Getting arrested on alleged criminal charges does not mean you have to remain in jail. It is important that you understand that after getting arrested for any crime under California law, you can be released from jail. To increase the likelihood of getting released from jail as soon as possible, you should immediately hire an experienced Central Valley criminal defense attorney to protect your legal rights.
2 Ways to Get Released from Jail After an Arrest
You can be released from jail in one of two ways after being arrested for a crime:
- Posting Bail. The first option for release from jail after an arrest is to post bail. Bail is a set cash that is paid to the criminal court after getting arrested for an alleged crime to ensure that you will appear in court when ordered to do so. If you fail to show up at your court hearing, the court will keep the bail and issue a warrant for your arrest. The judge is responsible for setting bail. In most cases, however, courts have set standard bail schedules that specify the bail amount for common crimes. Bail requirements will differ for different charges. But in general, you can post bail in California in one of three ways before you can be released:
– Cash
– Bail bond
– Property bond
You or your Central Valley criminal defense attorney may request the court to set a lower amount in certain cases. When seeking a reduction in any bail amount, you will need to focus your argument on the factors the court will consider, including but not limited to:
– The severity of the offense
– Your criminal history
– Whether anyone was injured, and if so, how seriously
– If threats were allegedly made to the victim
– Whether there were weapons or drugs involved
– If you poses a threat to public safety
– Evidence of employment and/or ties to the community
– Likelihood of appearing for all future court appearances
- Release on a citation or your own recognizance. The second way for you to be released from jail is on a citation, or your own recognizance (also known as “OR release”). This option allows you to be freed from fail without a financial obligation, and only on the promise to attend all future court appearances. Simply put, if the judge allows an OR release, you will be allowed to get out of jail by only signing a written promise to appear in court as required. No bail has to be paid, either to the court or to a bail bond seller. However, all other aspects of bail will remain the same.
Call an Experienced Central Valley Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know has been charged with an alleged crime, it is in your best interest to immediately consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you learn your legal rights and options.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Stockton criminal defense attorney Gurjit Srai, please call 209-323-5558, or complete our online form.