Misdemeanor charges are often considered less serious than felony charges. However, facing any type of criminal charge can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. If you or a loved one is arrested for a misdemeanor offense, it is important to understand the bail process and your options for release.
What Are Misdemeanor Crimes?
Misdemeanors are defined as crimes that carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail. These offenses are usually less serious than felonies, which carry a minimum penalty of one year in prison. Common examples of misdemeanor charges include:
- Petty theft
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespassing
- DUI/DWI
- Drug possession
- Simple assault
- Indecent exposure
- Domestic violence
Misdemeanor charges can also be classified as either a misdemeanor of the first degree or a misdemeanor of the second degree, depending on the severity of the offense.
Levels of Misdemeanor Offices in Florida
In the state of Florida, misdemeanors are classified into two levels: first-degree and second-degree. A misdemeanor of the first degree is considered more serious than a misdemeanor of the second degree and carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail.
Examples of common first-degree misdemeanors in Florida include:
- Battery
- Drug possession
- Prostitution
- Petit theft (under $100)
Examples of common second-degree misdemeanors in Florida include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Traffic Violations like DUI/DWI (first offense)
- Simple assault
- Trespassing on private property
- Domestic violence
What Is Bail?
Bail is a financial guarantee provided by the defendant or a bail bond company to the court as a condition for release from jail. It serves to assure the court that the defendant will appear for their court dates and other legal proceedings. If the defendant does not adhere to this obligation, the bail amount is forfeited.
To determine the bail amount, the judge considers several factors. These often include the nature and severity of the alleged crime, the defendant’s past criminal history, their ties to the community, and their potential risk of flight.
In some cases, the court may also consider the potential risk to public safety. Certain states have bail schedules that provide guidelines for specific offenses, but ultimately, the judge has discretion over the bail amount. In some cases, bail can be denied altogether, particularly for serious crimes or if the defendant is considered a flight risk.
What Happens After an Arrest for a Misdemeanor?
After an arrest for a misdemeanor offense, you will be taken to a local jail for booking. This process includes taking your fingerprints, mugshot, and personal information. Once you are processed, you will either be given a date for your court appearance or brought before a judge for an initial hearing.
At this point, the judge will determine if bail is necessary or if you can be released on your own recognizance (without paying for bail). If bail is set, you or a loved one can contact a bail bonds company to arrange for your release.
Bail Bonds Services Explained
Securing a bail bond for a misdemeanor offense is a straightforward process that can expedite a jail release. Once the bail amount is set by a judge, you or a loved one can contact a bail bonds service. They will require some basic information about the person in jail, including their full name, date of birth, the jail they are in, and the misdemeanor bail amount.
The bondsman will then explain the terms of the agreement. In most cases, clients only need to pay a fraction of the total bail money as a fee to the bail bond company. This allows for an affordable bail solution. The bail bond company will then provide the full bail amount to the court, ensuring a quick release from jail.
Many bail bond services provide financing and payment plans for those who cannot afford to pay the full fee upfront. This makes securing a bail bond a more manageable process. After the legal case concludes and the defendant has met all court appearances, the bail money, minus the fee, is returned to the bail bond company. Their role is essentially to guarantee the defendant’s appearance in court, offering peace of mind to all involved parties.
You Need Professional Bail Bondsmen!
The importance of a professional bail bondsman cannot be overstated. Engaging the services of reputable bail bond companies is a surefire way of ensuring a smooth process from the moment the arrest occurs to the release from jail. A committed bail bondsman works tirelessly around the clock, often managing to secure your release within a few hours of your arrest.
Bail bondsmen are not just committed to speed; they are also driven by a dedication to offering the lowest prices, ensuring that the cost of getting out of jail does not become a prohibitive factor. They provide an essential link between the detained individuals and the court, which, in turn, facilitates a smoother legal process ahead.
Moreover, a professional bail bondsman often has a network that includes seasoned attorneys. This can be instrumental in providing clients with the legal advice they need, further enhancing their ability to navigate the judicial system.
Overall, the role of bail bond companies goes beyond merely providing funds; they are a key component in the chain of processes that allow individuals to regain their freedom and defend their rights in court.
So, if you need help to get out of jail or get someone you love out of jail fast, contact a professional and experienced bail bonds service like O’Malley Bail Bonds in Brevard. The professional bail bondsmen at O’Malley Bail Bonds will provide the necessary support, knowledge, and resources to ensure that your rights are protected and you’re released from jail as quickly as possible.
Give us a call now by dialing (321) 586-5011 to inquire about our bail bonds services!
Get Out of Jail Fast With 24hr Misdemeanor Bail Bonds
Opting to use a 24-hour bail bonds service such as O’Malley Bail Bonds in Brevard County can offer numerous benefits. When a loved one is held in a county jail, the immediate priority is to secure their release. With the help of a professional bail bondsman, the process of posting bail is expedited.
Utilizing the services of a bail bond company can be particularly crucial when the bail amount set by the court systems is substantial, potentially imposing a financial burden on the family. The bail bondsmen at O’Malley Bail Bonds can significantly reduce this burden by allowing one to post bail at a fraction of the total amount, often only requiring a small percentage as their service fee.
Moreover, the bail bond services provided by O’Malley Bail Bonds are operational around the clock. This 24-hour availability ensures that no matter when the bail is set, a bail bondsman is ready to offer assistance. These professional services also include guidance through the complexities of the court systems, providing a sense of relief and assurance during an otherwise stressful period.
Trust in O’Malley Bail Bonds
At O’Malley Bail Bonds, we understand that being arrested and going through the legal process can be a distressing experience. That’s why our team of professional bondsmen is dedicated to providing reliable, efficient, and affordable bail bond services for misdemeanors.
We have years of experience in the industry, and our team is well-versed in the laws and procedures of Brevard County, Florida. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you with all your bail bond needs.
Don’t let an arrest for a misdemeanor keep you or your loved ones behind bars any longer than necessary. Trust in O’Malley Bail Bonds to help you get out of jail fast and navigate the legal system with ease. Contact us today for more information about our services or to begin the bail bond process. Our team is here to help you through this difficult time. Remember, freedom is just a phone call away! So give us a call now at (321) 586-5011.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is bail for misdemeanors?
The amount of bail for a misdemeanor offense varies depending on the severity of the crime and the specific guidelines set by each state. Ultimately, it is up to the judge’s discretion to determine the bail amount.
Can I pay my own bail for a misdemeanor?
Yes, if you have enough funds to cover the full bail amount, you can pay your own bail.
What is the bail process in Florida?
After an arrest for a misdemeanor offense, the individual is processed at a local jail. A judge will then determine if bail is necessary and set the amount. The defendant or their loved ones can then contact a bail bond company to arrange for their release.
Can I get my money back after posting bail for a misdemeanor?
Yes, after the case concludes and all court appearances have been met, the bail money will be returned. However, the fee paid to the bail bond company is non-refundable.
What happens if I miss a court appearance while out on misdemeanor bail?
Failure to appear in court can result in a warrant for your arrest and forfeiture of the bail money paid. It is essential to attend all scheduled court dates while out on bail.