If you're wondering whether or not you can get bailed out of jail on a Sunday, don’t worry. You won’t have to be stuck there before a new working week starts.
Getting arrested is not fun. No matter when or why it happens, it will ruin more than your day. And it can feel especially stressful if you're locked up during the weekend when you know no judge will see you before Monday.
To make everything clear, it is necessary to first go through the basics; what bail is, how you get a bail deal, and what types of bail deals there are. Then we can see what your options might be to get bailed out on a Sunday.
What is a Bail Bond?
In very unprofessional terms, to answer what a bail bond is, It is your get-out-of-jail card with strings attached.
When you (or someone you care about) get arrested, depending on your case, the court can let you go home until the trial takes place. But, to ensure you'll appear in court when the time comes, they request that you pay a specified amount of money.
That is a bail.
How Does a Bail Work?
Typically, there are 3 different ways to post bail:
Paying with cash: You can pay the total amount on your own.
Using a bail bond: Find a bondsman who can pay the bail for you with a fee.
Providing property bond: You can use your property as collateral to escape jail.
What to Do When You Don’t Have Money for a Bail?
The problem with bail often lies in how much you need to pay. First, the situations where you get in jail are, in most cases, unexpected circumstances. With this comes an unexpected expense.
So, what are your alternatives if you simply can’t afford a bail out of jail? Get a licensed bail bond agent or hire a bail bond company. They are more like money lenders, except for a prison.
Here is how the process of a bail bond works:
The family defender can reach a licensed bail bond company.
For their service, the bondsman will usually charge a non-refundable fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount.
Once the bail bond is paid, you get released from custody.
The fee is a fair transaction as the bail bondsmen are taking a certain risk when bailing you out of jail—by placing bail on your behalf, they are telling the court, “Don’t worry, this person will show up for their court date.”
Now, if you skip town, the bail bond company is on the hook for the entire bail amount. So, they secure the bond by using collateral as insurance. This is usually a property of value.
It goes without saying that you are obligated to attend all court dates if you want to avoid loss of the bond and additional legal consequences. When your trial ends, you’ll get your bail money back.
Types of Bail Bonds
There are a few more types of bail which depend on the specific situation that led to your arrest. Some are applicable only in certain courts and others wouldn’t need to involve any third party such as the bail bond company.
Hopefully, you will encounter situations with bonds that cost nothing much more frequently than those that are only available for trials in federal courts.
Federal Bail Bonds
Federal bail bonds are used for federal cases and are typically more expensive with stricter conditions.
Example: If you're involved in a multi-state fraud case, you might need a federal bail bond while waiting for your trial.
Immigration Bail Bonds
These are specifically for non-citizens detained by immigration authorities.
Example: If a visitor overstays their visa and is detained, an immigration bail bond could secure their release while awaiting immigration hearings.
Citation Bonds (OR Bonds)
Citation bonds, also referred to as "own recognizance" bonds, allow release from jail based on a promise to appear in court without posting bail.
Example: For a first-time offender caught shoplifting a small item, a judge might grant release on a citation bond.
Signature Bonds
Signature bonds work similarly to citation bonds and require signing a pledge to appear in court without bail money or collateral.
Example: In a minor altercation case with no prior record, you might be released on a signature bond.
Each bond type has its own set of rules and potential consequences. The primary goal of all bail bonds is to ensure that the defendant appears in court as required. It is important to understand that, regardless of the bond type used for release, you are not free until the trial ends.
How is Your Bail Amount Set?
In San Diego, California, the bail amount heavily depends on the severity of the crime you have been accused of. It is initially set by the detention facility's schedule, but they can be adjusted during the court hearing. When you look at it, it is a fair call, as the process itself ensures that each bail is tailored for each case instead of one-size-fits-all.
Judges weigh several key factors when determining bail:
Threats to victims or witnesses.
Use of deadly weapons in the alleged crime.
The defendant's criminal record.
Past court appearance reliability.
The following elements help to make a balance between public safety and the rights of the defender.
For instance, a repeat offender might face a higher bail amount than a first-time arrestee for a similar charge. Similarly, crimes involving weapons or threats typically warrant higher bail.
Again, this system aims to ensure that the defendant will appear in court while considering the nature of the charges and the individual's circumstances.
How Can You Get Bailed on a Sunday?
It is time to address the main question: Can you get bailed out of jail on a Sunday in San Diego?
The answer is yes, you can. Bail bond companies in San Diego operate 24/7, including weekends and holidays. This means you can contact a bail bond agent anytime to start the bail process, even on a Sunday.
Some bail bond companies, such as Golden Boy Bail Bonds, offer services for all jails nationwide and offer options to initiate the bail process online or by phone. This makes it even more convenient to start the bail procedure, regardless of the day or time.
Remember, while the courts may be closed on Sundays, the bail bond industry continues to work, ensuring that people have access to bail services when they need them most.