When someone is arrested, the upcoming legal process may seem long and intimidating, but knowing what awaits can make for a less frightening experience, according to the bail agents at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.

After being arrested, there are several steps that you go through before being given a criminal record or sent to jail.

After an arrest, the law enforcement agency provides reports and evidence to the prosecuting attorney, who then decides whether or not charges should be filed, according to the Bail Resource Center & Career Academy.

If charges are pursued, the prosecuting attorney files a complaint with the court, which presents the allegations against a criminal defendant at a court hearing called an arraignment.

There, the criminal defendant is formally advised of the charges and of his or her constitutional rights.

Bail is used by the court as insurance that the defendant will appear on all future court dates, and the amount of bail is determined according to the charge/s based on the current bail schedule.

Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: What To Do After Being Released From Jail

Many defendants choose to use bail bonding companies like All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita to post the money needed for bail.

These companies’ services allow the defendant to pay a small portion of the required bond to the bond company — which is 10 percent in the state of California –, and the bail agent will post a surety bond on behalf of the defendant.

A preliminary hearing is held to review probable cause so that the judge can determine whether there is enough evidence to support the charges against a defendant, during which the bail amount can be adjusted.

If support to these charges are found, the prosecutor will file a charging document called an information in the Superior Court, which states the charges that the defendant is facing at trial.

The defendant is formally advised of the charges against them and their constitutional rights, and enters a plea such as guilty, not guilty or no contest.

Afterward, a pre-trial conference is held where the defense attorney and the prosecuting attorney discuss the case.

Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: Finding A Convenient Way To Post Bail With Surety Bonds

During the trial, the jury determines whether the defendant is innocent or guilty. If the defendant is found not guilty, the defendant is free to go and excused from further criminal prosecution based on the same offenses, but if they are found guilty they must face sentencing at a court hearing.

In addition to the sentence imposed by the court, a collateral consequence may be applied, like loss of the right to vote or to possess a firearm.

“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

[email protected]