By Informed Bail Agent
All American Bail Bonds http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net/
As a dedicated viewer of Fox News and a fan of The Glen Beck show I was quite shocked to witness Glen Becks interview with, what I would now describe as a Racist Sheriff Joe Arpaio. I won’t get into the remarks of Sheriff Joe Arapio, I am sure in the next few days you will be able to Google information on his remarks or even go to YouTube for the video.
As a bail bondsman, with offices in Lakewood, Santa Ana, North Hollywood, and Palmdale, I do believe we need increased border security but I also agree that racial profiling cannot be allowed. In our bail industry we deal with all types of people from all nationalities, we deal with people here legally as well as illegally. As a bail bondsman in Southern California we see a broad array of crimes allegedly committed by a broad array of people and it is very frustrating when we see individuals here illegally committing crimes with no clear concern for our system of laws. I as an individual do believe we as a country do need to increase our border security but at the same time there are human rights issues we cannot ignore. Our elected officials in law enforcement as well as government must understand that we as a people we will not allow them to destroy our moral beliefs in treating all people fairly in the name of immigration reform.
In conclusion I would like to restate that I do believe we need to tighten the borders and I do not believe in amnesty for all. If people wish to come to this great country of ours, first and foremost, they MUST understand that we as a country will not tolerate the breaking of our laws; if we as a people must obey the laws of this country they too must. I see a lot of people here who are here illegally, who are productive law abiding parts of our society, and I do hope that these individuals who play by the rules do one day get an opportunity and the privilege to be called a U.S. Citizen.
“BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BAIL”
“YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE HERE ILLEGALLY AND BREAK OUR LAWS”
By The Voice of All American Bail Bonds
“Keep Informed Keep Aware”
Friday, October 9, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
ERIN ANDREWS STALKER DUE IN COURT.
By All American Bail Bonds Customer Service
“Because you have the right to bail”
http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net/
Mark David Barrett, a 47-year-old Chicago man accused of stalking ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews, has been arraigned today Monday October 5th after his arrest last Friday on federal charges of videotaping a nude Andrews during her stays in various hotels across the United States. Barret is accused of illegally obtaining the videos by using a camera video phone through hotel peepholes and uploading the videos to the internet; furthermore Barrett is accused of attempting to sell the videos to the Fox show TMZ. Today U.S. Magistrate Judge Arlander Key ordered Barrett released with an electronic monitoring bracelet on his ankle. Barret is barred from using the and also ordered to observe a curfew of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Barrett’s charges of interstate stalking could result in up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Barrett’s next court day will be in Los Angeles on Oct 23. His attorney says Barrett will return to his insurance job
“Because you have the right to bail”
0downbail.com
“Because you have the right to bail”
http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net/
Mark David Barrett, a 47-year-old Chicago man accused of stalking ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews, has been arraigned today Monday October 5th after his arrest last Friday on federal charges of videotaping a nude Andrews during her stays in various hotels across the United States. Barret is accused of illegally obtaining the videos by using a camera video phone through hotel peepholes and uploading the videos to the internet; furthermore Barrett is accused of attempting to sell the videos to the Fox show TMZ. Today U.S. Magistrate Judge Arlander Key ordered Barrett released with an electronic monitoring bracelet on his ankle. Barret is barred from using the and also ordered to observe a curfew of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Barrett’s charges of interstate stalking could result in up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Barrett’s next court day will be in Los Angeles on Oct 23. His attorney says Barrett will return to his insurance job
“Because you have the right to bail”
0downbail.com
Monday, September 28, 2009
Ethics in Bail, A Better Bail Business
I am a bail bondsman with All American Bail Bonds. We are a bail bonding agency which employs over 20 people from office workers to agents. We currently have 3 offices throughout the Greater L.A. Metropolitan area. I am often asked “what is the most frustrating thing about your job”? And I say that it’s getting the bail, making sure the people make it to their court appearances and finding them when they don’t. My common answer is there is no one thing.
Lately because of the quick growth of our company I have been doing a lot of thinking. At this point I believe the most frustration “thing” in the bail bond business is ethics or lack of! Bail is a cash business, it can be a business of quick cash or quick failure. It is a business of constant stress which if handled well can lead to great reward. I guess one might think that this job is “good” some might say easy, the kind of job that you can learn by reading a book or studying others. In actuality, this job is far from easy and because at times it appears so easy you tend to see a lot of charlatans.
