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L.A. Bail Bond Should Be Defendant’s Last Resort

By Steven Rodriguez

In courtroom dramas you hear attorneys arguing with each other about bail. The prosecutor argues for a high dollar figure; the defendant’s attorney, for a low figure or none at all. The judge bangs the gavel and says, “Bail is set at . . .” When a person is arrested, he can be held in jail until he: is given a citation and released; or  is released on his own recognizance, which means he is trusted to appear on his scheduled court date; or posts bail. Bail is like an insurance policy. It is cash or a cash equivalent held by the court to guarantee the defendant’s appearance. If the defendant fails to appear on his scheduled court date, he forfeits the money. In California, bail can be paid with cash or a check or the individual can pledge real or personal property, although often the value of the pledged property must be equal to twice the bail amount...continue to full post

Full post as published by LA Criminal Defense Blog on January 14, 2009 (boomark / email).