Most people do not anticipate getting arrested with a criminal charge, but it is a common occurrence all the same. When you hear that your loved one is arrested on a criminal charge, the first thing you should opt for is bail. Again, one might not be fully aware of how the bail system work and how to apply for the same. Continue reading this article to learn more about the difference between bail and bail bonds. Once you know the nitty-gritty of the system, you can make an informed decision and help the ones in need. 

When to Apply for Bail: When someone gets arrested and taken to prison, he has the legal right to counsel. He may contact a private lawyer for legal advice, or the police authority may also provide an independent attorney if the defendant cannot arrange for a lawyer. The defendant will be promptly presented to the court in less than 48 hours of arrest for a bail trial. During this trial, the judge sets an amount as bail. It is now the defendant has options to post cash bail or go for a surety bond. 

What is Cash Bail? Cash bail, like the name suggest, is paid with cash. Now, the problem with cash bail is that the bail amount can be excessive, depending on the severity of the alleged crime. One is hardly prepared for that kind of liquid cash to pay the whole sum. For the rich and famous, posting a $350,000 bail is not a big deal, but the same can’t be expected from a regular Joe. 

What is the Alternative? As opposed to cash bail, a bail bond is an affordable gateway to freedom. The bail bond is a bond that ensures the defendant will follow court regulations while he is out of jail and will promptly appear for the trial. With this promise, the bail bond releases the defendant from behind bars. 

  • California law introduced a new law that eradicates the discrimination between the wealthy and the poor when it comes to getting bail. While setting the bail, the judge must take into consideration the financial condition of the defendant. Even if he cannot pay the whole amount in cash, he has the option to opt for surety bail; this provides him a chance to get out of jail and prepare for his trial.
  • This type of bail bond, also known as a surety bond, ensures the defendant’s fast release before trial. One has to pay only ten percent of the whole bail amount to the bail bondsman as a fee. Defendants in California can reach reputed bail bonds San Diego firm for a fast bail service. 
  • A surety bond requires someone else to sign the bail contract along with the defendant. The co-signee will be responsible if the defendant decides to jump bail and not show up for his trial. The co-signee will also have to pay the full bail amount if the defendant violates his bail contract.