You never want to end up in jail. Facing charges can be an incredibly challenging and frightening experience, so doing everything imaginable to spend as little time behind bars as possible is vital as you prepare for the next steps.
Of course, most charges in California come with the opportunity for bail. Posting bail in Orange County CA out of your own pocket can be cost-prohibitive, though, so you might seek the assistance of a bail bond agent.
In short, a bail bond agent will put up the money to secure your release in exchange for an 8-10% fee. From there, you must show up for all court appearances and follow your bail conditions.
Emergency bail bonds are available when you need to bail out of OC jail in a hurry. Here are some tips on what to do when you need bail right away.
Find a Trustworthy Bail Bonds Agent
First and foremost, if you need a bail agent, you’ll want to track down a firm with a lengthy history in the area. Although the bail bond industry is highly regulated, new service providers enter the space all the time, and they might not have the knowledge of the legal system necessary to keep you on track.
An experienced agent can answer all your questions and walk you through the bail process, ensuring you understand your rights, responsibilities, and conditions of your release. The more experienced and trustworthy your bail bond agent is, the easier this entire situation is to navigate.
Call Immediately
Don’t waste any time after your arrest; call a bail agent immediately to secure your release as quickly as possible. Many agencies are open seven days per week and 24 hours per day, so they can provide immediate service at any time of the day or night.
In addition, some agencies have locations a short distance from local OC jails, so they can have someone there to help you immediately. In an emergency situation, you don’t want to waste any time, so getting ahold of your bail bonds service provider right away is the best course of action.
Learn the Terms of Your Release
It’s worth noting that you won’t be allowed to just walk out of jail without agreeing to some terms for your release. You’ll be required to show up for your next court date and might have to avoid certain locations to ensure you don’t end up back behind bars.
There will be bond conditions you have to follow, as well. Your agent will provide you with a bail bond agreement, which you’ll have to read and sign. This agreement will include information on the cost of the bond, the collateral you’ll have to present, and other stipulations the agent encloses.
Listen to the Instructions You Receive
After you’re released from jail, you still have to listen to your bail bond agent. This agent will provide you with instructions that you have to follow to keep yourself out of jail.
Information to remember includes what can happen if you miss an Orange County CA court date and any regulations you have to follow in the meantime. Your agent could ask you to check in regularly, too, to ensure you remain in the area and plan to attend court.
These instructions are essential, so even though you’re in a hurry to get out of jail, take the time to listen to them.
Stay in Communication
Of course, things in your life can change while you’re out on bail, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You can get a new job, move to a new apartment, or, in some cases, go on vacation, but you must keep your bail bond agent informed of these changes.
You must tell your agent if you make a significant life transformation while waiting for your court appearance. This small step ensures they can still contact you if something changes, and they don’t think you’re trying to flee.
It’s easy to forget these steps after securing an emergency bail bond, but taking the time to ensure you’re doing everything the right way can help keep you out of trouble in the future.
Get Started Right Away
Coming up with the money to secure your release from jail can be challenging. Depending on the charges you’re facing, bail could cost you thousands of dollars, which is something you might not have on hand.
Fortunately, bail bonds allow you to be released from jail while awaiting trial and will only cost you a percentage of the total bail amount.
In an emergency situation, such as a sudden arrest, when you have other responsibilities to tend to, you’ll need to get out of jail quickly. Finding a bail bond agency offering emergency 24-hour service could be necessary as you attempt to minimize the effect your arrest has on the rest of your life.
Orange County Bail Bonds offers emergency bail bond services in Southern California. One of our team members will arrive at the jail within minutes, helping you secure your release as quickly as possible. Contact Orange County Bail Bonds to start the process today.