THE ARRESTWhen someone is arrested they are first brought to the detention center where they are processed and booked. Depending on the jurisdiction, this process may only take a few hours, or, in places like central booking, it may take up to 24 hours after being brought into the station. During the booking process the defendant is typically held in a holding cell with other inmates while they wait for their paperwork to be processed. They are fingerprinted and are allowed to make a phone call while awaiting their turn in front of the commissioner. Once the paperwork is processed the defendant goes in front of a commissioner.
THE BAIL AMOUNT
The commissioner’s job is to assess the charges in front of them and to set a bail amount for the defendant. The commissioner does not consider the previous history of the defendant. They simply assess the situation in front of them and determine if they feel that the defendant is a risk to the community or if there is a chance they will not show for court. Typically, the higher the risk, the higher the bail. Some serious charges may have a “No Bail” where the commissioner orders the defendant to remain in custody until the completion of the trial. For less serious charges, the commissioner may release the defendant on his or her own recognizance. This means that they are being released solely on the promise to attend court and do not need to pay any bail. Once bail is set, REAL Bail Bonds will help you post the bond and grant your loved ones release.
THE BAIL REVIEW
Once bail is set by the commissioner, a bail bond may be posted to arrange the release of the defendant. However, the defendant may choose to not post bail and attend a bail review which is typically held the next day. A bail review involves a judge to review the file and allows the defendant to arrange an attorney, if he or she chooses, to represent them and plead a case for lowering the bail amount. Since the original bail amount was set by the commissioner without reviewing the defendant’s history, the bail review is a chance to bring the case in front of a judge and plead to lower the bail amount. During the bail review process the defendant can have an attorney represent them and try to convince the judge that the defendant will show for court and will not be a risk to society. The judge then reviews the case and the bail amount may be sustained, raised or lowered. In cases where the defendant has a history or trouble or has missed court in the past, it is recommended that they consult with an attorney prior to deciding to go to bail review since there is a chance the bail may be raised. REAL Bail Bonds works closely with experienced attorneys who can help guide you through the process of bail review. We can arrange one of our attorneys to represent the defendant during the bail review process and try to lower the bail amount needed for release. All of our attorneys REAL Bail Bonds recommends have a strong success rate in lowering bail amounts and are experienced in the bail review process.
POSTING BAIL
Whether the defendant chooses to go through bail review or not, the bail process is simple and straightforward. A licensed bail bondsman will meet with the defendant’s friend or family member to collect the fee or a deposit and complete the appropriate paperwork. Once the fee or deposit is obtained, the bondsman posts the bail and the defendant will soon be released. In busy facilities this process may take several hours while in less densely populated facilities this process may be much shorter. REAL Bail Bonds is committed to ensuring the fastest release possible and has agents in most court houses that are on-site and ready to post the bail as soon as the paperwork is completed. This highly efficient system is what sets Real Bail Bonds apart from the competition and provides faster release of your loved ones. Click “Bail Application” or “Contact Us” to begin the process. Get approved in 2 minutes!
HABEAS CORPUS
In some cases, usually involving very serious crimes or if the defendant is considered a flight risk, the bail review process may not yield the results needed to grant freedom. A “last chance” Habeas Corpus can be filed by an attorney to try and appeal the high bail amount or the no bail ruling. This process usually takes more time but US Bail Bonds will gladly connect you with experienced attorneys who can help you file a habeas corpus.
THE RELEASE
Once bail has been posted the paperwork is signed by the court commissioner and a release is issued with the jail or holding facility. This process can take some time depending on the facility and how many inmates are awaiting bail. For Baltimore City (Central Booking) please be aware that this process will be longer due to the high number of arrests and people detained. Typical release times in 3-8 hours after posting the bail but may take longer depending on the facility and amount of detainees. Rest assured that you have done everything you can and you will be receiving a phone call from your loved one once he is being processed for release. You can check his or her status by clicking inmate locator above and then on VineLink 2.0 | Custody Status. You can also register for notification for the web site to contact you via phone or email once released. Please note that the system sometimes has a delay and you may be getting a phone call from your loved one before the system notifies you.
