Being in jail in San Luis Rey after an arrest can be stressful. You might also struggle to understand what is happening with your case because communicating with your attorney is less efficient than when out of jail. When you are out of custody, you can gather more evidence to support your case than when behind bars.
The good news is that posting bail can secure your release from jail while your case is still in progress. If you cannot afford the full amount needed or prefer not to put your money in court, you can use a trustworthy San Luis Rey bail bonds service to help you secure your release from custody quickly.
We at Fausto’s Bail Bonds can help you or your loved one secure a release after an arrest. Our San Luis Rey bail bondsmen offer 24-hour services, 7 days a week, including holidays. Contact us to speak with our customer service representatives for answers to your questions and concerns.
Bail in San Luis Rey
Bail is the money you pay the court to secure your release from jail pending trial. It is an assurance that you will return to court as needed. Sometimes, judges can release suspects from jail without bail. This kind of release is known as a release on their own recognizance (O.R. release), in which you promise to appear in court.
Sometimes, a court may reject issuing bail, particularly for serious crimes.
The Bail Process in San Luis Rey
If you are arrested in San Luis Rey, the police take you to the local jail for booking to create an official arrest record. During booking, the police will:
- Collect your details, take your photo and fingerprints
- Check your criminal history
- Note the details of the alleged crime
- Search you and take any personal items, like your purse or keys
After booking, they will place you in a holding cell until your arraignment. If your offense is minor, the police might let you go on your own recognizance (OR) after you sign a citation promising to attend all court dates. Before deciding on your release, they will consider various factors, such as the type of crime and your past criminal record.
The booking process can take several hours. The duration depends on how many people are being booked, the number of law enforcement officers involved, and the steps in the standard booking procedure.
California law requires that suspects be arraigned within 48 hours after arrests. During your arraignment, the judge will inform you of the charges and request you to take a plea. The judge may release you on your own recognizance, set bail, and order your detainment until you pay it, or deny bail and order your remand.
Bail amounts differ by county and depend on the crime. Judges follow the San Diego County bail schedule, which outlines the bail amounts for various offenses. Examples of bail amounts in the schedule include:
- Involuntary Manslaughter— $25,000
- Mayhem— $50,000
- Kidnapping— $100,000
- Train robbery—$20,000
- Helping an inmate escape—$35,000
- Kidnapping a child under 14— $500,000
- Human Trafficking— $100,000
- Attempted murder of a public official— $1,000,000
- Torture— $500,000
- Bribing witnesses—$25,000
The judge can change the bail amount by raising or lowering it. When deciding on this change, the judge considers factors like:
- Your ability to pay
- The seriousness of the alleged crime
- Your criminal record
- Public safety
- Your likelihood of appearing in court
If you face charges for a serious or violent felony, the judge cannot lower the bail amount below the scheduled amount unless there are valid reasons or special circumstances. These special circumstances may include situations where new evidence has come to light.
Types of Bail
In San Luis Rey, there are three ways to post bail: cash bail, bail bond, and property bond.
Cash Bail
To post cash bail, you must have the full bail amount available and deposit it with the court’s clerk. You can also use a money order, credit/debit card, or check. Cash bail is usually the simplest method.
San Luis Rey Bail Bonds
Many people use San Luis Rey bail bond companies because they often lack enough cash to pay for bail directly. A bail bond is a contract between you, the court, and a bail bondsman. In this contract, you agree to attend all required court appearances, and the bondsman agrees to pay the bail amount on your behalf.
To receive a bail bond, you must first pay the San Luis Rey bail bondsman a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the bail the judge sets. A co-signer is also needed for bail to ensure you show up for your court date and pay fines. The co-signer supports you and helps you stay on track as you prepare for trial. If you fail to appear, the bail bonds company will hold the co-signer accountable for the bail amount. Some San Luis Rey bail bond companies may ask for collateral, like a car or house, as security for the bond.
Once you apply for bail bonds and pay the 10% fee, the bail bondsman will begin the process of securing your release. After the bondsman pays the bail to the court, the arresting officer is notified, and your release process starts. The time it takes to be released depends on whether the jail is busy or short-staffed or if it is the holidays or weekends.
San Luis Rey bail bonds provide quick bail services. Bail bondsmen understand how local jails, police stations, and courts work, allowing them to expedite the process. Bail bond companies also provide many options for lower down payments on bail and various ways to keep track of your bail bond payment plan. They can help you create a payment plan that suits your budget if you do not have money for a bail bond.
