Movies and television shows that involve criminal investigation is a popular genre, but often the drama is heightened so that the story is undoubtedly captivating. Sometimes we can learn new things from what we see on the screen, but sometimes the facts aren’t quite how it works in the real world. In this article we will bust four common Hollywood myths about posting bail.
1. The Judge always sets bail in a heated hearing
The cinema heightens drama whenever it can, and this includes the time for setting bail. Films that involve court cases often show the accused going before a judge and hearing an outrageous dollar amount set for their bail.
While bail amounts can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, this rare and reserved for crimes such as kidnapping or murder. If you are a defendant in a minor case, you likely won’t even see a judge for the setting of your bail amount. Rather, bail schedules are established guidelines that allow bail to be set at any time of the day (or night) and on weekends.
2. Bail is denied for minor offenses
Seeing the lead character in a story be forced to await trial behind bars puts many viewers on high alert. Our minds are captivated and seek a resolution for the character with which we sympathize, especially when events seem unfair.
The good news is that in today’s real life America, posting bail is an option for the vast majority of defendants. Bail is usually granted for those answering for a possible first offense or who have previously been found guilty of minor offenses. Bail is denied if someone is found to be a flight risk, if they have a warrant out for their arrest in a different county, or if they have a history of – or are accused of a particularly violent crime.
3. You only get one phone call
Here’s an especially common myth propagated by Hollywood: you only get one phone call after being arrested. Imagine, your communication to the outside world would be near-completely cut off! Thankfully, while in custody you can call a bail bond agent, your lawyer, your boss, and yes, your family too.
There is one catch. The party on the other line will need to pay the collect call charges. If you or your loved one calls Frank Calabretta’s Bail House we are sure to answer for your bail bond needs at any time, around the clock.
4. A bail bondsman is a bounty hunter
Before shows like Dog the Bounty Hunter, many people were unaware of the profession. Hollywood has blurred the lines of the job description, sometimes portraying a character as both a bail bond agent and bounty hunter.
The truth is that bailbondsmen are licensed professionals who serve individuals who seek to be released from jail pre-trial. Bounty hunters are fugitive recovery agents who spend their working hours on the streets looking for criminals. Sometimes bounty hunters are hired to find defendants who failed to appear in court or pay for their bail bond.
Get Out of Jail Fast
If you or your loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, it is likely that you have the option to post bail and get out of jail prior to any court hearings. Just be sure to arrive on time for all court appointments after posting bail!
When you call Frank Calabretta’s Bail House you will be in contact with a well-established bail bond agency that has served many Auburn and Placer County residents over the last four decades. Our agents are always courteous and get the job done fast. Call us at (530) 823-8340 today to start the process of an affordable bail bond.
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