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

Have you ever wondered who, exactly, makes up the criminal justice system in the state of California? If you or a loved one are ever arrested, having a basic understanding of the system can make it a little easier, according to Inessa Chavez of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.

“There are three parts to the criminal justice system in the state of California,” Chavez explained. “Law enforcement, courts and corrections.”

At the local level, sheriff’s deputies and police officers enforce state laws by investigating crimes and apprehending offenders. Local law enforcement officials usually receive funding from their cities and counties.

The Attorney General also provides some assistance to local law enforcement agencies when it comes to the investigation of crimes that take place in multiple counties, such as organized crime.

“In Santa Clarita, our local law enforcement is primarily Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies and California Highway Patrol officers,” Chavez said. “They are responsible for enforcing state laws throughout our city, as well as its unincorporated areas.”

Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: California’s Criminal Justice System

After a person is arrested and charged with committing a crime, they must go through California’s trial court system, according to the Bail Resource Center & Academy.

Local district attorneys are responsible for charging suspects with a specific crime and prosecuting them, with the system designed to give both district attorneys and judges flexibility to decide how to prosecute cases and manage their caseload.

If a defendant can’t afford to hire their own attorney, the county will provide a public defender to represent them in their case.

After an individual is convicted or adjudicated for a crime, they are placed under the supervision of corrections at the local or state level, depending on the seriousness of the crime and length of incarceration.

Related: Receiving A Cash Payment Of $10,000 Or Over At All American Bail Bonds

In general, serious offenders who are incarcerated in prison for more than one year are supervised at the state level, while those considered ‘low level’ offenders– who typically serve their sentence in a jail –are supervised at the local level.

“The majority of people who serve jail sentences are placed on probation after they are released, though it isn’t required by law,” Chavez said. “However, individuals who serve prison sentences are required by law to be placed on parole, usually for a minimum of three years.”

Bail bonding companies like All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita typically come in immediately after you or your loved one is arrested by law enforcement officials to help ensure the person’s speedy release from jail. Bail agents can also help explain the process, and offer referrals for those seeking legal counsel.

Article Source: “California 20-Hour Bail/Recovery Pre-Licensing Education, Volume 1” by the Bail Resource Center & Career Academy

KHTS Feature Story

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All American Bail Bonds

23360 W. Valencia Blvd. #E

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-255-2245

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

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