Bailing out a loved one from jail can seem to be a daunting task. However, you might be one of their few means of contact with the outside world; therefore, you must support and help them in any way possible. Continue reading this article to learn more about how you can help your family member get a quick bail and assist them to return to normalcy.
Bail Bonds: On your first visit, you can help them connect with a reliable bondsman. At just 10-15% of the bond fee, the bond agent completes the bail process explaining the terms and conditions to the client thoroughly. Their well-established connections with the judicial officers and local law enforcement guarantee bail within hours of initial contact. In California, a select group of bail bond businesses in Rancho Cucamonga offer excellent services, ensuring a fast bail for the defendants.
Options to Visits: Depending on the level of security and the specific detention center, one can have mainly three ways of contacting and informing the inmate about possible bail options.
- Video conferencing using Skype or FaceTime: This is a method utilized if the jail is far from where you live. You can easily converse with and guide the arrestee, who will most likely be confused and fearful of their future.
- Non-contact or telephone visit: In this method, the inmate and visitor are separated by a glass wall. Sound can be transmitted from either side using a telephone attached to the partition.
- Contact visit: The most common and effective way is to visit them in person. After proper paperwork and identification, one is allowed to sit with the jailed person in a Visitor’s room. During this type of visit, any physical contact such as touching is closely monitored and restricted. For instance, a brief hug at the beginning and conclusion of the meeting is permitted.
Prior to your Visit: Depending on the institution, you might be required to fill out a visiting application. It is a simple questionnaire that requires basic personal details such as name and address, and details of prior criminal history. To ensure that the visiting request is approved, answer the questions to the best of your knowledge and do not hide facts. Moreover, a mandatory background check is conducted before your visit, so it is best not to misrepresent information. If discovered, the visitation might get canceled at any point in time, and you may be escorted out if you’re already at the facility. There can be numerous reasons behind the denial of a visiting application. However, the most common justifications are:
- You have been deemed a security risk. Otherwise, you are on probation or parole, or there are outstanding warrants against you.
- You have spent time previously in custody and/or are a convicted felon. If the application is denied, an appeal is allowed within a specific window, and you must submit new information to convince them to reverse the decision.
On your Visit: Unless enquired specifically, most institutions won’t inform you of your application status. Ideally, keep close contact with them to know what dates you are permitted to visit. Once you are approved to visit your loved one, check the visiting hours specified by the center. Always call or email to double-check the timings mentioned online, as often facilities go on lockdown or impose restrictions as deemed necessary.
- This is the right time to jot down a list of trustworthy bail bondsmen in the area to approach. Once you learn their rates and perks, convey this information to the arrestee to help them make an informed choice.
- A bondsman will be there to carry out all legal formalities of the bail application, including filling out the application, signing the legal contracts, explaining the bail terms and conditions to the concerned parties, and finally obtaining the release permit.
You must provide them all the possible options for their release. This way, you can help them alleviate the emotional and financial stress of being locked up without reason. Moreover, getting out early provides them the valuable time to build a strong defense and prepare mentally for their day in court.