When people perceive that money can easily be made you will begin to see people out and about trying to make an easy buck by feeding on the fears and confusion of families and friends who have loved ones in jail. I think I am writing this not to appeal to our clients or potential clients but to appeal to the bondsmen out there to take back the business from the crooks who solicit illegally, who steal, who lie and those who are not even properly licensed. Yes, there are some bail companies out there as close as Van Nuys who aren’t even properly licensed, there are jailers in some of the local jails who are allegedly receiving kickbacks from local companies for sending bail their way or giving special privileges. For those who think I am writing this because of pettiness or I am just a complainer, they are wrong. Bail agents need to take back their business we need to band together to be more professional, more honest, and just better people.
There are too many snakes and rats in the farm. We need to put out the traps and eliminate the illegal and improper activities of our competitors. I look forward to the day when bail bondsmen are not thought of as crooks smoking cigars and doing deals in dark back allies. I wish to be looked at as a professional insurance agent, a master in his field. We need to have a code of unwritten rules on how to treat our clients. The people who are in need of our services are the ones that keep us in business. Let’s not lose our humanity, let’s not lose ourselves chasing the premium, the quick buck. I pray that those who read this will relate and band together to do right where others have done wrong. The agents out there who have been really writing bail know what I am talking about. You professional companies out there, lets unite. There are several good companies out there, the companies that have been here for years and will be here for many more. There are also other companies who have no idea what they’re doing. The individuals who are just looking to be somebody and make a quick buck; If we band together these rats, snakes and charlatans will be no more. We can have a more professional industry if we try.
If you would like to speak further on how we can band together please contact us at 866-743-8688 or visit our web site at www.allamericanbailbonds.net.
Thank You
“Because You Have the Right to Professional, Honest, and Ethical Bail”
Written by customer service, All American Bail Bonds.
Lately because of the quick growth of our company I have been doing a lot of thinking. At this point I believe the most frustration “thing” in the bail bond business is ethics or lack of! Bail is a cash business, it can be a business of quick cash or quick failure. It is a business of constant stress which if handled well can lead to great reward. I guess one might think that this job is “good” some might say easy, the kind of job that you can learn by reading a book or studying others. In actuality, this job is far from easy and because at times it appears so easy you tend to see a lot of charlatans.
When people perceive that money can easily be made you will begin to see people out and about trying to make an easy buck by feeding on the fears and confusion of families and friends who have loved ones in jail. I think I am writing this not to appeal to our clients or potential clients but to appeal to the bondsmen out there to take back the business from the crooks who solicit illegally, who steal, who lie and those who are not even properly licensed. Yes, there are some bail companies out there as close as Van Nuys who aren’t even properly licensed, there are jailers in some of the local jails who are allegedly receiving kickbacks from local companies for sending bail their way or giving special privileges. For those who think I am writing this because of pettiness or I am just a complainer, they are wrong. Bail agents need to take back their business we need to band together to be more professional, more honest, and just better people.
There are too many snakes and rats in the farm. We need to put out the traps and eliminate the illegal and improper activities of our competitors. I look forward to the day when bail bondsmen are not thought of as crooks smoking cigars and doing deals in dark back allies. I wish to be looked at as a professional insurance agent, a master in his field. We need to have a code of unwritten rules on how to treat our clients. The people who are in need of our services are the ones that keep us in business. Let’s not lose our humanity, let’s not lose ourselves chasing the premium, the quick buck. I pray that those who read this will relate and band together to do right where others have done wrong. The agents out there who have been really writing bail know what I am talking about. You professional companies out there, lets unite. There are several good companies out there, the companies that have been here for years and will be here for many more. There are also other companies who have no idea what they’re doing. The individuals who are just looking to be somebody and make a quick buck; If we band together these rats, snakes and charlatans will be no more. We can have a more professional industry if we try.
If you would like to speak further on how we can band together please contact us at 866-743-8688 or visit our web site at www.allamericanbailbonds.net.
