Court Hearings and Bail Reduction If you're unable to afford bail, another route is requesting a bail reduction during a court hearing. Legal representation can argue on your behalf, presenting factors such as lack of criminal history, strong community ties, and employment status.
Skipping bail is when a person posts bail but fails to appear at their assigned court date. Typically, people skip bail to avoid prosecution or sentencing proceedings.
If a person can't make bail in Sacramento, they must remain in jail until their case eventually goes to trial. The so-called “pretrial detention” period — the time between when a person is arrested and their case reaches a courtroom for a trial — can take anywhere from several weeks to several years.
What happens if a defendant can't post bail? If a defendant can't post bail, they will remain in custody until their court hearing. If a defendant cannot personally post bail, they may ask family or friends to help them. Alternatively, they can engage a bail bond company to post a bond on their behalf.
Paying Cash Bail to the Court In some jurisdictions, the court may also allow you to post a property bond, which will use property that you own as collateral for your conditional release. Unfortunately, though, if your bail amount is high, you may not have the resources to post bail with the court on your own.
You need to file a motion to amend bond conditions with the court. You should at least consult with a local criminal defense attorney (if you are not already represented by someone) to discuss the issues the court will consider, and the best way to address those issues.
Companies can issue bonds, but most bonds are issued by governments.
And while some will tell you that you can't remain anonymous, the short answer is actually yes, you can. (But with one major consideration.) The Court is going to need a name and person to return the bond to once the court date has been successfully completed.
The defendant can post their own bail or ask a family member or friend to post it. If the defendant uses a bond company, the company may require the defendant to have a co-signer (someone who will help the company find the defendant should they fail to appear).
If a defendant can't post bail, they will remain in custody until their court hearing. If a defendant cannot personally post bail, they may ask family or friends to help them. Alternatively, they can engage a bail bond company to post a bond on their behalf.