Most people have probably played the classic board game “Monopoly” and taken advantage of the “Get Out of Jail Free” card at some point in their lives. However, few may realize that a similar “card” exists in real life, according to the bail agents at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.

Known as “O.R.,” the real-life version of the “Get Out of Jail Free” card is what happens when an arrestee is released from jail “on his own recognizance.”

“If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you can sometimes be released from jail without having to pay bail,” said Inessa Chavez, vice president of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita. “But it’s usually not likely.”

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The defendant can typically request to be released on his own recognizance at his first court appearance, and if granted, must simply sign a written promise to show up in court.

According to Chavez, factors a judge may consider after such a request include:

• If the defendant has parents, a spouse or children living in the community.
• If the defendant has lived in the community for many years.
• If the defendant is employed.
• If the defendant has little or no past criminal record, or their previous criminal problems were minor and occurred many years earlier.
• If the defendant has been charged with previous crimes and has always appeared as required.

“Generally, a person who is released O.R. has strong ties to the community, making them unlikely to flee,” Chavez said. “Defendants released O.R. tend to be reputable in their community, and law enforcement officials believe the person is extremely unlikely to fail to appear at their court dates.”

If a request for O.R. is denied, some defendants can alternatively request that their bail be lowered, which can also be granted or denied by the judge.

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All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita is a bail bonding company that has been established in the Santa Clarita Valley for decades, and the company’s knowledgeable bail agents have experience working with a variety of cases, including O.R.s.

“Our bail agents are available 24-7 to help you,” Chavez said. “We want to turn a stressful situation into as positive an experience as possible under the circumstances.”

“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 your loved one is 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