Thank You
“Because You Have the Right to Professional, Honest, and Ethical Bail”
Written by customer service, All American Bail Bonds.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
All American Bail Bonds Fugitive Recovery
The date is July 25th and you can call me agent 1, I am a fugitive recovery agent with All American Bail Bonds. Today we are going to revoke bail on one of our clients who has failed to check in and we have recently received credible information that he is currently using Meth and is a flight risk.
Our client from this point out will be called Brent. Brent lives in Hollywood with his young wife who is equally full of you know what. We originally bailed out Brent on a misdemeanor warrant out of riverside. Brent has a job at a local nightclub in West Hollywood and has failed to check in for over three weeks. We have tried to contact Brent on multiple occasions and we had recently found out that Brent has failed to appear on several other bonds posted previously, and after speaking with a mutual friend who notified us that he has been using meth for weeks, the head office has decided that bail revocation is necessary.
Well its Saturday July 25th and we are meeting at our North Hollywood office address 11526 Burbank Blvd North Hollywood Ca #20; we decided to do a early morning pick up so as to surprise Brent and hopefully get him while he was still asleep. There are three of us today and were driving one of our pick up vehicles, a late model mini van which my guys lovingly call the soccer mom van. We get to Brents house around 6:30 in the morning, I send agent 2 out around back of the apartment complex to the rear window while agent 3 and I go to the front I have agent 3 knock on the door claiming to be a neighbor with an emergency, stating he needs to use the phone. The door opens at that time agent 3 identifies himself and walks through the door tazer in hand, while I explain to the wife, who is the indemnitor, why we are there. While I am speaking with the wife do agent 2 squaks in on the radio and says he tazed the client while he was coming through the ally and now has him in custody. It appears that the defendant didn’t come in last night he had stayed out all night drinking and doing drugs. When brent saw our fugitive recovery agent in the ally he tried to turn and run. Agent 2 immediately identified himself gave pursuit and tazed the client which brought him to the ground. A couple seconds later he was handcuffs, he didn’t know what hit him. While this was all going on Agent 3 was in the bedroom getting ready to arrest another guy was naked in bed, that’s right naked in bed. It appears that the wife was having her own fun without her husband present, we later find out that she had got drunk and a friend had escorted her home because she couldn’t drive and of course one thing led to another. At this point now I am trying to keep a straight face but I can’t help but to think that maybe we’ve done more than just revoke a bail we may have just prevented a serious domestic disturbance. Well back to Brent, Agent 2 has taken him into custody and walked him to the vehicle with agent 3 while I explained to the wife why we were doing what we were doing. She tells me that Brent hasn’t been avoiding us it’s just he’s always drunk and doped up so he forgets to call. No excuses, we do our job, we drive Brent to Riverside county jail where he is promptly booked in and we all get some lunch and tell some good stories.
Written by Agent 1
All American Bail Bonds
http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net/
“Because You have the Right to Bail”
Our client from this point out will be called Brent. Brent lives in Hollywood with his young wife who is equally full of you know what. We originally bailed out Brent on a misdemeanor warrant out of riverside. Brent has a job at a local nightclub in West Hollywood and has failed to check in for over three weeks. We have tried to contact Brent on multiple occasions and we had recently found out that Brent has failed to appear on several other bonds posted previously, and after speaking with a mutual friend who notified us that he has been using meth for weeks, the head office has decided that bail revocation is necessary.
