By KHTS Newsroom
You are probably familiar with the courtroom terms “guilty,” “not guilty” and “no contest;” however, do you know what entering one of these pleas means for your loved one if he or she is being charged with a crime?
“After you or your loved one is charged with a particular crime, you must enter a plea to the courts,” said Inessa Chavez, vice president of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita. “It’s very important the defendant understands what it means for them to plead guilty, not guilty or no contest.”
Pleading “guilty” means the person is accepting responsibility for all the charges against them. This means they will not have a trial, and they will be sentenced by a judge not long after.
To plead “not guilty” means to deny all charges, and the person’s defense attorney will attempt to prove their innocence to a jury during a trial.
Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: Collateral
If the person pleads “no contest,” it means they are choosing not to fight their charges, but to accept them as if they were pleading guilty.
Those who are determined not to be a flight risk or potential danger to the community are often released on bail, helping to ensure they will make all of their scheduled court appearances, including their judgement day.
“In some cases, bail may be denied or elevated by the judge if the arrestee is a potential danger to the community or is a flight risk,” Chavez said.
Related: Bail Agent’s Code Of Ethics At All American Bail Bonds
The bail amount could also be affected by the person’s previous criminal record or the severity of the charges against them.
At All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita, bail agents are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to walk their clients through the bail bonding process following the arrest of a loved one.
“We also offer interest-free payment plans and a 20 percent rebate to qualified individuals who can’t afford to pay the bail bond premium upfront,” Chavez said. “Whatever your situation, 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
