The moments after an arrest in Monterey County can be a dizzying and distressing experience. You don’t always know your rights, the legal process, or even the charges against you.
In situations like these, it helps to understand the bail bond process. Knowing how to secure release from jail and return to your regular life is essential for peace of mind.
At King Stahlman Bail Bonds, our goal is to do precisely that. Our team works with you (and your loved ones) to secure your release after the judge posts bail, allowing you to return home sooner than you might think!
How The Bail Bond Process Works In Monterey County, California
King Stahlman has enormous experience assisting defendants to secure release from jail in Monterey County. Our team works with local officials daily and understands how the local facilities operate inside out. As such, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Arrest And Initial Booking
The first step in the bail bond process is the initial arrest and booking. Police take the defendant into custody and charge them with a crime they suspect them of committing.
For the bail bond process to apply, police must take defendants into custody. If released after a citation, a bail bond is unnecessary.
Involving The Bail Agent
After arrest is the best time to contact the bail agent. Bondsmen can begin the paperwork to release defendants even if the judge hasn’t yet set bail.
For instance, at King Stahlman Stahlman, we can start collecting some details and filling out forms so that they are ready to go when the judge makes a decision.
Bail Setting
The next step is bail-setting within 48 hours of the defendant arriving in jail. Judges take bail amounts from the California Bail Schedule, a document fixing how much arrestees must pay.
Attorneys may sometimes recommend defendants request a bail hearing if the preset amount seems too high. These sessions let lawyers argue for a lower amount, potentially reducing how much the defendant has to pay.
For example, if a defendant has a track record of attending court dates or doesn’t have a criminal record, they might consider lowering the bail amount. Furthermore, they might reduce the bail if the arrestee’s flight risk is low (i.e. at a low chance of leaving the state because they have family, a job, or property in the area).
Post Bail
After bail setting, the bail agent can post bail. Agencies pay the requested bail amount in full to secure the defendant’s release, enabling them to return to their family.
The delay between posting bail and release is a matter for the county jail. Presiding officers must complete the appropriate paperwork and sign-offs before defendants can go home.
How long this takes is outside of the control of bail bond agencies. However, the process in Monterey jail might only take a few hours.
Fees And Responsibilities
Clients typically pay bail agents 10% of the cost of the bail in California. However, this figure can be lower for special groups, like veterans and union members.
This fee is non-refundable (unlike bail). It covers the cost of running the bail agency and providing additional services (such as 24/7 support for defendants in jail).
After release, the defendants must abide by the bail conditions set by the judge. Bail agencies, like King Stahlman Bail Bonds, can help clients comply with these requests, ensuring they wear GPS tags or remain within the state or county until their trial.
Violating bail conditions leads to bail forfeiture – courts keeping the money for public purposes. If this happens, bail agents will try to recoup the money by selling their client’s or co-signer’s assets.
Why Bail Bonds Are Essential In Most Monterey County Cases
California allows defendants (and their families) to pay bail in cash: payments secure release, just like paying a bail bond agency. However, making these payments is often impractical because of how high they are.
For example, the California bail schedule requires bail of $100,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs with bodily injury and $50,000 for domestic violence. Grand theft auto is $20,000 and use of a firearm in a felony is $50,000. Only a select few individuals have this level of cash in their accounts, ready to go. Most can only obtain it from selling assets (like their home), if at all.
Therefore, bail bonds are essential. These allow defendants to make bail payments without dipping into their savings or retirement accounts. Fees are considerably lower than the full bail amount (limited to 10% under California law).
Once defendants or their families pay these fees in Monterey County, releases are swift. Bail agents often know county jail staff personally and can expedite the legal process to ensure a quick release.
Why Use King Stahlman Bail Bonds In Monterey County?
Using a reputable bail bond agent, like King Stahlman, is essential in Monterey County. Their help improves the entire process and allows you to return home to your family sooner.
Flexible Payment Options
One reason to use King Stahlman Bail Bonds is our flexible payment options. With us, you can pay the non-refundable 10% fee in installments instead of a lump sum (similar to buying a car on credit).
Furthermore, we offer flexible terms. If you want to reduce upfront payments or spread the loan out over a longer period, you can. Simply talk to our team to discuss your options and financial situation.
Get Home Faster
Another reason to use King Stahlman Bail Bonds is our ability to get you home faster. Our processes secure your release from local facilities rapidly, allowing you to return to your regular life.
Nobody wants to spend longer in a jail cell than necessary. It prevents you from accessing your money, working, and fulfilling your responsibilities. It is also an unpleasant environment.
With our bail agents, you can get a head start on the paperwork for your release, allowing you to get out of jail faster than you think. Our agents could help you return to your family in as little as two hours.
Trusted Reputation
King Stahlman has decades of experience offering bail bonds in the Monterey County community. We’re a licensed and trusted name, known across the state for our reliable and efficient services. We are always available whenever you need us, day or night, sympathizing with your experience.
Compassionate Support
We also offer compassionate support. Our friendly team is ready to guide you through the challenges of bailing out of jail and returning to your normal life.
Understanding Of The System
Finally, King Stahlman Bail Bonds understands the system. We know how Monterey County jails function and who to send documents to secure your release.
When you choose us, you know you’re in safe and capable hands. Our team has experience releasing countless defendants from the county’s jails – and we can help you, too.
What To Do If Your Loved One Is In Monterey County Jail
Knowing your loved one is in the Monterey County Jail can be a distressing experience. The facility, set up in 1931, houses over 1,100 inmates, many of whom are serving sentences for serious crimes. Officials split the people in the jail based on sentence status – sentenced and unsentenced – housing them in various settings, including single units and open dorms. However, this doesn’t always give families and friends peace of mind.
Fortunately, King Stahlman can help. We have a close relationship with officials at the facility and work with them to secure releases regularly. The jail issues an information sheet for families and friends about its policies and protocols and is contactable at (831-755-3782) for the Main Jail Lobby and (831-759-7230) for the Work Alternative Program.
Get Affordable, Flexible Bail Bonds From King Stahlman Bail Bonds Now
Whether you or a loved one are in Monterey County jail, King Stahlman’s agents are here to help 24/7. Our team offers unrivaled experience in the region, offering an unbeatable service to secure release and help you get back to life as usual.
You can call our team at (619-232-7127). We have over 50 years of experience with the California legal system reuniting defendants with their families and ensuring officials follow statutory protocols.
Bail FAQs
Is the stress of criminal charges overwhelming you? Speak to our team of friendly professionals today to discover how you could improve your circumstances and return to your life.