Criminal Defense Attorneys

CA Criminal Law Specialist	BREAKING NEWS:

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We know how difficult it is to make this call. We are experts and are here to help you, not judge you. Call us any time at
(800) 459-2500 or click here for a discreet online submission.

ALSO: We offer 2nd Opinion Case Evaluations. Learn more...

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UNDERSTANDING THE CRIMINAL PROCESS

Bail

Bail is initially set by the arresting officer or the watch commander. It is usually set according to a bail schedule published by the Court in each county. Many defendants will receive an "own recognizance" (O.R.) release and will not have to post bail.

Bail reduction motions can first be made at the arraignment. There are also other (but limited) opportunities to bring a motion to reduce bail.

Bail is made with cash or a bond. A bond requires a 10% fee to a bondsman plus collateral. The 10% is the bondman's fee and will not be returned. Cash bail is returned, less a small administrative fee, when the case is over. We often can help you find a bondsman who will work diligently to arrange bail (often including payments on their fee) with eased collateral requirements.

NEXT TOPIC : THE ARRAIGNMENT

THE CRIMINAL PROCESS
THE BASICS The Crimes The Attorney The Arrest Booking Process Police Reports Charging Decision Bail	THE CASE The Arraignment Discovery Preliminary Hearing Plea Bargaining Pre-Trial Motions The Trial Sentencing Consequences Appeals Expungements	THE COURTS Superior Court Federal Court Juvenile Court

IMPORTANT!

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PRE-FILE ALERT:
Don't Wait Until You Are Arrested!
If you even suspect that you may be charged with a crime, speak to an attorney now!

Very often before formal charges are filed, there is an investigation. Law enforcement tries to gather as much evidence as possible to build their case against you. This is the pre-file stage of a case.

This pre-file period can be the most crucial stage of a criminal case. Since you haven't been arrested, you don't have any Miranda Rights. This is when most people fall into law enforcement traps designed to destroy their legal case.

Learn more

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APPEALS ALERT!
Blakely v. Washington May
Give You a Second Chance
If you or someone you know was sentenced after 1998 (if the conviction was appealed) or 2000 (if there was no appeal), the new United States Supreme Court decision in Blakely vs. Washington may provide a second change to review your sentence!

WHAT TO DO IF ...

If Arrested
If Accused or Under Investigation

Call 1-800-459-2500 or click here to contact us using our discreet online form | Se Habla Español