Understanding Misdemeanor Bail Bonds: A Guide for First-Time Offenders
Have you or someone you know been arrested for a misdemeanor offense and are currently being held under arrest until you make bail? If so, you're probably wondering how to navigate the world of misdemeanor bail bonds. Misdemeanor bail bonds can be confusing, especially for first-time offenders who don't know what to expect.
If you or a loved one require a misdemeanor bail bond, 1 Stop Bail Bonds in El Paso is here to assist you. Call (915) 544-7867 for our Downtown El Paso office and (915) 533-2255 for our Far East El Paso office.
What are Bail Bonds?
A bail bond is when you pay a pre-determined amount of money to the police or the court system after you've been arrested. It's a sort of financial agreement where you pay money to be released temporarily with the promise that you will return for your court hearing.
If you return for your court date and go through the legal process the right way, you will get your bail money back if you posted it in cash. However, if you miss your court date, you won't get the money back, and you'll likely have charges added to your misdemeanor.
Who Determines and Sets Your Bail?
Your bail bond is set and determined by a judge at the county or state level, depending on your crime. Misdemeanor bail bonds are often smaller than bail bonds for felonies and other major crimes, given that a misdemeanor is often a more minor offense.
A judge will set your bail according to the severity of your crime and your criminal history. Being a first-time offender often results in lower bail, especially for minor misdemeanors.
The Bail Process
Now, to give you an overview of exactly what to expect, here's how the bail process works from start to finish:
You have committed a misdemeanor offense and have been arrested and booked by the police.
You are held in custody until a date is set for your arraignment hearing.
At the hearing, a judge will review the charges against you and set your bail bond amount, as well as the type of bail bond you require.
Following the hearing, you can then post bail and be released until your court date.
Get Help With Misdemeanor Bail Bonds in El Paso
If you can't post bail on your own, you can enlist the services of a bail bondsman who can help you with the financial side and the logistics of misdemeanor bail bonds. 1 Stop Bail Bonds is here to help. Call (915) 544-7867 for our Downtown El Paso office and (915) 533-2255 for assistance or to set up a bail bonds consultation.