In California, if you are not a United States citizen and are arrested, you may be eligible for a non-citizen bail bond. Non-citizen bail bonds are a type of bail designed to help those not U.S. citizens post bail and avoid detention while their criminal case is pending.
A non-citizen bail bond can be a valuable tool if you are facing criminal charges and are not a U.S. citizen. If you are eligible for a non-citizen bail bond, you may be able to post bail and avoid being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
If you are facing criminal charges and are not a U.S. citizen, you should contact a criminal defense attorney who can help you determine if you are eligible for a non-citizen bail bond. This type of bail bond differs from a regular bail bond in several ways, and it is important to understand the process before moving forward. Here are four things you should know about non-citizen bail bonds in California.
1. Who is eligible?
To be eligible for a non-citizen bail bond, you must be a legal resident of the United States with a green card or another valid immigration status. You must also have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
If you are eligible for a non-citizen bail bond, the process is the same as for any other type of bail bond. You or your co-signer will contact a bail bond agent and provide collateral to secure the bond. The agent will then post the bond with the court.
If you cannot make bail, you may be detained in custody until your trial. In some cases, you may be eligible for release on your recognizance or be granted a reduced bail amount.
If you are convicted of the crime for which you were arrested, you will be required to serve your sentence. After you have served your sentence, you will be deported from the United States.
It is important to remember that if you are arrested and charged with a crime, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Do not let the fear of deportation keep you from exercising your right to a fair trial.
You must also have been arrested for a nonviolent crime. You may be eligible for a non-citizen bail bond if you meet these requirements.
2. How does the process work?
The process works similarly to a regular bail bond if you are eligible for a non-citizen bail bond. You will still be required to post bail, which a judge will set at your arraignment. The amount of bail may differ for non-citizens as there is a greater risk that they will flee the country rather than face trial. In some cases, a surety bond may be required in addition to cash bail.
Once bail is posted, the defendant will be released from custody and will be required to appear for all future court dates. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail will be forfeited, and a warrant will be issued for the arrest. In some cases, the surety company may also be liable for the entire bail amount.
Non-citizens facing severe criminal charges may be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until their case is resolved. This can be lengthy, and there is no guarantee that the defendant will be released on bail. If you are facing charges as a non-citizen, you must speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal system.
3. What are the risks?
There are some risks associated with non-citizen bail bonds. If you fail to appear for your court date, the bail bond company may forfeit your collateral. In addition, if you are unable to make your payments, the bail bond company may hire a bounty hunter to find and bring you back to jail.
Non-citizen bail bonds can be expensive. The bail bond company will charge you a non-refundable fee, typically 10% of the bail amount. In addition, you will be responsible for paying any collateral forfeited if you fail to appear for your court date.
If you are a non-citizen and are charged with a crime, you must talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the bail bond process and protect your rights.
Additionally, if you are deported before your court date, you may not be able to get your money back.
4. Is it worth it?
Whether or not a non-citizen bail bond is worth it is up to you and your specific circumstances. You should consider the risks involved as well as the benefits before making a decision.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering posting bail for a non-citizen. First, understand that the risks involved are typically higher for non-citizens. This is because they may not have ties to the community and may be more likely to flee if released on bail. Additionally, non-citizens who are convicted of a crime may be deported even if they have posted bail.
With that said, there are also some benefits to posting bail for a non-citizen. For one, it can help them avoid being detained by immigration authorities. Additionally, posting bail can also help speed up the process of their case being heard in court. Ultimately, whether or not posting bail for a non-citizen is worth it is up to you and your specific circumstances. Consider the risks and benefits before making a decision.
A non-citizen bail bond can be a helpful tool if facing an arrest in California, but it is important to understand the process and the risks involved before moving forward. If you have questions about whether a non-citizen bail bond is right for you, contact a professional for more information.