Not all crimes carry the same weight, either morally or legally. As such, it should come as no surprise that not all crimes are addressed with the same penalties—or the same bail schedules. To understand the bail system, then, it’s important to know how crimes are classified. In this post, we’ll offer some general guidelines about misdemeanors, all via your local San Bernardino bail bondsman.
Crime Classifications and the Bail System
For starters, understand that there are three basic categories of criminal offense. The first is the infraction. Usually, infractions come with very minor penalties—such as fines or traffic tickets. The next level up is the misdemeanor; misdemeanors are the middle-level offenses, and have slightly stiffer penalties, like heavier fines, a weekend in lock-up, or in some cases up to a full year in prison. Felonies, the highest classification of the offense, carry even higher penalties.
Most of the time, a misdemeanor will be filed on paper, without a hearing needed. If you’re charged with a misdemeanor, you’ll receive a letter from the court, ordering you to appear on a given date at a specified time. Most of the time, then, the accused is released on his or her own recognizance—meaning there isn’t any bail set and no need to contact a local bail bond agent.
There are some instances, however, where the accused will be held in jail until the proper paperwork is filed. This is likely to be a fairly short stay, so again, the need for an affordable local bondsman is probably pretty low.
But there are some jurisdictions in which bail will be set. This includes instances where the misdemeanor is unofficially elevated to felony status, such as when the crime in question is more serious or violent in nature, or when it has resulted in significant injury or harm. Also note that, if it’s a repeat offender—e.g., if the accused has previous convictions of felonies or misdemeanors—that might also prompt the judge to set bail.
These are the cases where it is critical to know the names of San Bernardino bail agents, to ensure that you get out of jail as quickly as possible, and are able to be with your family until your scheduled court appearance.
Misdemeanor Bail: Final Thoughts
While misdemeanors come with lighter penalties than felonies do, the bail is just as serious and just as binding. If a judge sets bail, you’ll need to pay it or remain in jail until your court appearance. Likewise, if you don’t show up for court, the legal consequences can be significant.
In the event that you are ever charged with a misdemeanor, make sure you know the name of a local bail bondsman—just in case. Remedy Bail Bonds is proud to offer our services to the residents of San Bernardino and the surrounding area. For any help navigating the bail system, reach out to the affordable local bondsmen at Remedy any time you need us.
