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The biggest question people have about bail is the type of collateral bond companies accept. To help you better understand payment methods and risk factors, we’ve put together this list that outlines the most common types of collateral used for securing bail bonds.
Judges set bail based on a number of factors, many of which we will outline in the following paragraphs. The amount they set is important for you, the person responsible for bailing someone out of jail, because it determines the type of collateral you will need to secure a bond.
Here are some need-to-know tips for defendants and friends/family members of defendants in need of a bail bond:
“Bail” vs. “Bonds”
Though they are used for the same reason, there is a big difference between bailing someone out of jail and getting a bond. Bail is cash, or when a person pays the court directly. A bond, or “surety” bond, is when your friends or family members use a third party (i.e. a bondsman) to front the money for bail.
If you’re in a pinch and need a bail bond, it’s important to know the ins and outs of bail surety, the process, and how much a bond will actually cost you. This is why Bail Hotline has put together a comprehensive list of bail bond tips to get you started, whether you’re a defendant or concerned friend trying to get someone out of jail.
If you’re ever in a situation that calls for bail, it’s time to do some research pertaining to how bail bonds work. This is because bail bonds are complicated and can vary based on the crime, your record, and several other factors. To help get you started, Bail Hotline has thrown together a crash course in bail bonds that covers all the need-to-know information including answers to questions such as, “how do bail bonds work?”, “what role does a bondsman play?”, and other relevant queries.
No one ever anticipates themselves or their loved ones going to jail, but when something does occur to put them behind bars most people know they are likely eligible for bail. What many people don’t recognize, however, is that there is more than one way of doing this. They could, of course, deposit the entire bail amount up front – which would be a daunting burden – or they might choose to use a bail bond agency and accomplish the same goal for a small percentage of the face amount of their bail. It’s important to realize, though, that this relatively small distinction isn’t the only financial implication involved.
Today, meeting such a great man such as Danny Hernandez (President & CEO) & hearing Arnold Swarzenegger speak about coming to our Country as an immigrant with no one and nothing but himself was humbling. (Powerful Men giving back selflessly)
When Arnold talked about not having anything and not knowing anyone but yet strangers at his gym gave him Christmas presents! That was awesome. Because of something some of us may see as so simple, it can be life changing for one person and for Arnold it was.
Bail Agents from the Bail Hotline built two-dozen red flyer wagons during their sales training sessions to promote teamwork and motivation to finish 2013 with a bang. The wagons will be donated to local charities in the cities where many of their California offices are located.
Every year around November, Bail Agents from the Bail Hotline Bail Bonds meet to refine their skills, build teamwork, and motivate themselves to finish the fiscal year on a strong note. It all culminates in what Bail Hotline describes as their yearend BLITZ!
“This year we combined our motivations talks and workshops with team oriented games in which the teams won the tools to build their wagons, “explained Danny McGuire, CEO of Bail Hotline. “Everyone was excited to know that their Red Flyer wagon will brighten the holidays of many children in our communities.”
Summary: Probation violations in California can result in jail time and severe penalties, especially for felony violations. Bail amounts vary by county and offense. Legal help is crucial.
Continue readingThere are certain crimes, such as burglary or assault, which have existed from the time when prisons first came into existence. Some crimes, however, have only recently evolved with the onset of advanced technology. Identity theft, for example, has become a huge problem in California due to the relative ease in which personal information can now be obtained. Unfortunately for those charged with the crime, the consequences are harsh, so it’s imperative to understand everything that they are facing.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft can involve various crimes and charges. Willfully obtaining another’s personal information to use in an unlawful manner without the individual’s consent, for instance, constitutes identity theft. This includes any type of fraud which an individual may commit. In fact, even providing or selling another person’s personal information with the intent to defraud can be charged as identity theft.
It’s important to note that an actual intent to defraud isn’t even necessary to constitute identity theft. Simply selling or transferring an individual’s personal information while knowing that it will be used in a fraudulent manner is considered a crime. Any of these actions will result in identity theft and possibly other charges, so the first step should be to get in touch with a reputable bail bondsman who can begin working for your release.
Bail for Identity Theft
Bail amounts for identity theft can vary widely between counties and even within a certain region. In San Diego County, for instance, the bail schedule sets a $50,000 bail for those charged with this crime. Additionally, an individual with a prior conviction will be given a $40,000 bail amount if they even have another person’s information and intend to use it fraudulently.
Several California county bail schedules don’t specifically refer to identity theft, but the underlying crimes will often decide what bail a person faces. In Los Angeles County, for instance, felonies related to credit cards have a preset bail of $20,000. Luckily, in California the law puts a maximum of 10 percent of the face amount for agencies posting security bonds for a person’s release.
Penalties for Identity Theft
The penalties related to identity theft are varying and serious. This crime is known as a “wobbler,” meaning that it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This choice is made by the prosecutor. A person convicted of a misdemeanor can face a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. This punishment, however, is amongst the most lenient.
A person convicted of felony identity theft can face three years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Additionally, multiple charges of identity theft can be filed on an individual who used another’s personal information on numerous occasions. Even worse is the fact that several other crimes, such as credit card fraud and Internet fraud, can be charged as well if they were part of the identity theft.
Sadly, identity theft seems to be a problem that isn’t going away any time soon. For those accused of the crime, a long road of difficulty may lay ahead. There are several defenses to this allegation, and an individual with competent legal help may stand a good chance of being exonerated. The important thing is to quickly speak with an attorney and start building a defense to avoid the harsh repercussions related to a conviction.
