• Understanding the Downey Bail Process

  • How Bail Amounts are Set in Downey

  • Working with a Downey Bail Bondsman

• Types of Bail Bonds Available in Downey

• Downey Jails and Courts

  • What Happens if Someone Misses Court in Downey?

• Consequences of Forfeiting Bail

  • Finding a Bail Bondsman in Downey, CA

  • Downey Bail Bonds: Additional Factors to Consider

After an arrest in Downey, the defendant is taken to a local Downey jail for booking. This involves fingerprinting, photographs, and recording the charges. Following booking, bail is set; this represents the financial guarantee that the defendant will appear for future court dates.

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The bail amount is determined by the court. The Los Angeles Bail Schedule can determine amounts in some situations.

This process is crucial to remember.

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How Bail Amounts are Set in Downey

Bail amounts in Downey aren't chosen at random. The court assesses multiple factors.

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Judges weigh several factors when deciding on a bail bond payment, aiming for a balance between public safety and the defendant's rights. Some things a judge will ask before making this decision:

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• Is this a gang-related offense?

• Was the offense done with a weapon?

• Are there other prior convictions for this defendant?

• Has this person been in prison during the past five years?

• How old is the victim? Under 15? Over 65?

If a crime is committed that isn't explicitly listed in the Misdemeanor Bail Schedule, the bail money will have an amount of $500. If a case isn't defined clearly, it is assigned a minimum bail of $750.00.

Working with a Downey Bail Bondsman

If you cannot easily come up with the full bail amount, a bail bondsman becomes a major player. A bail bond agent is a type of financial mediator who, for a fee (usually a percentage of the total bail), provides the court with a bond. This guarantees the defendant's appearance.

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It is the bond agent's responsibility to take on any responsibility for helping their clients make the court date. Using bail bonds, people can carry on as normally as possible.

Several types of bail bonds may be available. The judge may rule differently, though, and refuse the request to set bond. Common types include:

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• Cash Bail: This means paying the full bail amount in cash to the court.

• Surety Bond: The most common type, obtained through a bail bondsman.

• Property Bond: Using the equity in real estate to secure release (less frequent).

• Release on Own Recognizance (ROR): Sometimes permitted for low-risk defendants with strong community ties, where no bail money is needed.

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Downey Jails and Courts

It can be scary being behind bars. Many locations in the Downey and surrounding areas can process people who have charges.

Here are few of them:

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• Downey Jail

• Long Beach City Jail

• Pasadena City Jail

• Alhambra Courthouse

• Beverly Hills Jail

• Burbank City Jail

There are also courthouses nearby. Including:

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• Downey Courthouse

• Bellflower Courthouse

This isn't every place in the Los Angeles County. But is relevant to Downey directly.

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What Happens if Someone Misses Court in Downey?

Skipping bail is no small problem. If a defendant fails to show up for their set court appearance, this is referred to as "failure to appear" (FTA). This has real results.

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The court will then probably issue a bench warrant for the defendant's arrest. The bail bond is then "forfeited," this is the same even when using bail bonds, and you or your loved one will lose the money paid.

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Consequences of Forfeiting Bail

Beyond losing money, when someone forfeits, or skips, bail the court might refuse setting another in future incidents. It might affect other things such as sentencing or plea deals. When a warrant is issued, it goes in a state-wide or national database.

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This can be found at anytime by Law enforcement. In Southern California, you do not want to have a warrant out for your arrest.

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