Well its Saturday July 25th and we are meeting at our North Hollywood office address 11526 Burbank Blvd North Hollywood Ca #20; we decided to do a early morning pick up so as to surprise Brent and hopefully get him while he was still asleep. There are three of us today and were driving one of our pick up vehicles, a late model mini van which my guys lovingly call the soccer mom van. We get to Brents house around 6:30 in the morning, I send agent 2 out around back of the apartment complex to the rear window while agent 3 and I go to the front I have agent 3 knock on the door claiming to be a neighbor with an emergency, stating he needs to use the phone. The door opens at that time agent 3 identifies himself and walks through the door tazer in hand, while I explain to the wife, who is the indemnitor, why we are there. While I am speaking with the wife do agent 2 squaks in on the radio and says he tazed the client while he was coming through the ally and now has him in custody. It appears that the defendant didn’t come in last night he had stayed out all night drinking and doing drugs. When brent saw our fugitive recovery agent in the ally he tried to turn and run. Agent 2 immediately identified himself gave pursuit and tazed the client which brought him to the ground. A couple seconds later he was handcuffs, he didn’t know what hit him. While this was all going on Agent 3 was in the bedroom getting ready to arrest another guy was naked in bed, that’s right naked in bed. It appears that the wife was having her own fun without her husband present, we later find out that she had got drunk and a friend had escorted her home because she couldn’t drive and of course one thing led to another. At this point now I am trying to keep a straight face but I can’t help but to think that maybe we’ve done more than just revoke a bail we may have just prevented a serious domestic disturbance. Well back to Brent, Agent 2 has taken him into custody and walked him to the vehicle with agent 3 while I explained to the wife why we were doing what we were doing. She tells me that Brent hasn’t been avoiding us it’s just he’s always drunk and doped up so he forgets to call. No excuses, we do our job, we drive Brent to Riverside county jail where he is promptly booked in and we all get some lunch and tell some good stories.
Written by Agent 1
All American Bail Bonds
http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net/
“Because You have the Right to Bail”
Thursday, June 4, 2009
www.0downbail.com Lakewood Jail…Bailing out of the Lakewood Sheriff Station, thing you need to know.
The Lakewood Sheriff Station is located in the southeast area of Los Angeles County in the city of Lakewood Ca. The Lakewood sheriff station provides general and specialized community-oriented law enforcement services to over 270,000 residents in the contract cities of Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood and Paramount. Each city has its own local government and provides a unique and proactive law enforcement program that is tailored to meet their specific needs.
The Lakewood Sheriff Station is located at 5130 N. Clark Ave Lakewood, CA. 90712. Their telephone number is 562-623-2500. For more information or directions please visit http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net/ or call our local office at 562-867-7900.
The Bail Process: The Bail process at Lakewood Sheriff Station is quite lengthy with an average time of 8 hours. If you are using a bail bonding service be prepared to wait. In our line of work we run In to many people who become frustrated in having to wait for their loved ones to “clear records” clearing records is what we bail bondsman have to wait for before we can post our bail bond. The booking process consists of course the arrest, transit time, and then fingerprinting. Fingerprints are transmitted electronically to California Department of Justice in Sacramento where they are cleared through local databases as well as Federal Databases. Once the Sheriff is given the all clear they will process the paperwork or “packet” and then allow us to “post our bond.” Once our bond is posted the release time is approximately thirty minutes but up to one and a half hour.
Please keep in mind the Lakewood Sheriff Station is a very active station covering a huge area; if you find that one of your loved ones have been arrested in either Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, or Paramount and have been taken to the Lakewood Sheriff Station and are in need of a bail bondsman or bail bonding service or you are just in need of jail or inmate information please call us at 562-864-4893 or visit us at http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net
If you prefer you can visit our office at 5517 E. Del Amo Blvd. Lakewood Ca. 90713.
Written by Customer Service
All American Bail Bonds
“Because You Have the Right to Bail”
The Lakewood Sheriff Station is located at 5130 N. Clark Ave Lakewood, CA. 90712. Their telephone number is 562-623-2500. For more information or directions please visit http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net/ or call our local office at 562-867-7900.
The Bail Process: The Bail process at Lakewood Sheriff Station is quite lengthy with an average time of 8 hours. If you are using a bail bonding service be prepared to wait. In our line of work we run In to many people who become frustrated in having to wait for their loved ones to “clear records” clearing records is what we bail bondsman have to wait for before we can post our bail bond. The booking process consists of course the arrest, transit time, and then fingerprinting. Fingerprints are transmitted electronically to California Department of Justice in Sacramento where they are cleared through local databases as well as Federal Databases. Once the Sheriff is given the all clear they will process the paperwork or “packet” and then allow us to “post our bond.” Once our bond is posted the release time is approximately thirty minutes but up to one and a half hour.
