It is not only emotionally painful but also economically and legally straining when a loved one is arrested. It imposes on some families some actions that they would not usually take. Bail bonds provide a ray of hope to such families since they provide a window through which families can get their loved ones back home while waiting for their fate to be determined.
This guide can assist a loved one to be released from jail with as much ease as possible.The Bailing Process
It is important to comprehend every phase to be in a position to make the right decision that would be of help to the loved one as well as the family. You can visit Alana’s Bail Bonds website, for instance, for more information and understanding of this process. The following is the procedure that should be followed:
Arrest: The process begins with the arrest of a person suspected of a certain crime. The police then arrest the person and transfer him to a holding facility.
Booking: There is a booking at the station that entails taking of personal details of the arrested person, fingerprints, and a photograph.
Initial Arraignment: The first stage of the trial involves the suspect appearing in court. He or she is called the defendant. Here, the charges are stated. And the judge may set a bond or release the defendant on his own bond or on his own recognizance.
Bail Hearing: If the initial bail is out of the defendant’s reach or if there was no mention of the bail, then the court sets a hearing for a proper bail. This may result in a variation of the amount of the bail or any other conditions for release.
Bail Payment: After setting bail, the family can pay the amount in cash or engage the services of a bondsman. He or she will charge a premium of 10-15% of the amount. This step is very crucial in order to obtain a temporary release of the defendant.
Release from Custody: This is when the defendant is released from custody after the amount has been tendered. It is often done in the shortest time possible, but under certain circumstances. Such orders may include not traveling beyond the jurisdiction, not contacting some people, or attending all future hearings.
Responsibilities of Defendants and Their Families
All these need to be fulfilled to avoid further legal issues and to get the best outcome.
Appearance to Court: The defendant shall attend all the court proceedings as and when the court requires and obey any order made by the court. Just a missed appearance can lead to the cancellation of the bail and issuance of a warrant of arrest or any other charges.
Financial Liability: The family must pay the non-refundable fee to the bail bond agent. This is usually a percentage of the bail amount.
Communicating with the Bail Bond Agent: The defendant and the bail bond agent should also communicate frequently, even to inform the agent of an address change or any other reason.
Anyone charged or a loved one accused of a crime must understand the concept of bail because it is a fundamental part of the criminal justice system. Thus, if you contact a bondsman and understand the process, you can get a good deal for your loved one’s case. Remember that the emphasis should be on the fast and correct action according to the court’s rules.