Ed. Note: The following content was provided by All American Bail Bonds who is a client of KHTS AM-1220.

Bail agents at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita have explained the factors determining if your loved one will be released on his or her own recognizance as well as the consequences if he or she does not show up to their assigned court date.

There are a number of factors that determine if your loved one will be released on his or her own recognizance.

“A defendant released on his or her own recognizance must simply sign a promise to show up in court,” said Inessa Chavez, vice president of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita. “He doesn’t have to post bail.”

Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: Criteria For Release On Bail Pending Appeal

In general, defendants who are released on his or her own recognizance have strong ties to a community, making them unlikely to flee, are not a danger to the community and do not pose a risk of fleeing the charges.

A defendant commonly requests release on his own recognizance at his first court appearance, however a judge can deny the request.

Any person listed below may not be released on his or her own recognizance until a hearing is held in open court before the magistrate or judge:

• Any person who is currently on felony probation or felony parole.
• Any person who has failed to appear in court as ordered, resulting in a warrant being issued, three or more times over the three years preceding the current arrest.
• Any person who is arrested for any of the following offenses:
  • Theft.
  • Burglary.
  • Assault or battery.
  • Any felony offense.
  • Any violation of the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act.
  • Any offense in which the defendant is alleged to have been armed with or to have personally used a firearm.

Every person who is charged with or convicted of a misdemeanor who is released from custody on his or her own recognizance and willfully fails to appear in court as required, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Related: What Happens In A Misdemeanor Case At All American Bail Bonds

Every person who is charged with or convicted of a felony who is released from custody on his or her own recognizance and willfully fails to appear in court as required, is guilty of a felony.

Upon conviction, a felony will be punished by a fine not exceeding $5,000 or by imprisonment in the state prison, or in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

It will be presumed that a defendant who willfully fails to appear within 14 days of the date assigned for his or her appearance intended to evade the process of court.

“When you choose All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita, your loved one can be out of custody in a matter of hours,” said Chavez.

“With Us You Are Never Alone”

All American Bail Bonds

23360 W. Valencia Blvd. #E

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-255-2245

Call Toll Free: 888-755-2245

24 hours a day — 7 days a week

If loved one in custody and they wish to talk to an All American Bail Bonds representative call:

818-990-0003 or 661-267-6777

CLIENT.SERVICES@ALLAMERICANBAILBONDS.COM