, and you will lose the bond amount and collateral. You should also ensure the defendant does not violate another law, leave California, and contact the alleged victim.
- You need stipulations — By adding stipulations to your promissory note, you are not accountable if the suspect fails to adhere to the agreement terms. Common stipulations include undergoing a mental health evaluation or attending drug treatment classes.
- The agreement is valid throughout the criminal judicial system. It is a common myth that as a co-signer, you are only accountable for the accused person through the initial hearing. However, you are liable for the entire criminal proceedings and should stay updated on the California criminal justice process, including sentencing, plea hearing, and preliminary hearing.
- You can cancel your North Palm Springs bail bonds — You can speak with your bail bondsman whenever you believe the defendant will not comply with the court’s responsibilities. You relieve yourself of criminal or financial obligations by opting out of your bond. After canceling the bond, the accused will be rearrested and remain detained until the case closes.
Finally, if you agree to co-sign a loved one, you should keep track of every document you sign. Make copies of every piece of paperwork, including the accused court records.
Using Ethereum to Pay Your Bail Bonds
Ethereum is an internet currency whose payments can be made anywhere with a smartphone or computer. They are independent of any county or government and do not require a formal ID or bank account records. Payments are made using unique addresses, identical to email addresses used once for a transaction.
Provided your North Palm Springs bail bonds service accepts Ethereum, you can make your bond payments from anywhere globally. That means you do not have to travel to California to bail a loved one out.
Since no financial or government institution is involved in Ethereum’s oversight, you do not have to worry about complex overseas transactions and transaction fees.
Revoking and Forfeiting Your Bail Bonds
Typically, courts revoke North Palm Springs bail bonds after defendants violate their bail conditions, including failing to show up in court when required.
The judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest, remand you to jail, and the court will forfeit your bail amount.
Fleeing town or refusing to attend court proceedings is a crime. You have fourteen days to contact the court after skipping bail. Otherwise, the court will charge you with PC 1302.5.
You will face another misdemeanor if your primary criminal charge is a misdemeanor. The crime carries a one-thousand dollar fine and six months in county jail. On the other hand, a felony attracts another fine punishable by the following penalties:
- A one-year jail sentence.
- Sixteen months, two years, or three years in California state prison.
- A maximum fine of ten thousand dollars.
As you can see, jumping bail worsens the situation. If you have challenges showing up in court, you should discuss the matter with your defense lawyer and North Palm Springs bail bondsman. They can work together to reschedule your court hearing, protect your bail from being forfeited and prevent your re-arrest.
Sometimes, the judge may decide not to revoke the bond and instead give you another chance by:
- Raising your bail amount.
- Giving you a warning.
- Keeping you on a house arrest.
- Keeping you on electronic/GPS monitoring.
- Ordering random drug testing.
Then if you commit no more violations, the court will refund your bond money at your criminal case’s conclusion.
GPS Monitoring for Bail Bonds
Sadly, some people use the bondsman service but do not plan to make the required court appearances. If an individual skips bail, the bondsman will lose substantial money.
Previously, bondsmen used bounty hunters to look for and apprehend fugitives. The experience is time-consuming and expensive and can result in liability headaches.
Additionally, bail bondsman require collateral to encourage defendants to make court appearances. However, some people are more concerned about losing their freedom than saving their vehicle or home. While the bondsman will gain the asset, it means incurring additional expenses before liquidating it.
The GPS monitoring device is worn around the ankle and has features like:
- Shock resistant and waterproof.
- State-of-the-art tamper technology.
- Round-the-clock location monitoring.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Slim design.
With Google Info windows and Google Maps integrated into the SCRAM GPS monitoring software, police can identify the defendant’s exact location and put their movement into context. Its user-friendly software tools eliminate false alerts and offer instant notifications, allowing police to act fast. GPS monitoring is effective, especially when dealing with a high-flight-risk defendant.
Agreeing to GPS monitoring as a part of the bail bond agreement can reduce your North Palm Springs bail bond cost. Typically, the judge will lower the bail amount, and your bondsman can agree to a lower premium rate in exchange for cooperating in GPS monitoring.
North Palm Springs Jail, Courthouse, and Police Department Contact Information
Palm Springs Police Department
Robert Presley Detention Center
Superior Court of California, County of Riverside – Palm Springs Courthouse
Contact a Seasoned and Compassionate Bondsman Near Me
After your arrest, you should post bail to secure a release, return to work, have quality time preparing for trial, and spend time with loved ones. However, it can be too expensive for you to afford. At Fausto’s Bail Bonds, we recognize that your release is your priority and can guide you on how North Palm Springs bail bonds work. Irrespective of the bail amount you require, you can depend on us. Please contact us at 855-328-7867 to get answers to your questions and learn how we can help you.