Please keep in mind the Lakewood Sheriff Station is a very active station covering a huge area; if you find that one of your loved ones have been arrested in either Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, or Paramount and have been taken to the Lakewood Sheriff Station and are in need of a bail bondsman or bail bonding service or you are just in need of jail or inmate information please call us at 562-864-4893 or visit us at http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net
If you prefer you can visit our office at 5517 E. Del Amo Blvd. Lakewood Ca. 90713.
Written by Customer Service
All American Bail Bonds
“Because You Have the Right to Bail”
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
How Bail Works F.A.Q. by 0downbail.com
Q. What is a Bail Bond? A. Most people are familiar with bail bonds. Someone arrested on a criminal charge may be held until trial, unless they furnish the required bail. The posting of a bail bond acquired by or on behalf of the incarcerated person is one means of meeting the required bail. When a bond is issued, the bonding company guarantees that the defendant will appear in court at a given time and place. The Government entity (state or federal) in whose court the defendant must appear, is protected by the bond. If the defendant fails to appear, the bond amount becomes payable and is forfeited as a penalty by the surety insurer issuing the bond. Bail bonds usually require collateral (cash, a deed, or other property) to protect the surety.
Bail bonds are issued by licensed "Bail Agents" who specialize in their underwriting and issuance. Bail agents act as the appointed representatives of licensed surety insurance companies.
Q. What is the purpose of bail?
A. The purpose of bail is to assure the attendance of the defendant, when his or her appearance is required in court, whether before or after conviction.
Q. How much does a bail agent charge?
A. The cost to the consumer will be about 10% of the total amount of the bond, plus actual, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the transaction. The court determines the amount of the bond.
Each surety company must file rates with the Department of Insurance. Bail agents representing a company must charge the same, filed rates. A "Rate Chart" is required to be posted in a visible location at every bail bond office.
Q. Is there any restrictions on how high my bail can be?
A. The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that bail not be excessive. This means that bail should not be used to raise money for the government or to punish a person for being suspected of committing a crime. The purpose of bail is to give an arrested person her freedom until she is convicted of a crime, and the amount of bail must be no more than is reasonably necessary to keep her from fleeing before a case is over.
Q. What can I do if I can't afford to pay the bail listed on the bail schedule?
A. If you can’t afford the amount of bail on the bail schedule, you can ask a judge to lower it. Depending on the state, your request must be made either in a special bail-setting hearing or when you appear in court for the first time, usually called your arraignment.
Q. How soon can I appear before a judge?A. A person taken to jail must be brought "without unnecessary delay before the nearest available…magistrate." In no event should more than 48 hours elapse (not counting weekends and holidays) between the time of booking and bringing you to court.
Q. How do I pay for bail?
A. There are two ways to pay your bail. You may either pay the full amount of the bail or buy a bail bond. A bail bond is like a check held in reserve: It represents your promise that you will appear in court when you are supposed to. You pay a bond seller to post a bond (a certain sum of money) with the court, and the court keeps the bond in case you don’t show up. You can usually buy a bail bond for about 10% premium you pay to a bond seller is nonrefundable. In addition, the bond seller may require "collateral." This means that you (or the person who pays for your bail bond) must give the bond seller a financial interest in some of your valuable property. The bond seller can cash-in this interest if you fail to appear in court.
As an alternative a bond agent may be your best option. To find a bail agent, look in the Yellow Pages.
Q. Is bail a matter of right?
A. Although the right to bail has constitutional recognition in the prohibition against excessive bail, bail is not always a matter of right. However, with certain exceptions a defendant charged with a criminal offense shall be released on bail. Persons charged with capital crimes when the facts are evident or the presumption of guilt great, are excepted from the right to release on bail. However, a defendant charged with a capital crime is entitled to a bail hearing in the trial court to determine whether the facts are evident or the presumption great. A capital crime is an offense that a statute makes it potentially punishable by death or life imprisonment, even if the prosecutor / government has agreed not to seek the death penalty. It is presumed that the risk of flight of the defendant is too great when he or she is facing death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Q. What is the consumer agreeing to in the bail bond contract?
A. The consumer is agreeing to:
• Pay the premium for the bond at the established rates.
• Provide required collateral.
