When someone you know has been arrested in Port Huron or in the nearby area, you want to go through the process of getting them out as fast as possible. Chances are, however, that you are not familiar with how bail works in St. Clair County. If you understand the basics regarding bailing someone out of jail, as well as the procedures that will follow, you can get through it with less confusion.
Facts About How Bail Works in St. Clair County
1. A bail bond is a written promise signed by a defendant or a surety (one who promises to act in place of another) to pay an amount fixed by a court in case the defendant does not appear for court hearings as required.
2. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime punishable by up to one year in a county jail. Generally, a felony is a crimethat is punishable by one or more years in prison. Probation may be granted as an alternative to jail time in either case, depending on the crime and sentencing guidelines.
3. For some more common crimes and misdemeanors, the bail amounts may be predetermined. Otherwise, the bail amount will be set at a bail hearing or the arraignment.
4. An arraignment occurs within 72 hours after an arrest. A preliminary examination of the evidence will be held about two weeks later.
5. Bail amounts are based on a variety of factors. They include:
• The particular crime and its severity.
• The defendant’s criminal history.
• Whether or not the person has a job.
• The chance that releasing the prisoner will endanger the public.
• A reason to believe the person will not return to court as required.
6. As you are trying to understand how bail works in St. Clair County, you will need to know about the four types of bonds that are used in Michigan.
Personal Recognizance
A personal recognizance bond is a written promise that the defendant will return to court.
Surety Bond
A surety bond is a contract between three parties, namely the defendant, the court, and a bail bond agency.
Cash Bond
With a cash bond, the prisoner or someone else pays the entire amount in full to the court or jail.
Ten Percent Bond
A 10-percent bond often works interchangeably with a surety bond. Only 10 percent of the full bond amount would be required for the prisoner to be released.
7. Detroit Bail Bonds can assist you throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, including in St. Clair County. We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
8. If you use a bail bond agent, you will be charged a fee that will not be returned to you. The fee is usually about 10 percent of the bail bond amount.
9. If you have second thoughts about bailing someone out of jail, you have the option of surrendering the bond. However, if you do that, the person will have to go back to jail, so you would want to think about the possible consequences.
10. Bail amounts set by the court cannot be negotiated. The only person who can adjust your bail amountis the judge.
How To Reach Us
If you need to know additional facts about how bail works in St. Clair County, especially as they pertain to your particular situation, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can be reached through our Detroit Bail Bonds website or by phone at 313-244-0669.
Tags: Arrested in Port Huron, Bail Bond Agent, Cash Bond, Detroit Bail Bonds, Personal Recognizance Bond, St. Clair County Bail Bonds, Surety Bond