When you’re arrested in Venice Beach, the options to secure your release pending trial may be limited. Therefore, you may end up staying in custody for a more extended period because of the lack of help or money to make bail. However, you might be capable of securing your freedom by reaching out to a licensed, trusted, and reliable bail bond agency.
At 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, we offer the best bail bond services. Our aggressive bondsmen provide fast and confidential bail bond services in and around Venice Beach, helping arrestees return to their daily activities within just a short time. Call us right away to learn how we would help you.
What's Bail?
Bail refers to the refundable deposit you post with a court or jail facility to secure your release from jail before your case is resolved. It acts as security to ensure you'll attend court proceedings or the trial of your case. In many cases, bail is in bonds, cash, or property. Although, not all criminal cases require that you make bail. Your criminal history, the facts surrounding your crime, among other factors, is what's considered before it's determined whether you can post bail or not, as we shall see later. The court would also give you back the bail money or property if it has resolved your case and you appeared in court as required. But should you fail to make court appearances, the court would hold onto the bail money as collateral then issue a bench warrant for your arrest.
Bail Bonds Defined
Most people confuse between bail and a bail bond or bond and often use these terms interchangeably. Whereas they're closely related, these terms mean two different things. A bond is an agreement you make with a bail bond company that'll help you make bail. If you're in a situation where you do not have enough funds to make bail on your own, you may seek help from a bail bond agency. Bail bond companies have bail agents or bondsmen that help clients post bail. By signing a contract with the agency, you consent to make the required court appearances. If you fail to make the necessary court appearances, the bail agent will be compelled to track you down and hand you back to the authorities because, if not, they'll lose the bond money.
The Cost of a Bail Bond
A bail bond in Venice Beach generally costs 10 percent of the entire bail amount, and this cost is required by law and set by the California Department of Insurance. For example, if your bail amount is ten thousand dollars, the cost of the bond will be one thousand dollars. This bail fee is known as a premium, and it's non-refundable.
Most criminal cases come with uncertainties, mostly during the arrest or arraignment. That's where the client starts to ask about bail costs for a given crime. This is necessary and understandable since nobody is sure how much bail the judge will grant as it's based on the criminal offense.
In addition to the 10% premium, some bail bond companies also request collateral. The type of property you provide as collateral varies based on the company's preferences. It could be expensive jewelry, a deed to your house, or a car. The collateral serves as security. Should you default premium payment or fail to attend the proceedings as required, the agency may assume ownership of the property and sell it to recover the funds you owe.
As we mentioned, bondsmen are mandated by law to charge 10 percent of the total bail amount. However, some bail bond companies offer certain discounts to qualified clients. For example, you may be offered a discount if you work with a lawyer or are a U.S military member or veteran. Additionally, considering you might have several challenges paying the premium, most companies also offer flexible payment options and plans. Bondsmen might be a bit hand-tied, but they'll always seek what is best for the client.
Advantages of Working with a Bail Bonds Company
As mentioned earlier, you have the option of posting bail by depositing with the court the whole amount in cash. But the set bail amount is usually so expensive. What's more, many people don't predict an arrest or the need for so much cash, so they don't have that kind of money lying around. Also, spending a substantial amount of money on bail could be a significant financial risk.
Conversely, a bonds company will minimize your financial stress by posting the bail amount for you. Working with a bonds company also comes with several other benefits as follows:
You'll Have Ample Time for Life Planning
At times, you're sure how your case will turn out after an arrest. Therefore, the ideal option is planning your life with your loved ones in mind in readiness for the approaching trial. By securing your release early, you'll be capable of making financial plans for your family and dependents and meeting your lawyer to prepare for the trial. Having this additional time is easier when you work with a bonds company.
You'll Face Less Scrutiny from the Court.
Criminal investigators, the police, and the prosecutor watch your conduct after arrest since you're already deemed a suspect. This scrutiny will also extend to your financial details as they may disclose additional proof required for conviction. For instance, a money-laundering arrest will attract much attention to your bank account balances.
Even though scrutiny is justified, it could be detrimental to innocent arrestees facing prejudice. Thus, you may be subject to further interrogation for withdrawing substantial amounts of money from your bank account, despite using the cash to pay bail. For discretion, you can choose to let a bail bond company post the bail for you. The money deposited for you will come from the agency, meaning the court won't have any reason to order an investigation into your accounts.
You Can Return to Living Normally Before Trial
Many crimes don't warrant compulsory detention, particularly if the court permits posting bail. But in most cases, arrestees remain locked up because they can't afford to pay bail. This leaves them with limited options in acquiring the necessary amounts, particularly under the pressure they face.
Also, note that the bail amount is relatively high for more severe crimes. Because of the standard rules and regulations, you could face additional drawbacks after being arrested and charged with a felony. You could avoid these inconveniences by partnering with a bonds agency. Their help will ensure you can regain your freedom as early as possible and continue leading your everyday life pending trial.
You'll Have More Affordable Payment Options
One of the primary advantages of contacting a bonds company to make bail for you is the financial convenience you'll receive. Since a bail agent will charge only a 10 percent premium, you'll save a lot of money. This beneficial option could save you the trouble of incurring debts from a third party. Additionally, working with a bail bond service will help minimize the pressure your loved ones will have striving to raise the bail money within a short period.
Also, remember that bond agencies are flexible when it comes to receiving client payments. As a result, you could pay the premium at your convenient pace without affecting your financial situation. Compared to money borrowed from a third party, you'll have ample time to plan your finances.
