By Lori Bashian
The criminal justice system in California is something not everyone is familiar with, so the experts from All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita are helping residents gain knowledge by answering common questions.
“The criminal justice system is put in place for everyone’s safety,” said Inessa Chavez, vice president of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.
According to the Bail Resource Center & Career Academy, California’s criminal justice system is based on the laws that define and determine punishments for crimes. These laws are known as criminal sentencing laws.
The three categories of crimes for which a person can be held accountable for are called infractions, misdemeanors and felonies.
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“An infraction is the least serious crime an individual can commit, and the consequence will often be a fine,” said Chavez. “A majority of California offenses, however, are misdemeanors, which are considered more serious than infractions.”
Misdemeanors can include crimes like petty theft and public drunkenness, and can result in probation, serving time in county jail, paying a fine or a combination of the three.
More serious than a misdemeanor is a felony — the most serious type of crime — which is often punishable by a sentence of at least one year in state prison.
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Through the California Penal Code, felonies are separated into two categories: violent and serious. Violent felonies can include murder, robbery and rape, and serious felonies can include all violent felonies along with other crimes.
“Law enforcement and prosecutors are given the ability, based on their own judgement, to charge certain infractions as either a misdemeanor or a felony, or to charge misdemeanors as felonies,” explained Chavez. “These types of felonies and misdemeanors are known as ‘wobblers.’’’
The knowledgeable bail agents at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any questions residents may have about the bail bond process.
“Just give us a call anytime,” Chavez said. “We’re here to help.”
“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