California has strict laws when it comes to drug offenses, and being charged with one can have serious consequences. So if you or a loved one find yourself in this situation, it’s important to understand all the options that are available for drug offense bail bonds in California. Doing so will greatly help you make an informed decision and ensure the best possible outcome for your specific case. Luckily, we at Angels Bail Bonds can help you with just that.
In this article, we’ll we will first cover common drug charges in California and the penalties and consequences they carry. From there we’ll explore how drug offense bail bonds work in California and the options available to secure your or a loved one’s release from jail. We will delve into the intricacies of California’s legal system and discover reputable bail bondsmen who specialize in drug offenses. All to help you regain control over your situation in this overwhelming and confusing time.
Whether facing possession, distribution, or manufacturing charges, we will help you understand what it is you can do to help yourself or a loved one get out of jail. Starting with…
Drug Charges and Consequences in California
Possession Charges in California
There are four main types of possession: simple, actual, constructive, and joint possession.
- Simple possession – having a controlled substance for personal use without intent to distribute.
- Actual possession – when a person has physical control or immediate access to the controlled substance.
- Constructive possession – does not require physical control or immediate access to the drugs. It occurs when a person has the ability to exercise control over the substance, even if it is not on their person.
- Joint possession – two or more individuals sharing control or access to a controlled substance.
Possessing controlled or illegal substances can be a misdemeanor or felony drug charge in the state of California depending on the type of substance, amount, and other aggregating factors.
However, in some circumstances, possession can also be regarded as infractions with only fines and other lesser penalties like drug counseling, community service, or jail time.
Sale, Trafficking, Distribution Charges
Sale charges, trafficking charges, and distribution charges for drug offenses carry severe penalties in California.
For drug trafficking, its significant prison sentences and hefty fines; depending on various factors, including the type and quantity of drugs involved, prior convictions, and whether minors were involved. Additionally, fines can reach up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Selling or transporting drugs is a felony drug charge in the state of California
For possession with intent to distribute drugs, the penalties can vary depending on factors such as the type and quantity of drugs involved, prior criminal history, and the defendant’s role in the offense. Generally, this offense is considered a felony, which can result in significant prison time, hefty fines, and other legal consequences.
How Drug Offense Bail Bonds Work in California
When facing a drug offense charge in California, it is crucial to understand how drug offense bail bonds work. For that, we need to start by understanding how bail for drug offenses in California is determined.
After a defendant is arrested and booked they will then have a bail arraignment or hearing where a judge will set the bail for their particular drug case. For each state and county, a bail schedule is in place that contains the recommended bail amount for each offense. In this arraignment, the judge can either raise or lower this amount as well as refuse bail altogether.
Bail Schedule for Drug Charges in California
A bail schedule is a frame of reference that is used in setting bail. This contains predetermined bail amounts for felony charges and misdemeanor charges in California.
One thing you need to remember though about looking up the bail schedule for the drug charges you or a loved one is facing is the schedule varies from county to county so make sure you’re looking at the right one.
Looking up this information can be helpful for you to provide a general idea of what range of bail money to expect. But as mentioned above, the final amount will still depend on a number of factors.
Factors That Determine the Cost of Bail
The factors that can determine the cost of bail for drug offenses in California include the severity of the offense, infliction of severe bodily injury, prior criminal history, flight risk, the defendant’s ties to the community, etc.
The more serious the offense, the higher the bail amount is likely to be. If someone has a history of previous drug offenses or other criminal activity, this can also increase their bail.
Inversely, if a defendant has strong ties to their community, such as family, employment, or property ownership, it may lower their bail amount.
Only after all of these have been deliberated can the judge set the bail amount for a particular defendant’s case. From there they will have the option to pay the full bail amount if they wish to wait for their court date out of jail. This will give the defendant a chance to talk and work with their legal representation on their defense. The defendant has a few ways they can do this.
Different Types of Bonds Available in California for Drug Crimes
When facing drug charges in California, you have various bond options to secure your release while awaiting trial. These include cash bonds, property bonds, and surety bonds.
Cash bonds and property bonds involve paying the court the full amount of the bail in cash and in collateral (property that’s valued twice the amount of the bail) respectively. Both of these options can be difficult for families and individuals to utilize since bail can very much end up being a significant amount of money many people might not have access to, especially on such short notice. This is where the last option, surety bonds, comes in.
What Is A Drug Offense Bail Bond?
Through a local bail bonds company, a defendant or a family member of one can choose to get a drug offense bail bond instead. This is a type of surety bond that allows a person to be released from custody while awaiting trial by only paying a percentage of the total bail amount. In California, this amount is usually 10% of the full bail amount. This is also non-refundable and will serve as the fee for the company’s services. These include posting the bail for you at the court as well as taking care of all the paperwork necessary to get the defendant out of jail as efficiently and quickly as possible. All while guiding you throughout the drug offense bail bond process, walking you through, and answering any questions you have.
The Role of a Bondsman for a Drug Offense Charge in CA
Because of this, a bail bondsman can play a crucial role in helping you secure your release and navigate the legal process if you’re charged with a drug offense in CA.
For the court, the bail bond company provides the funds for the bond that guarantees a defendant’s court date appearance for their drug offense charge.
For the defendant, they provide a cost-effective way they can be released from jail to talk and work with their legal representation or lawyer on defense. Their deep understanding of the bail bonds process and the California legal system can also help defendants and their families greatly in terms of information and navigating through this difficult time in general. The expertise of a reputable bail company in your area in terms of dealing with the courts and law enforcement will help greatly in completing the bail bond process efficiently, ensuring that they have the best chance of being released from custody as quickly as possible.
With their expertise in dealing with California courts and police, they can assist them in completing the bail bond process efficiently, ensuring that they have the best chance of being released from custody as quickly as possible.
Finding a Professional and Reputable Bail Bondsman
Now that we know just how important a bail bonds company is in securing your freedom, your next step is finding the right one to work with.
When you’re researching different bail companies, it’s important to do so thoroughly. They should have licensed bail agents who are knowledgeable enough to help you understand anything about the bail process that you might have questions about. Drug charges are very serious and can often carry serious punishment such as large fines and jail time. With this in mind, you can benefit from a company with bail bond agents who are also compassionate enough to offer patience and guidance through this difficult time.
Another great way to find a great bail bond agency to work with is by asking for recommendations and reading online reviews; a good one should have loads. A good bail company will also offer affordable and flexible payment plans to their clients. It’s also another great marker is if they have great availability, for example in the way of a hotline that’s open even in the very late hours of the day.
These tips can greatly help you in finding a reputable, licensed bail bondsman or company like Angel Bail Bonds.
Need a Drug Offense Bail Bonds in CA? Call Coast Bail Bonds Now!
Coast Bail Bonds has been providing quality bail bond services to Southern California since 1956. Over the years, we have gained an abundance of experience and knowledge regarding the bail bonds process in California. We will happily answer any questions you have and thoroughly guide you through the entire process of getting yourself or your loved one out of jail. Our bail hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whenever you need.
If it’s bail bonds, it’s Coast. Call us now for a drug offense bail bond in CA that you can count on!