If you spend any amount of time watching American movies or television, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the law enforcement process. Unfortunately, not everything they show you on tv is real – much has been altered or changed to increase dramatic effect. This has led to people accepting some common movie tropes associated with the arrest, booking, and bail bond processes. Below are a few myths dispelled courtesy of Santa Clarita bail Bonds.
It Is the Judge Who Sets Bail
Rules and regulations regarding the setting of bail vary from state-to-state. But, for the most part, judges are not necessary to set bail. In Los Angeles County, for example, bail is set* as the last step in the arrest and booking process. This means that a defendant can be arrested, processed in, and then (almost) immediately processed out since the bail amounts for various crimes are already set via the Los Angeles County Felony Bail Schedule.
Even though bail is already set, you can still request a bail hearing to have your cash bail reduced or possibly nixed altogether, resulting in release from custody.
* In some cases, bail is withheld due to the nature of the crime(s) a person is charged with. In these instances, a defendant may need to go before a judge to handle the issue.
Bail Gets Denied A Lot
Bail does not get denied a lot. It can only happen in specific situations, such as the defendant’s perceived risk of flight, perceived (and likely demonstrated) danger to the community if left at large, or if the judge thinks the bail might be paid with ill-gotten gains (income related to crime).
Since enacting the Zero-Bail Policy in late 2023, most of those who are eligible for bail are released without it anyway. Only those suspected of serious, dangerous, or significant crimes are forced to pay bail.
“Gimme My Phone Call…”
When someone is arrested, the story goes that they get one free phone call to make. In reality, people aren’t given a single phone call and told to hope they get a hold of someone. The police aren’t going to just leave you there without the ability to let anyone know where you are, and you don’t have to choose between calling a bail bondsman, a lawyer, or your family. However, you will likely have to call collect. Bail bondsmen and most lawyers will accept the collect calls – we know the drill. Family, however, may not.
Ultimately, bail isn’t overly difficult to understand, nor is obtaining a bail bond all that complicated. Bail is there to help you when someone you know has been arrested and taken into custody. If you have questions, feel free to call any time. A licensed, professional bail bondsman on our staff is available 24/7 to assist you.
