An arrest can result in a confusing and stressful experience. After being taken into custody, the first thing that might come to your mind is how to post bail to secure release. However, bail can cost hundreds of thousands, which is expensive for most defendants and their loved ones. If you cannot raise the required cash to post your bail, enlisting the services of a Sheffield Lake bail bonds service provider can be in your best interest.
24 Hour Online Bail Bonds can post your bail at an affordable fee, often 10 percent of the total bail amount, enabling you to secure a prompt release from jail. If you cannot afford to pay the premium upfront, we can work with you to develop a flexible payment plan.
Defining Bail
Bail is the amount of money a defendant must post with the court to secure their release from jail awaiting trial. If a defendant posts bail, attends all their court dates and obeys the conditions of their release, the court will refund the bail money. Failure to show up for required court dates can result in the forfeiture of the bail.
Different types of bail include the following:
- Cash bail — It entails the defendant or their loved one posting the full bail amount in cash. Different jurisdictions have various acceptable payment options, including cash, debit cards, credit cards, personal checks, money orders, and wire transfers, including MoneyGram, Zelle, or Western Union.
- Own recognizance bond (O.R.) — Also known as personal recognizance, an O.R. enables the defendant to secure their release from custody with a promise of attending their court dates. Typically, judges consider numerous factors before granting the O.R. release, including whether you are a first-time offender charged with less severe criminal charges, have strong community ties, and are less likely to flee the state.
- Bail bonds — A surety bond involves entering into a contract with a Sheffield Lake bail bonds company. The bondsman finances the bail and becomes financially liable if you skip bail for a non-refundable service fee. The standard premium amount in Ohio is ten percent of the total bail amount. Due to the financial risk involved, your bondsman can request collateral whose value should be greater than that of the set bail amount.
Factors the Judge Considers Before Setting Bail
A judge considers several factors before determining bail, including the following:
The Nature of the Offense
The seriousness of your alleged offense impacts the bail amount. It also determines whether the court will refuse you bail pending trial. The more severe the crime, the higher the bail amount.
Your Criminal Record
When setting bail, the judge will assess your criminal record, including:
- Pending charges
- Past convictions
- Any attempts to flee jurisdiction
The judge can set a lower bail amount for an accused person with no past convictions or for whom the prosecution has filed the criminal charge as an infraction.
Financial Status
When determining bail, the judge evaluates the defendant’s financial standing, including the capacity to post the bail amount and their general economic stability.
Community Ties
The judge also takes into account your ties to the community. These community connections can include the following:
- Family ties
- Employment status
- Period of residence in your community
Strong ties to the community indicate you are more inclined to attend your court dates, which may result in a lenient bail amount.
Threat to the General Public
The judge is more likely to deny bail or set a high bail amount if they believe you are a threat to the public or yourself.
What to Expect with Sheffield Lake Bail Bonds Process
The bail bond process involves the following:
Apprehension and Booking
Following your arrest, the police will take you to the local police department for processing. The procedure involves recording your details and taking photographs and fingerprints.
Arraignment Court Hearing
Arraignment is the initial court hearing after your arrest. During the hearing, the judge will do the following:
- Advise you of the criminal charges against you and your legal rights
- Allow you to enter a plea
- Set your bail amount (Sometimes the jailhouse bail schedule presets the bail)
Contact a Bondsman
If your bail amount is too hefty and difficult to post in cash, you or a loved one should call a licensed Sheffield Lake bail bonds company.
To bail someone out, you need the following:
- The defendant’s name and date of birth
- The charges against the accused
- The defendant’s booking number
- The jailhouse where the accused is detained
- A valid identification, like a state ID or driver’s license
- A current utility receipt proving the accused’s residency
- A recent pay stub or proof of income
Signing the Bond Contract
You or your cosigner must sign a Sheffield Lake bail bonds contract with the company. The agreement states the bond’s terms, collateral, and premium payments. Ensure you read and understand the agreement.
Posting Your Bond
After signing the agreement and paying the nonrefundable premium, the bondsman will post your bond to secure your release from custody. The duration it will take the jail personnel to release will depend on how busy they are on that particular day.
Court Dates
You must remember to attend your court dates to avoid the forfeiture of your bail and a potential rearrest.
Your Case’s Resolution
The legal process involves hearings, plea deal negotiations, and, if necessary, a trial. The case’s outcome will determine the exoneration of the bail.
The Sheffield Lake bail bonds contract will end once your case is closed.
Understanding Your Cosigner Responsibilities
When you agree to take on the responsibilities of a cosigner, here is what to expect:
- Be financially responsible — Cosigning someone’s bail means you will pay the entire amount if the accused fails to appear in court.
- Keeping the bondsman updated — You must promptly inform the bondsman if the suspect skips their court proceedings. The Sheffield Lake bail bonds firm could use the defendant’s personal information and bounty hunter to locate the accused.
- You must also ensure the accused appears in court as scheduled. It can involve reminding the suspect of upcoming court appearances and encouraging them to attend them.
- Providing collateral — As a cosigner, you must provide collateral to secure the defendant’s bond. The collateral can include a car and home, among other valuables.
Police Department, Jail, and Courthouse Contact Information and Address
Sheffield Lake Police Department
609 Harris Road
Sheffield Lake, OH 44054
Sheffield Village Court
4340 Colorado Avenue
Sheffield Village, OH 44054
Lorain Municipal Court
200 W Erie Avenue
Lorain, OH 44052
Lorain Correctional Institution
2075 Avon Belden Rd
Grafton, OH 44044
Find a Skilled Bail Bondsman Near Me
Navigating the bail process can be overwhelming. Professional guidance ensures you understand how Sheffield Lake bail bonds work and how to secure release. Working with a seasoned bondsman like 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds can ease the process so that you can better support your friend or relative through this challenging period while they work towards achieving a favorable case outcome. Please call us at 800-930-8999 at any time of the day to learn how we can help you.