Your teenager was just arrested for vandalizing the walls of a local high school and you think to yourself, “what do I do?” Highly trained bail agents at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita want to make the process of getting a loved one out of jail as quickly and smoothly as possible for their clients.
“The good news is that vandalism is considered a misdemeanor which is a criminal offense considered less serious than a felony,” said Inessa Chavez, vice president of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.
Misdemeanors are punishable by a county jail term of one year or less or a maximum fine of $1,000, usually, but not punishable by imprisonment in a state penitentiary.
Prostitution, vandalism, drunk driving and shoplifting, depending on the value of the merchandise, are all examples of misdemeanors.
One of three things can happen after an arrest is made and the police take the defendant to jail
- The defendant is released and no charges are filed.
- The defendant bails out or is released on his or her own recognizance (“O.R.”) and is scheduled for arraignment.
- The defendant remains in custody of the sheriff or law enforcement agency and is brought to court for arraignment.
“The bail is usually set at the defendant’s first court appearance after an arrest by a judge,” said Chavez.
When the defendant is brought to court for an arraignment or plea:
- The defendant is informed of charges
- The defendant is informed of his or her constitutional rights
- An attorney is appointed. If the defendant wishes to have an attorney but cannot afford one of his or her choice, the court will appoint one.
- Bail is set by the court, or the defendant is released on “OR,” or the defendant remains in custody.
OR
- Defendant enters a plea – guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Judges usually follow standard practices for misdemeanors. For example, bail is set at approximately $500 for nonviolent petty misdemeanors.
Under the constitution and the Bail Reform Act, defendants have the right to request lower bail as well as request a hearing to seek bail reduction.
Defendants or loved ones of the defendant can post cash bail or purchase a bail bond from a bail agency, such as All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.
“The defendant or a loved one of the defendant would pay 10 percent of the bail amount, or premium,” said Chavez. “For example, if the bail is set at $500, clients would only be paying $50 at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.”
Judges can remove bail altogether and grant release on the defendant’s O.R., under certain 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 loved one 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