A person’s first thought when finding themselves in jail is often how to get out – and fast. The usual way to do this is to post bail. The second thought that often goes through a person’s mind is whom they can call to help. As experts in the bail bonds industry since 1956, we know exactly how to help you in this difficult and often scary situation.
How are bail bonds in Los Angeles set? In most cases judges are responsible for setting bail. Because most people want to get out of jail immediately instead of waiting a few days to see a judge, most jails have a standard bail schedule that specifies bail amounts for common crimes. An arrested person can often get out quickly by paying the amount set forth in this schedule. If a suspect wants to post bail but can’t afford the amount required, the suspect can ask the judge to lower it. This can often mean a request for a special bail hearing or can happen when they appear in court for their arraignment.
What is the purpose of bail bonds in Los Angeles? The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that bail not be excessive. Its purpose should not be to raise money for the government or to punish a person for being suspected of a crime. The purpose is to allow the arrested person to remain free until convicted of a crime, and the amount of bail must be no more than reasonably necessary to keep the suspect from fleeing before the case is over.
Los Angeles Bail Bonds
Bailed-out suspects must also commonly comply with “conditions of release” set by the judge. If violated, a judge may revoke bail and order that the suspect be arrested and returned to jail. One of the most common conditions is a requirement that a suspect “obey all laws.” A qualified Los Angeles bail agency like our team at Ernie Lopez Bail Bonds can help you post bail and understand the conditions associated with being released.
Bail can take any of the following forms:
- Cash or check for the full amount of the set bail amount
- Property worth the full amount of the bail
- A bond (that is, a guaranteed payment of the full bail amount)
- A waiver of payment on the condition that the defendant appear in court at the required time (also called “release on one’s own recognizance”)
Why Use a Los Angeles Bail Bonds Agency?
Our team at Ernie Lopez Bail Bonds understands that having a loved one, family member or friend arrested can be a stressful and confusing time. You need a partner who can help you understand the system and help you navigate their release. When you choose to partner with our team of experts, we will walk you through the bail bond process and explain in detail what you need to do to get your loved one released from custody. We will work with your specific financial situation and have several payment options available to meet your needs. We will located your loved one within the Los Angeles jail system and will post the bail bond with the jail facility where your loved one is located.
In Southern California, the premium on a bond is usually 10% of the total bail amount. This is a nonrefundable amount that the bail bond agency receives in return for putting up the bail to release the defendant.
Generally speaking, our bail bonds in Los Angeles are completed within one to two hours from the moment you contact us, and we can handle all the paperwork electronically or by fax. If someone you know has been arrested and you’re in immediate need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us right now. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate this confusing and scary situation. Connect with us today to get started immediately.