Getting Released on Bail for a Misdemeanor: What Happens Next?

Particularly if you're not sure what to do next, being arrested for a misdemeanour may be a tense and perplexing event.  The procedure of being freed on bond is among the first things you could come across following an arrest.  While awaiting their court date, bail lets someone leave jail; but, there are some key points to know about how bail operates, particularly for misdemeanour offences.

Many times, maintaining your release depends critically on 24 hour bail bonds.  This post will go over what follows a misdemeanor arrest, how the bail procedure operates, and what actions you should take once you have bail.  Knowing the method will enable you to relax the tension in the matter and guarantee that you know exactly what to expect going ahead.

Understanding Misdemeanor Charges

What is a Misdemeanor?

Generally seen as less serious than a felony, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense.  Usually punishing less than one year in jail or prison, fines, or both, misdemeanors are  Petty larceny, minor assault, public intoxication, and several drug possession laws are common instances of misdemeanor crimes.

 Although they are less serious than felonies, misdemeanors nonetheless have legal ramifications.  Should your misdemeanor arrest result in legal fees, court expenses, or possible fines including jail time, you could find yourself in a financial bind.  Finding out whether bail will be granted and how much it will be, however, is among the first things that follow an arrest.

What is Bail and Why is it Set?

The Purpose of Bail

A bail is a financial agreement whereby someone accused can be freed from jail pending court hearings.  Bail serves to guarantee that the accused person will show up for their appointed hearings.  The defendant is motivated to show up on all necessary court dates by bond; failing to appear could cause the bail amount to be forfeited and additional legal actions to follow.

How Bail Amounts are Set

Usually following the defendant's arrest, the court or a bail schedule sets the bail amount.  Although the precise amount varies depending on several factors, including the seriousness of the offense, the defendant's criminal record, the likelihood of appearing in court, and whether the defendant poses a risk to public safety, bail amounts for misdemeanor offenses are often less than for felony charges.

Sometimes a defendant must seek assistance from a 24-hour bail bonds company if they cannot afford the bail sum to enable their release.

24 Hour Bail Bonds: How They Work

What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond is a contract whereby the defendant, the court, and a bail bondsman agree to have the bondsman pay the full bail money on behalf of the defendant.  Usually, roughly 10% of the total bail cost, the defendant or a co-signer pays a non-refundable charge to the bail bondsman in return for her help in guaranteeing release.

 Should bail be imposed at $5,000, for instance, the defendant would usually pay the bail bondsman $500.  The bondsman then sends the entire bail amount to the court therefore freeing the defendant from jail.

Why Use a 24 Hour Bail Bonds Service?

Using a 24-hour bail bonds company mostly benefits from its provision of round-the-clock help.  Arrests are not scheduled, hence it is not unusual for someone to be arrested late at night or over the weekend.  Regardless of the moment of arrest, a 24-hour bail bonds agency guarantees that support is always available, facilitating rapid release for those arrested.

Furthermore, those who cannot afford to pay the entire bail sum themselves could find it imperative to use a 24-hour bail bonds agency.  Since the bondsman usually charges a tiny percentage of the entire bail, their fee is generally a more reasonably priced choice.

What Happens After Bail is Posted?

Release from Jail

 The defendant will be released after the bail is posted.  Factors include jail operations, inmate count, and whether any Bail Bond Services process complications might affect the period it takes to be freed upon bond post-statement.  Generally speaking, the prisoner will be let out of detention following the bail payment and can return home to be ready for their court appointment.

Remember at this time that the defendant still has a legal obligation to show up in court as the release does not absolve them.  Ignoring a court date could result in bail being forfeited and maybe extra charges or penalties.

The Court Hearing: What Comes Next?

Pretrial Appearance

 Usually set a few weeks after their arrest, the defendant will have to show up for their pretrial hearing following release on bail.  This is the first chance to go over the fees; it is also a crucial step in deciding which further phases of the legal process to follow.  The defendant may enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest) during this hearing; the judge will decide whether the matter will go to trial, be dismissed, or produce a plea agreement.

Bail Conditions

Sometimes the court could set specific requirements on the defendant's release.  Though they can vary, these conditions might call for restrictions on travel, drug testing, or frequent visits with a probationary officer.  The defendant should grasp and follow all terms of their release as breaking any one of them could lead to further legal actions.

Returning to Court for Trial

The Trial Process

Should the matter move on to trial, the defendant will have to go back to court for their hearing.  Both the prosecution and the defense will offer evidence during the trial; a judge or jury will decide the case's result.  Should the defendant be found guilty, fines, probation, or—in more serious circumstances—prison time could all be consequences.  The defendant will not be liable, though, should they be cleared or the matter dropped.

 Note that, if the defendant shows attendance at all necessary court hearings, the bond usually stays in place even if the matter goes to trial.  Should the offender miss a court appearance, the court can grant a warrant for their arrest and forfeit the bail.

Conclusion

Although being arrested for a misdemeanour can be a daunting event, knowing the bail procedure will assist to reduce some of the anxiety.  If you have to post bail, a 24-hour bail bonds company can be a vital tool providing fast and reasonably priced help to get you out of jail.

Once published, one should follow the court's guidelines and show attendance at all court proceedings.  Seeking legal guidance and working with a seasoned bail bondsman will allow you to make sure you remain on target and meet your responsibilities while you wait for the case conclusion.

 Although a misdemeanor charge can be intimidating, knowing what follows after bail is posted can enable you to negotiate the process with more assurance.  Keep educated and act to resolve the charges and forward.