The arrest of your friend or relative can be distressing. However, knowing the immediate action to take can help protect the arrestee’s rights and commence the release process. You should remain calm and gather the facts of the case. Note down the full name of the arrestee, booking number, and jail where he/she is being held. You should then contact a Santa Cruz County bail bondsman to begin processing your loved one's release on bail. For timely and professional bail bond services, contact the 24 Hour Bail Bond.
Bail Hearing In Santa Cruz County
The police will transfer a defendant to a police station for booking after an arrest. Then, the officers will obtain important information about the defendant during booking. Booking often takes a short period, and the offender is guided through the requirements. The crucial information recorded during booking includes the defendant’s name, fingerprints, photograph, contact information, physical address, and the information of the defendant’s next of kin.
The police will take away the defendant’s personal effects. They will also search the database to determine if the offender has any outstanding warrants for arrest. A defendant will be put in custody pending a bail hearing after the booking.
During a bail hearing, the judge will determine whether to grant or deny bail. The hearing often takes place during the defendant’s first court arraignment upon arrest. The judge is guided by a bail schedule when determining the amount to post as bail. A bail schedule lists different violations with the corresponding bail amount. The judge has the power to increase or reduce the bail amount or impose the bail amount listed in the bail schedule. Judges consider certain factors when denying, granting, or deciding the bail amount. Some of these factors include:
The Likelihood That A Defendant Will Attend Court Hearings
The court will consider the possibility of the defendant attending court proceedings after release on bail. The judge will check if the offender has a record of skipping court hearings. A defendant can be denied bail, or the bail amount can be set higher, if the defendant has ever skipped a court hearing after being required to attend.
In some situations, the judge does not set a bail amount. The judge may release a defendant after requiring them to sign a written promise to attend court hearings. This is commonly called an own recognizance release. The judge can grant this form of release if a defendant commits a minor offense.
Whether A Defendant Is A Danger To Public Safety
Despite being arrested, some defendants show no remorse for their criminal conduct. As a result, they continue committing other criminal offenses. In some situations, investigations can be conducted in the community. The judge can use the community’s opinion to determine whether to grant or deny bail. The court can set a higher bail or even deny bail if the defendant is a danger to the community.
Whether A Defendant Is A Flight Risk
Any offender who can easily escape a jurisdiction after being released on bail is deemed a flight risk. The judge can deny a defendant bail if the court intends to complete its investigations and start the trial. A defendant can also be ordered to surrender their passport and other travel documents if he/she is released on bail.
A Defendant’s Criminal Record
The court can easily grant bail to a first-time offender, unlike a repeat offender. A repeat offender will face strict conditions depending on the circumstances.
Santa Cruz Bail Bondsmen and Bounty Hunters
A bounty hunter is a professional who a Santa Cruz County bail bondsman can hire to track down and capture a defendant who misses court hearings. The judge can issue a forfeiture notice if a defendant jumps bail after being released on bail. A bail bondsman will have a period of 180 days to find and present the defendant to court; failure to which so will result in the loss of the bail amount. Bail bond providers can seek the services of a bounty hunter to help track down the defendant. A bounty hunter is often paid a percentage of the bail amount after presenting the defendant to court. Bounty hunters are mandated to arrest the defendant and hand them over to the police in the jurisdiction from which the defendant fled. The court will vacate its forfeiture notice and exonerate the bail if the defendant is found within 180 days of the bail forfeiture date and has a valid excuse for missing the court dates.
Misconceptions Bounty Hunters
The following are some of the misconceptions about bounty hunters:
They Have Limited Investigative Powers
A bounty hunter can use legal investigative methods to find a defendant. However, bounty hunters are restricted from accessing medical records, telephone records, private financial information, government databases, and other protected information. Access to information is governed by set rules and agreements.
Bounty Hunters are Law Enforcement Officers
Even if they have the authority to arrest defendants who skip court hearings, bounty hunters are not government agents or police officers. Bounty hunters are private contractors who work for bail bond companies. They do not have police powers and cannot issue official citations. Unlike law enforcement officers, bounty hunters are not bound by state authority but by private financial contracts.
Bounty Hunters are Unregulated
Bounty hunters are recovery agents, and California law enforces strict rules on recovery work. All bounty hunters must undergo certified training, carry certain insurance policies, and adhere to criminal and civil laws. Using unlawful force or breaking into the wrong home can lead to arrest or prosecution.
Under California Penal Code 1299, recovery agents must complete the required educational training and specific power-of-arrest training. A bounty hunter cannot legally work in California without the proper qualifications. Bounty hunters must also have authorization from the hiring Santa Cruz County bail bondsmen before embarking on any recovery efforts.
Court Information
Superior Court of Santa Cruz
Jail Information
Santa Cruz Jail
Find a Committed Santa Cruz County Bail Bondsman Near Me
You should not despair when a loved one is arrested and placed in custody. You should act fast and contact a reliable Santa Cruz County bail bondsman. A bail bondsman makes the release process easier because you do not have to post the whole bail amount in cash. For timely and professional bail bond services, contact 24 Hour Bail Bond. Call us at 800-930-8999 to talk to one of our bail bondsmen.