If you have never been to jail, you’ve probably never had to deal with a bail bondsman. Believe it or not, there is a whole business niche dedicated to helping people get out of jail. Bail bondsmen have streamlined their process to make it as easy as possible. They are there to relieve as much stress as possible in a time that is very stressful for you and your family. You never know when you or a loved one is going to have legal trouble, so it’s helpful to know beforehand how bail works and how a bail bond can help.
How Vulnerable Are You?
The lines between law abiding and law breaking seem to be getting more and more blurred these days. People get away with breaking laws every day, but it just takes one small moment to find yourself in legal trouble. Sometimes it’s as simple as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. According to Yale Law School professor Stephen Carter, “70 percent of American adults have committed a crime that could lead to imprisonment”. Most of the time you will probably get away with petty lawbreaking. However, all it takes is one angry cop who happens to be driving by and your luck can easily run out.
How Bail Works
So you were caught breaking the law and the officer takes you to jail. First, you will go through what’s called “booking”. In this stage the booking officer will get your personal information, document and store all of your belongings, take your mugshot and let you make a phone call. It is a good idea to call either a friend or loved one who can arrange your bail. Depending on the nature of your offense, they may tell you how much your bail is right then and there. For more serious offenses you will have to wait for a bail hearing. In that case, you will be stuck in there for 48-72 hours or until you can be seen in court. Posting bail does not get you out for good, it just means you don’t have to wait in jail for your court date. Once you appear in court you will get the bail back. Bail provides the court with an assurance that you will appear. That’s how bail works.
Bail Bonds
If your bail is set higher than you can afford, you can contact a bail bondsman. They will post your bail for a fee, which is contingent on the amount of bail they need to post. The Bail Bondsman will ensure the court that you will appear on your court date by agreeing to pay the bail should you not appear.
At Eight Ball Bail Bonds, we have made the whole process very easy. We service many cities all over California, including Hollister, Tracy and Redwood City, and can help you through this stressful time. You or your loved one can contact us through call, text, or email and we will get you out before you know it.
In legal trouble? Have questions about bail bonds? Contact us here. We’ll be happy to help.