If you or a friend or loved one have recently been arrested in Guadalupe County, we know you’ve got a lot on your mind. A first arrest introduces a world of demands and responsibilities. It can be confusing, stressful, and intimidating, and the vocabulary can be unfamiliar. Understanding how bail works is a big part of that.
This FAQ document explains everything you need to know about bailing someone out. Read it, and learn what your options are, and how our experienced bondsmen at River City Bail Bonds can guide you in the right direction.
What happens when you are arrested in Guadalupe County?
According to the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s office, on being arrested in Guadalupe County a person is detained and, if the officer believes it to be necessary, brought to the Guadalupe County Adult Detention Center and “booked” (processed).
Processing consists of:
- Undergoing a search
- Waiting while the station completes the arrest report
- Getting fingerprinted and photographed
- Being led to a holding cell to await magistration
What is bail, and how does a bail bond work?
Bail is an amount of money that a person or their representative gives to the court to get out of jail while awaiting trial.
A bail bond is a method of “posting” (paying) bail in which a “bondsman” (bail bond service) presents the full amount of money to the court on behalf of the person arrested. In return for this service, a representative of the person arrested pays a percentage of the total amount to the bondsman (and may be responsible for additional fees).
The court holds the full bail amount to ensure the offender appears in court, then returns the money to the payer (in this case, the bondsman). Offenders do not get back the money they pay to the bond service.
What is magistration, and how is bail set?
During magistration, an offender goes before a magistrate (a type of judge), who sets the cost of bail or decides to release the offender with no bail.
When calculating bail, the magistrate takes into account factors such as:
- Severity of the charges
- The likelihood that the offender is at risk of skipping court
- Potential risk to the public
- Other administrative factors, like court schedule
- Criminal history (first-time offenders may have lower bail set)
How much does a bail bond cost?
A bail bond is generally around 10 percent (though sometimes slightly higher) of bail’s total cost. For larger bonds, some bond services offer payment plans to allow payment in regular installments.
Someone utilizing a bondsman may be asked to put up high-value items as collateral, to ensure the bond’s eventual payment.
What information will a bondsman need from me?
When you are seeking a bail bond, the bondsman will require:
- Basic personal information like date of birth, social security number, address, driver’s license, and phone number
- Proof of employment (for example, a pay stub) and employer contact information
- Information about finances to determine if an individual can serve as a co-signer
It is important to have this information on hand when contacting the bond agent. Having to search for it can slow down the process.
How long does it take to get someone bonded out in Guadalupe County?
In Texas, under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. Art. 15.17, someone who is arrested must go before a magistrate within 48 hours of arrest. So time spent in holding waiting to see a magistrate can vary from a few hours to 48, based on the Judge’s schedule, time of day, number of other cases awaiting magistration, and other factors.
Once the magistrate sets bail, the quicker an offender’s representative contacts a bond agent, the better. Don’t hesitate!
Bond agents tend to be available 24/7 and, depending on the case details, may be able to secure someone’s release shortly after bail is set.
What should a first-time offender do while out on bail?
After being released on bail, a first-time offender should:
- Mark the date of the trial and prepare for it (missing any court appearance can mean an offender owes the full cost of the bail)
- Adhere to all bail conditions (violating bail conditions can open the door to new charges and financial penalties, and can negatively impact the current case)
- Stay in contact with the bond agent, and on top of bond payments, and any other legal costs
Make The Best of a Tough Situation
A first arrest can shake up someone’s world. The choices someone makes, and the steps they take, can determine how quickly life returns to normal. At River City Bail Bonds we can guide offenders and their loved ones through those steps, so they can get themselves back on track. Contact us for help!
