By Melissa Lampert, KHTS Staff Writer
If you or a loved one are ever arrested and charged with a crime, having a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and its components can make it a little easier, according to Inessa Chavez of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.
“There are three parts to the criminal justice system in the state of California,” Chavez explained. “Law enforcement, courts and corrections.”
Sheriff’s deputies and police officers enforce state laws at the local level by investigating crimes and apprehending offenders. Cities and counties typically provide funding to local law enforcement agencies.
When it comes to the investigation of crimes that take place across multiple counties, such as organized crime, the Attorney General also provides some assistance to local law enforcement officials.
“In Santa Clarita, our local law enforcement is primarily Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies and California Highway Patrol officers,” Chavez said. “They are responsible for enforcing state laws throughout our city, as well as its unincorporated areas.”
Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: California’s Criminal Justice System
According to the Bail Resource Center & Academy, a person must go through California’s trial court system after they are arrested and charged with committing a crime by local district attorneys. District attorneys are also responsible for prosecuting the defendant.
The county provides a public defender if the defendant can’t afford to hire their own attorney.
If convicted or adjudicated for a crime, the person is placed under the supervision of corrections at the local or state level, depending on the length of incarceration and seriousness of the crime.
Generally, ‘low level’ offenders who typically serve their sentence in a jail are supervised at the local level, while more serious offenders who are incarcerated in prison for more than one year are supervised at the state level.
Related: Receiving A Cash Payment Of $10,000 Or Over At All American Bail Bonds
“The majority of people who serve jail sentences are placed on probation after they are released, though it isn’t required by law,” Chavez said. “However, individuals who serve prison sentences are required by law to be placed on parole, usually for a minimum of three years.”
So where do bail bonding companies like All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita come in? Immediately after you or a loved one is arrested by law enforcement officials, bail agents can step in to help ensure the person’s speedy release from jail. In addition, bail agents can help explain the process and offer referrals for legal counsel.
Article Source: “California 20-Hour Bail/Recovery Pre-Licensing Education, Volume 1” by the Bail Resource Center & Career Academy
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If your loved one is in custody and they wish to talk to an All American Bail Bonds representative, call:
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