By KHTS Newsroom
You have probably taken advantage of the “Get Out of Jail Free” card in the classic board game “Monopoly” at least once in your life, but the bail agents at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita want you to know that a similar “card” actually exists in real life.
In real life, the “Get Out of Jail Free” card is known as “O.R.,” and is what happens when a defendant is released from jail “on his own recognizance.”
“If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you can sometimes be released from jail without having to pay bail,” said Inessa Chavez, vice president of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita. “But it’s usually not likely.”
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Usually, the defendant can request to be released O.R. at their first court appearance, and if it is approved by the judge, must simply sign a written document promising to appear in court.
According to Chavez, factors that might be considered by a judge after a request for O.R. include:
- If the defendant has parents, a spouse or children living in the community.
- If the defendant has lived in the community for many years.
- If the defendant is employed.
- If the defendant has little or no past criminal record, or their previous criminal problems were minor and occurred many years earlier.
- If the defendant has been charged with previous crimes and has always appeared as required.
“Generally, a person who is released O.R. has strong ties to the community, making them unlikely to flee,” Chavez said. “Defendants released O.R. tend to be reputable in their community, and law enforcement officials believe the person is extremely unlikely to fail to appear at their court dates.”
If a judge denies the request for O.R., some defendants may be able to alternatively request that their bail be lowered instead.
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All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita is a bail bonding company that has been well-established in the Santa Clarita community for many years, and its bail agents have knowledge of and experience with a variety of cases, including O.R.s.
“Our bail agents are available 24-7 to help you,” Chavez said. “We want to help turn a stressful situation into as positive an experience as possible under the circumstances.”
“With Us You Are Never Alone”
23360 W. Valencia Blvd. #E
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
661-255-2245
Call Toll Free: 888-755-2245
24 hours a day — 7 days a week
If your loved one is in custody and they wish to talk to an All American Bail Bonds representative, call:
818-990-0003 or 661-267-6777
CLIENT.SERVICES@ALLAMERICANBAILBONDS.COM
