How to Locate Someone in Custody and how bail is set

Written By Michael Gibson

When a person is arrested, the next steps can be confusing and overwhelming for both them and their loved ones. One of the most important factors in determining a person's release is bail. The bail system is designed to ensure that an arrested individual will return to court after being released from custody. However, not all charges carry the same bail amounts, and different factors come into play when determining how much bail is set for a particular case. This blog will explore the factors that influence bail amounts for different charges and provide guidance on how to locate someone in custody.

How Bail Amounts Are Determined

Bail amounts vary significantly depending on the type of crime committed, the accused's criminal history, and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Generally, the more serious the crime, the higher the bail will be. Let's break down how different types of charges can influence the amount of bail:

  1. Misdemeanors: Misdemeanor offenses are typically less serious than felonies and often come with lower bail amounts. These charges can include petty theft, simple assault, and disorderly conduct. For example, someone charged with a first-time DUI offense or shoplifting may have a bail set in the range of $500 to $2,000.

  2. Felonies: Felony charges are far more serious and result in much higher bail amounts. Crimes such as burglary, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking often fall into this category. Depending on the nature of the felony, bail can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. In some cases, like for violent crimes, the judge may deny bail altogether.

  3. Violent Crimes: Crimes involving violence, such as murder or armed robbery, result in much higher bail amounts or no bail at all. For example, bail for first-degree murder may be set at $1 million or higher. This reflects the risk the defendant might pose to the community and the high likelihood of flight.

  4. Drug-Related Offenses: The bail for drug-related charges can vary depending on the quantity and type of drugs involved, as well as any previous offenses. For instance, someone arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana may have a much lower bail than someone charged with large-scale drug distribution.

  5. White-Collar Crimes: Crimes like embezzlement, fraud, or identity theft may not involve physical harm, but they can still lead to high bail amounts because of the large sums of money or valuable assets involved. Bail for these offenses could range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the financial impact of the crime.

Other Factors Affecting Bail

In addition to the type of charge, several other factors can influence how much bail is set for an individual:

  • Flight Risk: If the judge believes the defendant is a flight risk (likely to leave the jurisdiction), they may increase the bail amount or deny bail.

  • Criminal History: A defendant with a long criminal record or previous failures to appear in court may face higher bail amounts.

  • Ties to the Community: Those with strong ties to the community, such as family, a job, or owning property, may receive a lower bail amount as they are deemed less likely to flee.

How to Locate Someone in Custody

If you need to locate a loved one who has been arrested, there are several ways to go about it:

  1. Call the Local Police Department or Jail: The easiest way to find out if someone is in custody is to call the police department or jail where you believe they may have been taken. Provide the individual's full name and date of birth to assist with the search.

  2. Check Online Inmate Locators: Many county and city jails offer online databases where you can search for inmates. By visiting the appropriate website and entering the person’s name and date of birth, you can quickly find out if they are in custody, where they are being held, and whether bail has been set.

  3. Contact the Sheriff's Department: In some cases, the local sheriff's office may have information on inmates held in county jails. Most sheriff's departments also maintain inmate search tools online.

  4. Use a Bail Bonds Service: If you are unsure how to locate someone in custody, a bail bonds company like HomeQuest Bail Bonds can assist. Bail bonds agents are experienced in finding individuals in custody, posting bail, and guiding families through the legal process.

What to Do After Locating Someone in Custody

Once you've located someone in custody, it's important to act quickly to arrange their release. Contact a bail bondsman to post bail if necessary. The bail agent can also explain the next steps, such as court appearances, and help ensure that all legal requirements are met.

Conclusion

Bail amounts depend on the type of charge, criminal history, and other factors, but with the right information, you can better understand how these decisions are made. If a loved one has been arrested, knowing how to locate them and what steps to take can bring peace of mind during a stressful time. For assistance with posting bail or navigating the legal system, a trusted bail bonds service can make all the difference in securing a fast and affordable release.

At HomeQuest Bail Bonds, we are here to assist you every step of the way. Our expert agents can help locate someone in custody, post bail, and ensure that your loved one gets home quickly and safely.

Contact Us Today for Immediate Assistance:

  • Phone: 949-323-2222

Location:

1100 Town & Country Road Suite , Orange, CA 92868

Hours:

Available 24 hours a day, every day

License:

License # 1846042

Disclaimer:

This website provides general information about California bail bonds and is not intended as legal advice.

Orange County Jail Resources:

  1. Central Jail Complex

  2. Theo Lacy Facility

  1. Santa Ana City Jail

You can use this link to access Cashier & Bail Information for all Orange County Jails. For more information and visiting hours, you can visit the official Orange County Sheriff’s Department website.

Michael Gibson
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