| <p>It's one of those events that you think happens | | | | which the bail will be set.</p><br> |
| only to someone else. You get a phone call that | | | | <p>This is where the bail agent assists people. Bail |
| someone close to you needs you to bail them out of | | | | agents fund the <a href=" bond</a> through an |
| jail. The stress that follows can be fueled by the | | | | agreement with the indemnitor, the person who will be |
| unfamiliarity with the process. At times like this, a little | | | | responsible for the bail amount and ensure the |
| knowledge about the legal process can help a person | | | | defendant attends court appearances. Bail agents |
| handle the situation better.</p><br> | | | | may allow the indemnitor to pay off the bail premium |
| <p>The criminal legal process in California can be | | | | through a payment plan. This is extremely helpful if an |
| broken down into 5 simple steps. First, the defendant is | | | | indemnitor does not have the cash upfront to pay for |
| charged with a crime by the arresting agency. After | | | | bail.</p><br> |
| this the District Attorney reviews the case and makes | | | | <p>A bail agent can expedite the release of the |
| a decision whether or not to file charges. If the District | | | | defendant from jail. For this reason it is important that a |
| Attorney does not file charges, the case is | | | | bail agent be experienced and handles them in a |
| dismissed.<br></p> | | | | professional manner.</p><br> |
| <p>If, however, the District Attorney does file | | | | <p>Once bailed out, the defendant needs to |
| charges, there will be an arraignment where the | | | | attend their court dates and will have to occasionally |
| defendant pleads either innocent or guilty. If the | | | | report into the <a href=" bond agency</a>. |
| defendant pleads guilty, he or she is sentenced and the | | | | Keeping in contact with the bail agent helps the |
| case is closed.</p><br> | | | | defendant and indemnitor by providing information for |
| <p>If the defendant pleads innocent, then a court | | | | court appearance, explaining the bail process and |
| date is set. At that time the court would hear the case, | | | | contracts and being available to indemnitor and |
| reach a verdict, and the case is closed. While this | | | | defendant for information regarding process.< |
| sounds simple, the hearing can take some time and no | | | | p><br> |
| one wants to be in jail that long and some can't afford | | | | <p>By knowing the court process and role of the |
| it. Defendants have jobs to get back to in order to pay | | | | bail agent to assist in it, a person is able to cope better |
| their bills.</p><br> | | | | with the situation. Keeping calm allows a person to |
| <p>During this period of time, being bailed out can | | | | make educated decisions during a difficult event. When |
| be crucial. When the defendant is in custody before | | | | looking for professionals to guide you, look at their |
| the arraignment, the court may allow the defendant to | | | | experience and how they present themselves to you. |
| be bailed with the understanding that they will return for | | | | People who have been in business for a longer period |
| their court appearances. California courts have bail | | | | of time not only offer you more experience, but also |
| schedules to determine what the dollar amount at | | | | have a reputation to uphold. |