How Do Bail Bonds Work?

Bail bonds work by allowing individuals to secure their release from jail while they are awaiting trial. When an individual cannot pay the full bail amount set by a judge, they can seek the services of a bail bondsman. A bail bondsman will charge a non-refundable fee for their services, around 10% of the full bail amount, then post bail with the court on the defendant’s behalf. Bail bonds serve as an assurance that the defendant will return for their scheduled court date. If they don’t show up for their court date, they forfeit the entire bail amount. Bail bonds allow individuals to get out of jail and continue their daily activities while waiting for their court date.

Crimes That Require a Bail Bond

Bail is set by a judge, and the amount is determined by factors such as the nature of the crime and whether the defendant is a flight risk. You or a loved one can seek bail for crimes such as driving under the influence, drug possession, assault, and more. Here is more information about bail bond processes for assault in California:

Paying Bail for Assault

California can impose harsh penalties on anyone charged with a violent crime, even if that crime did not result in an actual injury. Under our state’s assault laws, a defendant can be sent to jail for years for a single conviction, and many people have to suffer in jail during their trial due to high bail costs.

If your friend or family member needs bail posted for an assault charge, do not hesitate to contact Rocket Bail Bonds. Our veteran bail bond agents provide 24/7 support to all potential clients and can get bail posted quickly in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County. There are no hidden fees for allowing us to post bail for you — you only pay a 10% premium, and we can work with you to develop an affordable payment plan.

Types of Assault Charges in Southern California

California Penal Code 240 defines assault as “unlawfully” attempting to cause harm to another person and having the ability to do so. If a bar patron threatens to or tries to punch another person, he can be charged with assault even if he did not physically harm the alleged victim. The defendant must also be physically capable of actually following through on the attempt. A defendant cannot be charged with assault if he is defending himself or others from harm.

Although they are often paired together, assault is different from battery. While assault is an attempt to harm someone, battery is the actual act of injuring someone else, according to Penal Code 242. Battery involves harsher penalties than assault, but assault can still lead to hefty charges if there are aggravating factors. Aggravating factors for assault can include using a deadly weapon, using a vehicle, or if the alleged victim is a protected individual like a peace officer.

Determining Bail for Assault

California has strict laws surrounding violent crimes like assault, which means a defendant can be sent to jail for months, have to pay hefty fines, and even be sent to state prison for multiple years. Bail can also range in the tens of thousands of dollars. When a judge is reviewing an assault charge during a bail hearing, they will consult California’s bail schedule and look closely at any aggravating factors before making a decision.

The judge will need to determine if the defendant is even eligible for bail. With violent crimes, the courts are concerned with maintaining public safety, which means they can deny bail in assault cases if they feel a defendant is a threat to others. Even if you are granted bail, the judge can require a high amount depending on if:

• The assault charge is a misdemeanor or felony
• You allegedly used a deadly weapon or firearm
• You have a prior conviction
• You are a flight risk, or likely to flee the state or country

Once the judge has reviewed all factors and heard arguments from both the prosecution and defense, they will set bail. Bail can vary depending on the county in which you were arrested. At Rocket Bail Bonds, we can post bail for defendants in San Diego, Riverside, or Orange County. In these counties, bail for assault can include:

• San Diego County: $1,000–$100,000
• Riverside County: $20,000
• Orange County: $25,000

Why You Should Call a Veteran Bail Bond Agent

The consequences of an assault and battery conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. You may face a strike on your record, restrictions due to a felony conviction, and even lose the right to custody of your children. Avoiding the full impact of an assault charge requires building a strong defense, which is difficult to do from behind bars.

Our team at Rocket Bail Bonds has posted bail for numerous clients for serious violent crime charges, including domestic violence, and we know how stressful these cases can be. When we take on a new client, we do not want them to worry about hidden fees or the stress of paying our premium. We work closely with each of them to develop affordable payment plans so that they can focus on winning their case.

We are veterans in the industry — each of our agents has at least five years of experience and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Unlike other agencies in the area, we are available 24/7, 365 days a year, and are even open during holidays. If you need to speak to us to post bail, discuss your payment plan, or ask questions about your case, there is always a live agent available to talk to you.

Get Your Loved One Out of Jail Today

With a charge as serious as assault, defendants need to know that a bail bond agent has their back. Rocket Bail Bonds will not simply post bail and leave you stranded until your payment is due. We believe every client deserves respect, honesty, and support during a criminal case. We are always available to discuss your case and verify you understand your options. If you need bail posted for a loved one today in San Diego, Riverside, or Orange County, use Rocket Bail Bonds. We offer discounts for members of the military and their families and will craft a payment plan that fits your situation. If you have wondered, “How do bail bonds work?” learn more by contacting our team today.