Southern California Criminal Defense Attorneys

Orange County & Los Angeles Premier Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested for a crime can be a nerve-wracking experience. Let the experienced Southern California Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Guisti help guide you through the bail bond process.

When someone is arrested for committing a crime, typically he is taken to the local detention facility to be booked, and then moved to a lock-up station or county jail for incarceration. Following his arrest and booking, a defendant can be released pending the conclusion of his or her case via several bail options.

The purpose of the bail system is to ensure that the defendant will not flee or run from the charges against him if released. It acts as an insurance policy for the State that the defendant will appear in court at the date specified by the judge.

Bail Release Options

There are five basic release options:

Surety Bond (Most Common Bail Bond)

The Surety Bond contracts with the Bail Bond Agent which guarantee the defendant's appearance in court. The Bail Bond Agent is fully liable if the defendant does not appear in court.

Cash Bond

A Cash Bond is the same as a Surety Bond except the individual is required to post the total amount of the Bail (not just 10 percent) in cash. The court holds this money until the case is concluded. If the defendant does not appear as instructed, the cash bond is forfeited and a bench warrant is issued for the defendant.

Property Bond

In rare cases, an individual may obtain release from custody by means of posting a Property Bond with the court. The court records a lien (or right) on the property to secure the bail amount. If the defendant fails to appear, the court may institute foreclosure proceedings against the property. The equity of the property must be twice the amount of the bail set.

Own Recognizance (OR) - "Get Out Of Jail Free" / Citation Release

OR constitutes an administrative pre-trial release without any financial security to insure the defendant's appearance.

When is Bail determined?

Bail is usually determined by the judge at a defendant's arraignment, first court appearance.
Bail is Normally Granted When:

• A person is arrested for a bailable offense, and is not a danger to the public; and
• A person has close ties to the community and is not a flight risk.

Call us NOW...714-530-9690 and speak to one of our Attorneys, and we can direct you to a Bail Bondsman to get you Out of Jail.

Southern California Criminal Defense Lawyers with Vast Criminal Law Experience.

The Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti handles serious charges in state and federal court. Contact a criminal defense lawyer to schedule a consultation.