The Bail Hearing
After an arrest, the arresting officer will transfer you to a police station for booking. Booking is the process where the police obtain critical identification information about you. This process is usually short, and you'll be guided through the requirements. Some of the details collected during booking are your name, photograph, fingerprints, physical address, contact information, and the details of your next of kin. Your personal effects will also be confiscated, and the police will search the database to see if you have any outstanding warrants for arrest. After you've been booked, you will be taken to a holding cell/jail to await the bail hearing.
A bail hearing is a proceeding where the judge decides whether to deny or grant bail. This hearing happens during your first court appearance after the arrest. If the judge grants bail, they'll also set the bail amount you'll be required to pay. In setting the amount to pay as bail, the judge is guided by a bail schedule. A bail schedule is a list of crimes with the recommended bail amount. The judge has the discretion to impose the same bail amount indicated on the bail schedule or increase/reduce it. Judges also consider several other factors when granting, denying, or setting the bail amount. These factors include:
Whether You're a Flight Risk
Anybody who can easily flee the country after release on bail is considered a flight risk. Because the court intends to complete investigations and commence the trial for your case, the judge might decline to grant you bail if it's established that you're a flight risk. Or, if you're released, the judge may order that you surrender your passport and other travel documents that would enable you to flee the country.
Even though surrendering your travel documents might not guarantee the judge's decision, you'll have shown compliance. This is a critical virtue to establish to avoid further problems during your trial.
Your Criminal History
A first-time offender has a higher chance of being granted bail than a repeat offender. Repeat offenders face harsher conditions depending on the criminal process policies and the general perception of the justice system. Consequently, a first-time offender may not face any hardships justifying their release on bail. On the contrary, if you're a repeat offender, you should consult a bail bonds company or lawyer to help you negotiate for a lower bail amount.
How Severe Your Offense Is
Naturally, more severe crimes will lead to slim chances of judges granting bail. The idea is that releasing a person suspected of committing a serious crime would endanger the victim. Therefore, specific offenses may lead to the judge denying bail or setting a higher amount. The judge may also deny bail to ensure you don't interfere with the police investigations. However, if you have an attorney, they may help you present mitigating factors that could make the judge change their mind.
Whether You Are a Danger to Public Safety
Without a doubt, some offenders show zero remorse for their criminal conduct despite being arrested. This could pave the way for repetitive behavior where the suspect will continue engaging in criminal conduct. Additionally, some offenders may spite the victims for their action to file a police report, making them eager to revenge against them. Because of this, the judge will first raise numerous questions to establish if you'll be a threat to society after your release.
In some extreme cases, an investigation will be carried out, particularly among the members of your community. The members will give their opinions of your conduct and character, and the judge will refer to them in deciding whether to grant or deny bail. If you are a danger to the community, the judge may decide to grant bail but set the amount higher than the scheduled.
The Likelihood that You'll Appear In Court
The judge will also consider the chances of you appearing for your trial after release on bail. They will look at whether you have a history of failing to appear in court. If you've ever failed to show up in court after being required to do so, you may be denied bail, or the amount may be set higher.
Sometimes, the judge may not set bail at all. They may choose to release you after making you sign a written promise that you'll appear in court. This form of pretrial release is known as own recognizance (OR) release. The judge is likely to release you on your own recognizance if your crime is minor, you aren't a flight risk or danger to the community, or you don't have an extensive criminal history.
Even though posting bail does not require an attorney, it's critical to hire one to help establish the bail amount during the bail hearing. The lawyer can negotiate for the judge to reduce the bail amount or release you OR.
Conditions for Bail
Apart from granting bail, the judge may impose various conditions you have to comply with for your continued stay out of jail. The conditions may be general or specific to the crime you've been accused of committing. They may include the requirement to:
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Not commit any new crimes
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Not try contacting the supposed victim or violating the restraining order against you.
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Abstain from alcohol and drugs
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Not buy or possess firearms
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Obey curfew rules
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Be placed under house arrest
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Wear a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor)
Should you violate any of these conditions, the judge may revoke your bail. They may also issue a bench warrant for your arrest.
Who's a Bounty Hunter?
A bounty hunter is a person contracted by the bail agent to track down and capture fugitives. If you skip bail after posting a bond, the court will issue a forfeiture notice. It will then give the bondsman some time (180 days) to find and hand you over to the authorities, failure to which they will lose the bond money. The bondsman can then hire a bounty hunter to help them find you. The bounty hunter will be paid a percentage of the bond, but only after apprehending you. They have the power to arrest you and take you back to the police in the jurisdiction from which you fled.
If you're found within 180 days of the bond forfeiture date, and you have a legitimate excuse, the judge may vacate its forfeiture notice and exonerate the bond.
Venice Beach Jail Information
Venice Beach Police Department
Phone No.: 310-392-5131
Men's Central Jail
Phone No.: 213-473-6100
Twin Towers Correctional Facility
Phone No.: 213-473-6100
LASD Inmate Information Center
Phone No.: 213-473-6080
Venice Beach Court Information
Santa Monica Courthouse
Phone No.: 310-255-1840
LA County Superior Court
Phone No.: 323-441-1898
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Phone No.: 310-725-3099
Find Reputable Bail Bond Services Near Me
Posting bail in Venice Beach, CA, can be an intricate process, particularly if it is your first time to do so. That is why you need to work with a reputable bondsman. At 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, our expert agents will provide you with professional and reliable services. We're ready to help you walk out of jail, irrespective of what time it is.
Our services also take into consideration of your financial situation. We offer flexible payment plans and various payment options, so your release from jail doesn't have to be stressful. Call us now at 800-930-8999 and allow our bail agents to help you regain your freedom within a short period.