Ed. Note: The following is a KHTS Feature story based on a recent interview with All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita

Most people are familiar with the courtroom terms “guilty,” “not guilty” and “no contest,” but do you know what each of these pleas means for your loved one after he/she is arrested and charged with a crime?

“After you or your loved one is charged with a particular crime, you must enter a plea to the courts,” said Inessa Chavez, vice president of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita. “It’s very important the defendant understands what it means for them to plead guilty, not guilty or no contest.”

If the defendant pleads “guilty,” they are accepting responsibility for all charges. There will not be a trial, and a court judge will determine the person’s sentencing based on the charges.

If the defendant enters a plea of “not guilty,” they are denying all charges and will seek to prove their innocence before a jury during their trial.

Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: Collateral

To plead “no contest” means the defendant is choosing not to fight the charges against them, and are instead accepting the charges as if they were pleading guilty.

Arrestees suspected of committing minor crimes or who are determined not to be a flight risk or a danger to the community may often be released on bail, which helps ensure they will appear at all their scheduled court dates.

“In some cases, bail may be denied or elevated by the judge if the arrestee is a potential danger to the community or is a flight risk,” Chavez said.

Related: Bail Agent’s Code Of Ethics At All American Bail Bonds

Other factors that could affect the bail amount include the person’s previous criminal records and the severity of the case.

The bail agents at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to walk you through the bail bonding process if your loved one has been arrested.

“We also offer interest-free payment plans and a 20 percent rebate to qualified individuals who can’t afford to pay the bail bond premium upfront,” Chavez said. “Whatever your situation, we’re here to help.”

“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