If you or a loved one has been arrested, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Fortunately, the Eighth Amendment grants the right to bail to a person accused of committing a crime. Bail is a financial guarantee that ensures the defendant will appear in court on the designated date. Bail bonds are a type of contract that allows a person to be released from custody while they await their trial. If you are unable to raise the required bail amount or you need bail bonds, a bail bonds company can help.
Bail Bonds Company is a trusted provider of Cerritos bail bonds services that can help you secure your release. With our expertise and understanding of the bail bond process, we can assist you in navigating this challenging time and getting you back to your normal routine as soon as possible. This will also give you ample time to prepare for your defense with your attorney.
What Happens If I Am Arrested in Cerritos?
The aftermath of an arrest in Cerritos typically follows the same process as someone arrested in other areas of the state. The arrest must, however, be lawful. This means the arrest happened during either of the following:
- The arresting officer had probable cause to arrest you: A person may be arrested when a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that person has committed a crime. Probable cause is a reasonable belief, based on specific facts and circumstances, that a person has committed a crime. This standard is met if the officer has enough information to support a reasonable inference that the person has committed the crime.
- The officer had a warrant: Arrests can occur as a result of a warrant, in which a judge issues a written order directing the police to arrest the person named in the warrant. Warrants can be issued for a variety of reasons, including failing to appear in court, violating probation, or failing to pay fines.
After an arrest in Cerritos, you will likely be taken to the Cerritos Jail. This jail is located at the Cerritos Sheriff's Station on 18135 Bloomfield Avenue. The jail serves as a temporary holding and booking facility. The booking process is a series of procedures that occur after a person is arrested by law enforcement. The booking process typically includes the following steps:
- Personal information: Your personal information, such as name, date of birth, address, and occupation, will be taken.
- Fingerprinting: Your fingerprints will be taken and processed to verify your identity and check for any previous criminal records.
- Photography: A mugshot or booking photo will be taken.
- Searches: You will undergo a search of your person and belongings to ensure the safety of the jail staff and other individuals in custody.
- Inventoried property: Your property will be inventoried and stored until they are released.
- Medical evaluation: You may undergo a medical evaluation to assess your physical and mental health.
- A criminal history check: Your criminal history will be checked to see if you have any outstanding warrants or are a flight risk.
- Interview: You may be interviewed by a booking officer to gather additional information about the arrest.
This booking process can take a few minutes to hours depending on the jail staff, the number of arrestees, the nature of charges, among others. Since Cerritos Jail is a relatively small jail that can’t hold many arrestees, you will likely be transferred to a larger jail if you do not bail out fast.
Bailing Out of Cerritos Jail
As mentioned earlier, you should bail out of jail as soon as possible before you or a loved one is transferred to a larger jail. This would save you a lot of time and is less complicated.
There are different options for bailing out. You can bail out yourself (or a friend/ relative) or use a Cerritos bail bonds company. The latter option is usually ideal if you cannot raise the required bail amount or need an experienced bail bondsman to help you throughout the process, as we will discuss further below.
The most common way of bailing out is through cash bail. Cash bail is a type of bail option in which the full amount of the bail set by the judge must be paid in cash to the jail or court in order to secure the release of the arrested person. The cash will be held as collateral until the case is resolved and the arrested person appears at all required court appearances. If the arrested person attends all court appearances, the cash will be returned, minus any fees or fines. If the arrested person fails to appear in court, the cash bail may be forfeited and a warrant may be issued for their arrest. Cash bail is often the preferred option for those who can afford to pay the full amount of the bail set by the judge.
Note that cash bail does not always have to be set by a judge. Most temporary holding jails will use the county’s bail schedule to determine the bail amount for a particular offense. The bail schedule is intended to ensure consistency and fairness in the bail-setting process, but judges have the discretion to deviate from the schedule and set a higher or lower bail amount if they believe it is necessary.
If the arrestee is accused of a misdemeanor, the jail will use the Los Angeles County misdemeanor bail schedule to set the amount of bail. The bail amount will be $500 for a charge that does not have a specific amount in the schedule. If the charge is a wobbler (charges that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony), you will pay a minimum amount of $750 as bail.
Can I Be Released Without Posting Bail?
You don’t always have to pay bail or post a bail bond to be released. You can be released on own recognizance or signature bond. Own recognizance (OR) release and signature bond are similar in that they are both forms of pretrial release in which the arrested person is released from jail without having to pay any bail or post a bond. Both forms of release require the arrested person to sign a contract in which they agree to appear in court as required and follow any conditions set by the judge.
The main difference between an OR release and a signature bond is that an OR release is a form of pretrial release that does not require the arrested person to sign a bond or agree to pay any money if they fail to appear in court. A signature bond, on the other hand, is a type of bail option in which the arrested person is released from jail on the promise to appear in court without having to pay any money, but they do sign a bond and agree to pay a penalty if they fail to appear in court.
Both OR release and signature bonds are typically only available to those charged with low-level offenses and those who have strong ties to the community, such as a stable job, family ties, and a history of appearing in court when required. If the arrested person fails to appear in court as required, they may be subject to additional penalties, such as fines and the revocation of their release.
Cerritos Bail Bonds
If you are not eligible for a pre-trial release without paying any amount or cannot raise the required bail amount, you can hire the services of a bail bonds company. These companies are licensed and regulated by the Department of Insurance.