• Pay actual, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by the bail agent in connection with the transaction. These may include:
o Reimbursement for long distance phone calls.
o Excess travel expenses (described as outside of the bail agent’s normal scope of business, or into an area where the agent does not advertise).
o Posting fees (for payment to an agent in another area to physically deliver a bond. An agent should not charge a posting fee for the normal delivery of a bond in the agent’s advertising area).
o Bounty agent/skip tracer expenses (These are usually based upon the amount of the bond).
o Payment of the bond amount for the defendant’s failure to appear.
o Attorney fees and court costs.
• Keep the bail agent advised of address/employment changes of the defendant or other parties to the agreement.
• Aid the bail agent/skip tracers in locating the defendant (where someone other than the defendant has secured the bond).
The consumer should read all agreements thoroughly, asking questions until all items and obligations are understood.
Q. What does the bail agent do for the consumer?
A. Provides an avenue for the incarcerated person to be out of custody until his/her day in court, allowing the defendant to continue his/her day-to-day life until the criminal matter is resolved. The bail agent will provide the following:
• Receipts and copies of all signed documents.
• Information regarding the status of the bond and changes in assigned court dates.
• The status of any costs due, as imposed by the court.
• Assistance in locating the defendant should a forfeiture occur.
• Appearance before the court regarding the bail bond when such appearances are
necessary (sometimes requiring the hiring of legal counsel).
• The timely return of collateral upon exoneration of the bond.
Q. How long is a bail bond good for, and can the amount be reduced?
A.
• Length of the contract. The bail bond runs for the length of the case that is being bonded. However, the agreement may provide for the payment of premium at inception, and upon "renewal" on an annual basis. Once paid, premium for a bail bond is not refundable.
• Reduction of Responsibility. Although not usually the case, a court may reduce the amount of bail required. If a bail reduction occurs, the bail agreement should be amended to reflect the reduced exposure of the bail agent and surety insurer. A bail reduction does not result in a refund of premium paid, although it may result in a partial return of collateral. If a bail reduction occurs, it should result in a reduced renewal premium. Under any circumstances, where a bail reduction has occurred, the bail agent and insurer cannot recover more than the amount to which they are actually exposed, plus necessary related expenses.
Q. Who decides how much bail I have to pay?
A. Judges are responsible for setting bail. Because many people want to get out of jail immediately and, depending on when you are arrested, it can take up to five days to see a judge, most jails have standard bail schedules which specify bail amounts for common crimes. You can get out of jail quickly by paying the amount set forth in the bail schedule.
Q. Is it true that a defendant who proves his reliability can get out of jail on his word alone?
A. Sometimes. This is known as releasing someone "on his own recognizance," or "O.R." A defendant released O.R. must simply sign a promise to show up in court. He doesn't have to post bail. A defendant commonly requests release on his own recognizance at his first court appearance. If the judge denies the request, he then asks for low bail.
In general, defendants who are released O.R. have strong ties to a community, making them unlikely to flee. Factors that may convince a judge to grant an O.R. release include the following:
• The defendant has other family members (most likely parents, a spouse or children) living in the community.
• The defendant has resided in the community for many years.
• The defendant has a job.
• The defendant has little or no past criminal record, or any previous criminal problems were minor and occurred many years earlier.
• The defendant has been charged with previous crimes and has always appeared as required.
Q. Who licenses and regulates bail agents?
A. Bail agents are licensed and regulated by the California Department of Insurance. You can obtain the licensing status of a bail agent by contacting the CDI Consumer Hotline at 1-800-927-4357 or by visiting CDI’s Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov.
Q. What if I have a problem or dispute with a bail agent, such as a failure to return collateral?
A. Contact the California Department of Insurance using the information provided in the "Talk to Us" section.
For more information on How Bail Works or for information on location someone that may be in jail please contact us at 866-743-8688. You can also visit us at http://allamericanbailbonds.net/ .
By Customer Service All American Bail Bonds “Because You have the Right to Bail”
Bail bonds are issued by licensed "Bail Agents" who specialize in their underwriting and issuance. Bail agents act as the appointed representatives of licensed surety insurance companies.
Q. What is the purpose of bail?
A. The purpose of bail is to assure the attendance of the defendant, when his or her appearance is required in court, whether before or after conviction.