Property Bond
You can use a property bond instead of paying cash bail or bail bonds. With property bonds, you give the court your property as collateral until your case conclusion. The property’s value must be at least double the bail amount. For example, if bail is set at ten thousand dollars, the property must be worth at least twenty thousand dollars.
To use property as bail, it needs a recent appraisal, all liens must be disclosed, and a professional must assess its equity. If the court is satisfied with the property’s equity, they will accept it as a bond and release you. However, preparing a property bond and obtaining an official appraisal can take time, so many people do not choose this option. Still, it can be a viable alternative if you lack cash for bail.
Skipping Bail After Your Release
Skipping bail means not showing up in court as you are supposed to. If you skip bail, the judge will issue an arrest warrant and give you some time before the bail is forfeited. If you used a bail bonds company, the bail bondsman is responsible for finding you and returning you to court. The court usually allows the San Luis Rey bail bondsman about 180 days to locate you.
To find you, the bail bondsman might hire a bounty hunter. Bounty hunters arrest people mainly based on civil contracts instead of criminal laws. They can track and apprehend individuals who have skipped bail and return them to court.
If you show up alone or the bounty hunter finds you within 180 days, the judge might restore your bail if you explain why you did not appear. Valid reasons can include:
- Serious illness
- Mental health issues
- Disability
- Being detained in another state
The judge will forfeit the entire bail amount if you miss your court date.
- If you used a property bond, the court will place a lien on your property and may foreclose to recover the bail.
- You will not receive your money back if you posted cash bail.
- If you used a bail bond, the bail bondsman will pay the full bail to the court and later seek reimbursement from your co-signer. The bail bond company might sell your collateral to recover their costs. If someone else put up collateral for you, they could lose it because you skipped bail.
What Happens to the Bail Amount When the Case Ends?
Your bail will be refunded once your case is completed, as long as you attend all court dates. If you paid cash bail, it typically takes six to twelve weeks to recover your money. However, if you were convicted and owe restitution or fines, part of your bail will go towards those costs. Any remaining amount is returned to you.
Factors Influencing a Judge’s Decision on Bail
Securing your release on bail depends on the judge’s decision. It is not guaranteed that a judge will approve bail; they can also refuse it. When making this decision, a judge considers several factors, such as:
The Seriousness of the Crime
The court reviews the evidence on the alleged offense to determine the bail amount. A judge will consider elements such as:
- The weapons involved in the crime.
- Whether the victim sustained injuries and the severity of those injuries.
- The involvement of drugs in the incident.
- Any threats made by the offender towards the victim.
Those arrested for violent or serious offenses may not be granted bail in San Luis Rey.
Public Safety Concerns
Bail is usually granted to individuals who are not considered dangerous to the public. If you or a loved one faces charges for a violent crime, the judge might view you as a threat. If they think granting bail could put the public at risk, they will likely deny it.
Risk of Fleeing
When bail is granted, you must remain in the jurisdiction and attend court hearings. If the judge suspects you might try to leave after being released, they may deny bail. It can be hard to prove that you will not flee. If you have a history of criminal behavior and previous attempts to escape, the judge will see you as a flight risk.
The Chances of Missing Court Dates
If you are out on bail, you should attend all required court dates. If a judge believes you are likely to miss court, they may refuse to grant you bail. This decision can depend on your past attendance at court if you have been arrested before.
Missing court dates suggests you are not taking your situation seriously and may not attend your trial. It can also indicate a lack of responsibility. Since being granted bail is a privilege, a judge may take it away if you fail to appear in court as needed.
San Luis Rey Jails, Police Stations, and Courts Information
San Diego Central Jail
1173 Front Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-409-5000
Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility
451 Riverview Parkway
Santee, CA 92071
Phone: 619-409-5000
Rock Mountain Detention Facility
446 Alta Road, Ste. 5400
San Diego, CA 92158
Phone: 619-409-5000
San Diego Superior Court
1100 Union Street,
San Diego, California 92101
Phone: 619-450-7275
Find a Reliable San Luis Rey Bail Bonds Service Near Me
Even if you are a law-abiding citizen, one mistake could have you arrested and jailed. Staying in jail could put your job, business, or the needs of those who rely on you at risk. You also want to prepare for court and defend yourself against the charges you have been accused of. If you cannot afford bail, you can receive help from a bail bondsman. You pay a 10% non-refundable fee, and the bail bonds company will cover your bail costs and secure your release.
If you need a bail bonds service to help you leave jail in San Luis Rey, your search ends here. Fausto’s Bail Bonds is committed to providing fast and efficient releases. Our prices are reasonable, and we offer flexible payment options. We are here to answer your questions and guide you through the bail bond process. Call us today at 951-445-4455 for a consultation.