With bail bonds, the arrested person or a co-signer posts a bail bond, which is essentially a contract with a bail bond agent or surety company that guarantees the arrested person will appear in court as required.
In exchange for posting the bail bond, the bail bond agent or surety company typically charges a non-refundable fee, which is usually a percentage of the total bail amount. This fee is usually 10%, but some companies such as Bail Bonds Company can provide as low as a 1% fee. You can contact us to see available discount options for your situation.
If the arrested person fails to appear in court as required, the bail bond agent or surety company is responsible for finding and returning the person to custody. In such cases, the bail bond agent or surety company may also be responsible for paying any fines or fees imposed by the court.
Bail bonds are an alternative to paying cash bail, which requires the arrested person or a co-signer to pay the full amount of bail in order to secure the arrested person's release from jail. They offer a convenient and affordable option for many people who do not have the financial resources to pay the full amount of bail themselves. However, they come with their own costs, including the non-refundable fee charged by the bail bond agent or surety company. You will also be liable to penalties or fees that may be imposed if you fail to appear in court as required.
Here are some types of Cerritos bail bonds:
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Domestic Violence Bail Bonds
Domestic violence is a serious and complex issue that can involve physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse between people who have/had a close relationship, such as spouses, partners, or family members. Domestic violence bail bonds refer to bail bonds that are used to secure the release of someone who has been arrested and charged with domestic violence.
In cases of domestic violence, the bail amount may be set higher than it would be for similar charges in order to ensure that the arrested person does not pose a threat to the alleged victim or to the community. In some cases, a judge may also impose additional conditions on the arrested person's release, such as a restraining order or restrictions on their ability to possess firearms.
Because of the complex nature of domestic violence cases and the expected huge bail amount, you should consider working with a reliable Cerritos domestic violence bail bonds company.
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Immigration Bail Bonds
Immigration bail bonds are used to secure the release of someone who has been arrested and detained by immigration authorities. In many cases, people who are arrested by immigration authorities are held in detention centers while their immigration case is pending. This can result in lengthy stays in detention, and in some cases, separation from family and other loved ones.
In some cases, an immigration judge may set a bail amount for a detained person, which would allow them to be released from custody while their case is pending. If the detained person or their co-signer is able to pay the full amount of bail, they will be released from custody. However, many people do not have the financial resources to pay the full amount of bail, which is why immigration bail bonds are a commonly used option.
Immigration is a complex area of law. That’s why you should seek an experienced Cerritos bail bonds agent to help you navigate the entire process.
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Drug Bail Bonds
Drug offenses can range from simple possession to distribution and manufacturing, and can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment if convicted.
In many cases, the bail amount for drug offenses may be set higher than it would be for similar charges to ensure the arrested person does not pose a threat to the community or engage in further criminal activity while awaiting trial. If the arrested person cannot afford to pay the full amount of bail, they can work with a bail bond agent to secure a drug bail bond.
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Federal Bail Bonds
Federal bail bonds refer to bail bonds that are used to secure the release of someone who has been arrested and charged with a federal crime. Federal crimes are crimes that are committed against the United States, and can include offenses such as bank robbery, drug trafficking, and counterfeiting. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office and are heard in federal court.
In many cases, the bail amount for federal crimes may be set higher than it would be for similar charges in state court. If you cannot afford to pay the full amount of bail, you can work with a bail bond agent to secure a federal bail bond.
Can a Jail Refuse To Release An Arrested Person?
Yes, a jail may refuse to release an individual even if they have posted bail. This may occur if the jail has a hold or warrant on the individual from another jurisdiction, if the individual is considered to be a flight risk or a danger to the public, or if there is a mistake in the bail bond or release process.
Penal Code 1275 hold is usually the most common reason why a person cannot be released. Penal Code 1275 hold on bail refers to a hold that is placed on a person who has been arrested in California and has posted bail. The law requires a bail bond agent to verify the identity of an arrested person before posting bail and to ensure that the person is not subject to any outstanding warrants or holds from another jurisdiction.
The purpose of a Penal Code 1275 hold is to ensure that the person who has been arrested is not released from custody until all outstanding warrants or holds have been cleared. This helps to ensure that the person will appear in court and not pose a threat to public safety or flee to avoid prosecution.
If a Penal Code 1275 hold is placed on an arrested person, they cannot be released from custody until the hold is cleared. This may involve the person being transferred to another jurisdiction or appearing in court in the jurisdiction that issued the hold. In some cases, the hold may be resolved quickly and the person may be released on bail as soon as possible, but in other cases, the hold may take longer to resolve.
If you or a loved one has been arrested and is subject to a Penal Code 1275 hold, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced Cerritos bail bonds agent who can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the bail bond process.
Contact an Experienced Cerritos Bail Bonds Agent Near Me
The bail bond process is an important aspect of the criminal justice system that allows individuals who have been arrested to be released from custody while they await trial. Understanding the options available for posting bail, such as cash bail, signature bonds, or bail bonds, is essential in navigating this process. It is also important to understand the various holds and restrictions that may impact an individual's release from custody, such as Penal Code 1275 holds.
If you or a loved one is facing arrest and the possibility of jail time in Cerritos, CA, turn to our trusted and experienced team at Bail Bonds Company. Our local Cerritos bail bond agents are always available to assist you in understanding the bail bond process and ensuring that your rights are protected. Whether you are seeking to post bail or are facing difficulties with the release process, the right support can make all the difference. Call us today at 323-579-1415.
