Immigrants living in California must abide by all local, state, and federal laws to avoid arrests that can result in removal from or inadmissibility to the United States. Sadly, immigration cases take a long time to be determined, meaning you can remain in detention for several months or years unless you post an immigration bond. Immigration bail bonds offer great relief because you can go to work, run your business, and remain with your family as your case is ongoing, while preparing your defense. Since immigration bonds are expensive, partnering with a reliable bail bondsman is advisable.
An Overview of Immigration Bail Bonds
Immigrants in California are subject to the same laws as Californians, plus additional rules based on their immigration status. If you commit a crime or violate immigration laws, you will be arrested, booked, and detained — usually in facilities that are congested, inhospitable, and far from loved ones. Fortunately, you can post an immigration bond to obtain a pretrial release. An immigration bond is the financial guarantee you give an immigration court to demonstrate your willingness to make all court appearances. California immigration officers and judges set these bonds according to the nature and severity of the case, criminal history, and community ties, and they can go up to $100,000.
Paying an Immigration Bond
If you are a green card holder or naturalized immigrant, you can post an immigration bond directly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or use a family member or friend to help process it. ICE officers will typically allow you to make a call before your detention — the perfect time to make plans for your release. The main options are delivery bonds, where you or your bondsman pay the required bail to DHS to guarantee your court appearances, and voluntary departure bonds, which apply when you agree to leave the country voluntarily by a particular date and receive a full refund if you leave as agreed.
Choosing a Bail Bondsman for Immigration Bonds
With so many bail bondsmen offering immigration bond services, you must carefully select a reliable one. You can ask for referrals from family or friends who have used a bondsman before, which gets you to a company familiar with your specific case and local procedures. You can also conduct an online search — most bondsmen handle immigration bonds online, so you do not need to meet in person. ICE resources can also help, as an official can provide a list of certified bail bondsmen.
An Overview of Immigration Bond Procedures
The ICE bail process starts when you are granted bail after an ICE arrest. Once the judge grants bail, you can pay in cash or use a bail bondsman, most of whom offer their services at a 15% rate that can vary depending on your case. Immigration bond procedures can be complex to navigate alone, so working with a bondsman takes the burden off your shoulders. They handle everything, provided you meet their requirements including a co-signer and collateral, and start by locating the detainee within California's ICE facilities to process your release quickly. Their involvement ends with the conclusion of your case.
Find a Reliable Immigration Bail Bondsman Near Me
An arrest as an immigrant living or working in California can significantly affect your immigration status, leading to deportation or being marked as inadmissible. However, you can change the outcome of your case through adequate preparation for your defense, which is possible if you obtain a bail release. At King Stahlman® Bail Bonds, we can provide all the information you need to understand how immigration bonds work and the ICE bail process. Our service is confidential, reliable, and available around the clock. Call us at 619-232-7127 to learn more and to start your bond process.