How Long Do You Stay in Jail If You Can’t Make Bail in California?

If You Can’t Make Bail in California

How long you stay in jail if you can t make bail depends on a few factors. First, the judge who hears your case will determine whether or not you are a flight risk and what the bail amount should be. Then, you or a loved one will have to pay that amount in cash or through a bonding company. Typically, you get your money back after the trial if you attend all of your court appearances, but that can take months.

The court also has to schedule your trial in a reasonable amount of time, although the docket is often jam-packed. Additionally, if the prosecutor decides to pursue charges against you, it is unlikely that you will be released on bail before your first arraignment. However, the judge hearing your case can move up your trial date on the calendar if he or she is aware that you cannot afford to post bail and are stuck in jail.

Once the police arrest you, they will take you to a local station for processing, or “booking.” This includes taking your fingerprints and photographing you to create a mugshot, which can take several hours. Then you will be assigned a court date and a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest if you fail to show up.

How Long Do You Stay in Jail If You Can’t Make Bail in California?

If you can t afford to pay the full bail amount, a loved one can post your bail through a San Diego bail bonds. The bondsman will charge a fee, usually 10% of the total bail amount. You or your loved one can pay the fees using cash, checks, credit cards, Western Union Quick Connect, money orders, etc.

Your bond will be returned after your trial, unless you fail to appear in court, which is rare. Then, the bail agency will file a failure to appear motion with the judge and you’ll be subject to an additional charge of failing to appear in court (which is often a misdemeanor) and possibly jail.

Bail is set to motivate those charged with crimes to return to court for their trials. The court will set the amount based on a number of factors, including the offense you were charged with, your criminal history, and your overall risk to the community.

In most cases, the judge will set a trial date within 30 days of your arraignment. However, the judge can extend the date for good reason, such as your lawyer needing more time to prepare a defense for your case or you are deemed to be a high risk flight risk.

It is estimated that more than a third of all people in jail cells across the nation are there because they can t afford to pay their bail. This is a situation lawmakers are trying to change. Until then, it is vital to contact a local bail bonds company for help. It is a great way to save you or your loved one from spending countless hours in jail until the trial and sentencing are completed.