Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens To The Person Who Just Got Arrested?

This question is frequently asked by those who are for the first time faced with helping a person get out of jail. First, the arrestee is taken to a holding facility and the person is ‘booked in’. This booking process involves fingerprinting, the so-called mug-shot, and a search to find if any outstanding warrants exist. The charges are confirmed, the bail amount set, and last, a court date and time is set before release. This process may take a few hours. If no outstanding warrants exist and this is not a capital crime (murder), the person is eligible for bail. Learn more about the Bail Process.

What Is An O.R. or Release on Own recognizance (ROR)?

Own Recognizance is an unsecured, government backed, release of a defendant on the promise the he/she will return to court at the appointed time and place. If he/ or she is eligible for an O.R. the review staff at the jail will assess each person on the following merits: * The type of alleged crime, * The immediate family’s support (whether they live in the immediate community) * The defendant’s past criminal history * The defendant’s job history, both current and present, within that community. Each defendant can provide to the assessment team various people who can speak well of them and verify his/or her status in the community. Each will be interviewed by phone. If an O.R. is granted there is no need for a bail bondsman; however, this does not dismiss the defendant from making all court appearances.

What About A Forfeiture? Just What Happens When A Forfeiture Occurs?

This seems to be an area that most people don’t understand very well. The action of forfeiture is when a person does not make their court appearance. Although it can compromise the bail agreement and the court’s view of the defendant, it can be solved sometimes very simply. We know things can go wrong and failing to appear in court at the appropriate time and place – happens. And yes, a bench warrant will be issued, but remember, a bail bond company can be a good friend in many cases. We know the court system and can suggest your best approach with the courts. So, if your person fails to go to court, please inform us immediately. We work for you – our valued customer.

How Long Is A Bond Valid?

A bond is valid as long as the case lasts. If the case lasts for more than a year, but not more than 2 years, the bond company is entitled to another full premium (the 10% fee). The same bond continues until the case is completed.

What's The Difference Between A Public Defender And/ Or Attorney - Why Use One Over The Other?

A public defender is appointed to a defendant who does not have the financial ability to retain an attorney – this is the basic difference. What about that myth, “Are you only allowed one call?” California Penal Code 851.5 states that the arrested person has the right to make at least three free local telephone calls upon being booked: one call to an attorney, one to a bail bondsman, and one to a relative or other personal contact.

How Can I Get A Refund?

The bail bond premium fee of 10% is non-refundable once the bond has been issued and the arrested individual is released from jail. Fees are also non-refundable regardless of whether the courts file formal charges against the arrested individual. This means you would not be given a refund if their charges are dropped, or the bond is exonerated. If, for some reason, the jail does not release the defendant after bond has been posted, all monies are refundable to the individual who delivered them to the agency. An example of this would be the individual’s bail status changes to not-bailable or if immigration decides to act upon the charges.

This Website Is Designed To Assist You In Finding People In County Jails. If You Have Any Questions Regarding Someone Location In Any Southern California County. Se Habla Espanol.

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