Q. How much does a bail agent charge?
A. The cost to the consumer will be about 10% of the total amount of the bond, plus actual, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the transaction. The court determines the amount of the bond.
Each surety company must file rates with the Department of Insurance. Bail agents representing a company must charge the same, filed rates. A "Rate Chart" is required to be posted in a visible location at every bail bond office.
Q. Is there any restrictions on how high my bail can be?
A. The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that bail not be excessive. This means that bail should not be used to raise money for the government or to punish a person for being suspected of committing a crime. The purpose of bail is to give an arrested person her freedom until she is convicted of a crime, and the amount of bail must be no more than is reasonably necessary to keep her from fleeing before a case is over.
Q. What can I do if I can't afford to pay the bail listed on the bail schedule?
A. If you can’t afford the amount of bail on the bail schedule, you can ask a judge to lower it. Depending on the state, your request must be made either in a special bail-setting hearing or when you appear in court for the first time, usually called your arraignment.
Q. How soon can I appear before a judge?A. A person taken to jail must be brought "without unnecessary delay before the nearest available…magistrate." In no event should more than 48 hours elapse (not counting weekends and holidays) between the time of booking and bringing you to court.
Q. How do I pay for bail?
A. There are two ways to pay your bail. You may either pay the full amount of the bail or buy a bail bond. A bail bond is like a check held in reserve: It represents your promise that you will appear in court when you are supposed to. You pay a bond seller to post a bond (a certain sum of money) with the court, and the court keeps the bond in case you don’t show up. You can usually buy a bail bond for about 10% premium you pay to a bond seller is nonrefundable. In addition, the bond seller may require "collateral." This means that you (or the person who pays for your bail bond) must give the bond seller a financial interest in some of your valuable property. The bond seller can cash-in this interest if you fail to appear in court.
As an alternative a bond agent may be your best option. To find a bail agent, look in the Yellow Pages.
Q. Is bail a matter of right?
A. Although the right to bail has constitutional recognition in the prohibition against excessive bail, bail is not always a matter of right. However, with certain exceptions a defendant charged with a criminal offense shall be released on bail. Persons charged with capital crimes when the facts are evident or the presumption of guilt great, are excepted from the right to release on bail. However, a defendant charged with a capital crime is entitled to a bail hearing in the trial court to determine whether the facts are evident or the presumption great. A capital crime is an offense that a statute makes it potentially punishable by death or life imprisonment, even if the prosecutor / government has agreed not to seek the death penalty. It is presumed that the risk of flight of the defendant is too great when he or she is facing death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Q. What is the consumer agreeing to in the bail bond contract?
A. The consumer is agreeing to:
• Pay the premium for the bond at the established rates.
• Provide required collateral.
• Pay actual, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by the bail agent in connection with the transaction. These may include:
o Reimbursement for long distance phone calls.
o Excess travel expenses (described as outside of the bail agent’s normal scope of business, or into an area where the agent does not advertise).
o Posting fees (for payment to an agent in another area to physically deliver a bond. An agent should not charge a posting fee for the normal delivery of a bond in the agent’s advertising area).
o Bounty agent/skip tracer expenses (These are usually based upon the amount of the bond).
o Payment of the bond amount for the defendant’s failure to appear.
o Attorney fees and court costs.
• Keep the bail agent advised of address/employment changes of the defendant or other parties to the agreement.
• Aid the bail agent/skip tracers in locating the defendant (where someone other than the defendant has secured the bond).
The consumer should read all agreements thoroughly, asking questions until all items and obligations are understood.
Q. What does the bail agent do for the consumer?
A. Provides an avenue for the incarcerated person to be out of custody until his/her day in court, allowing the defendant to continue his/her day-to-day life until the criminal matter is resolved. The bail agent will provide the following:
• Receipts and copies of all signed documents.
• Information regarding the status of the bond and changes in assigned court dates.
• The status of any costs due, as imposed by the court.
• Assistance in locating the defendant should a forfeiture occur.
• Appearance before the court regarding the bail bond when such appearances are
necessary (sometimes requiring the hiring of legal counsel).
• The timely return of collateral upon exoneration of the bond.
Q. How long is a bail bond good for, and can the amount be reduced?
A.
