The court will set bail for you following your arrest or right after your initial appearance. As a Fresno criminal attorney can explain, you will have to follow the conditions set by the court when you are released on bail. For instance, you may be required to adhere to court-ordered restrictions such as confinement to your home.

Police Station Bail

Depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense, the police officer might have the discretion to release you on a low bail amount. This is known as a stationhouse bail, and it is only used in connection with minor offenses. In most instances, the court makes decisions regarding bail. It is also worth noting that you do not have the right to stationhouse bail.

Bonding Companies

Your Fresno criminal attorney may investigate whether there is a licensed bonding company available to post bail on your behalf. You will need to pay a fee for this service. If the bonding agency posts bail for you, then the company becomes the suretor on the bond.

There are potential drawbacks to working with a bail bonding agency. For example, bonding agencies charge fees for posting bail. These fees can be very expensive and are not refundable. In addition, if you fail to appear in court, then you may be apprehended by a bounty hunter. Under common law, a suretor can take a defendant into custody without due process, such as a court hearing. Bounty hunters do not receive the same training as police officers and there have been instances in which bounty hunters have injured or killed defendants while attempting to apprehend them.