• Length of the contract. The bail bond runs for the length of the case that is being bonded. However, the agreement may provide for the payment of premium at inception, and upon "renewal" on an annual basis. Once paid, premium for a bail bond is not refundable.
• Reduction of Responsibility. Although not usually the case, a court may reduce the amount of bail required. If a bail reduction occurs, the bail agreement should be amended to reflect the reduced exposure of the bail agent and surety insurer. A bail reduction does not result in a refund of premium paid, although it may result in a partial return of collateral. If a bail reduction occurs, it should result in a reduced renewal premium. Under any circumstances, where a bail reduction has occurred, the bail agent and insurer cannot recover more than the amount to which they are actually exposed, plus necessary related expenses.
Q. Who decides how much bail I have to pay?
A. Judges are responsible for setting bail. Because many people want to get out of jail immediately and, depending on when you are arrested, it can take up to five days to see a judge, most jails have standard bail schedules which specify bail amounts for common crimes. You can get out of jail quickly by paying the amount set forth in the bail schedule.
Q. Is it true that a defendant who proves his reliability can get out of jail on his word alone?
A. Sometimes. This is known as releasing someone "on his own recognizance," or "O.R." A defendant released O.R. must simply sign a promise to show up in court. He doesn't have to post bail. A defendant commonly requests release on his own recognizance at his first court appearance. If the judge denies the request, he then asks for low bail.
In general, defendants who are released O.R. have strong ties to a community, making them unlikely to flee. Factors that may convince a judge to grant an O.R. release include the following:
• The defendant has other family members (most likely parents, a spouse or children) living in the community.
• The defendant has resided in the community for many years.
• The defendant has a job.
• The defendant has little or no past criminal record, or any previous criminal problems were minor and occurred many years earlier.
• The defendant has been charged with previous crimes and has always appeared as required.
Q. Who licenses and regulates bail agents?
A. Bail agents are licensed and regulated by the California Department of Insurance. You can obtain the licensing status of a bail agent by contacting the CDI Consumer Hotline at 1-800-927-4357 or by visiting CDI’s Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov.
Q. What if I have a problem or dispute with a bail agent, such as a failure to return collateral?
A. Contact the California Department of Insurance using the information provided in the "Talk to Us" section.
For more information on How Bail Works or for information on location someone that may be in jail please contact us at 866-743-8688. You can also visit us at http://allamericanbailbonds.net/ .
By Customer Service All American Bail Bonds “Because You have the Right to Bail”
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
www.0downbail.com, Lynwood Jail…Bailing out of Lynwood Jail things you need to know.
Lynwood Jail: In March 2006, CRDF officially re-opened to be utilized as an all female jail facility. The two rehabilitation programs that were being held at CRDF have been relocated to North Pitches Detention Center. CRDF will continue to provide a booking center for Century Station, Compton Sheriff's Station and for all female prisoners.
When your female loved one is arrested in Los Angeles County they may be held in a local sheriff station or police department but ultimately if they are held longer than their arraignment they will be transferred to the Century regional detention center in the city of Lynwood.
If you decide to bail out your loved one from this facility you must be present at the time of release if it is still dark outside, just check in with the clerk at the bottom of the stairs.
Also be prepared to wait up to six hour after posting of the bond for your loved one to be released.
For more information on bailing your loved ones out of this L.A. County Facility or any other facility or just for jail or inmate information please call 866-743-8688 or visit us at http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net/locations/California/Lakewood.html
Written by Customer Service
All American Bail Bonds
“Because You Have the Right to Bail”
When your female loved one is arrested in Los Angeles County they may be held in a local sheriff station or police department but ultimately if they are held longer than their arraignment they will be transferred to the Century regional detention center in the city of Lynwood.
If you decide to bail out your loved one from this facility you must be present at the time of release if it is still dark outside, just check in with the clerk at the bottom of the stairs.
Also be prepared to wait up to six hour after posting of the bond for your loved one to be released.
For more information on bailing your loved ones out of this L.A. County Facility or any other facility or just for jail or inmate information please call 866-743-8688 or visit us at http://www.allamericanbailbonds.net/locations/California/Lakewood.html
Written by Customer Service
All American Bail Bonds
“Because You Have the Right to Bail”
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