If you need a bail bond, you likely have many questions. The bail bonds industry is one that many people hear about but don’t truly understand. It’s important that you obtain the answers to your questions for your peace of mind and financial security, so don’t be afraid to ask them. If someone was arrested in Port Huron specifically, you may even have questions about where hearings will take place because many areas around Port Huron are rural.
Questions to Ask a Port Huron Bail Bondsperson
Following are a few questions to ask a Port Huron bail bondsperson or a lawyer, along with abbreviated answers. Your bail bondsman or attorney can answer them more completely as related to your particular case.
1. What are the general steps involved in the arrest and trial process?
In very general terms, it starts with an arrest and booking. An arraignment must be held 72 hours after the arrest, and a preliminary examination of the evidence takes place about two weeks later.
During the preliminary examination, the judge will determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial. If there is, the case will be bound over to the St. Clair County Circuit Court, identified as the 31st Circuit Court. There, similar processes will take place until the date of the trial.
Depending on the complexity of a case and whether or not there is an appeal, the entire process can take several months but often lasts two or more years.
In St. Clair County, the police station, district court, circuit court, and government offices are located on McMorran Boulevard in Port Huron.
2. How is the amount of bail determined?
For common misdemeanors, a schedule of bail bonds is set in place, so someone can be released from jail soon after the booking and payment. In felony cases or other more complicated cases, the judge will determine the bail amount based on:
- The type and severity of the crime.
- The defendant’s criminal history.
- Whether or not the defendant is a flight risk.
- The defendant’s ties to the community, which could weigh for or against the defendant.
3. As a bail bonds agent in Port Huron, would you be able to get the bail amount reduced?
No. A judge or magistrate makes those decisions.
4. Will I ever get any of my money back?
Generally speaking, if the defendant appears for all hearings, you should get your bail money back at the end of the case, regardless of the verdict. If the defendant skips bail, you will not get your money back in most cases. A bail bond agent may also charge a small fee for services, which is not refundable.
5. What happens if I bail my friend out of the St. Clair County jail, and she runs?
If your friend skips bail, a warrant will be issued for his arrest, and you will not get your money back. In Michigan, we can also send skip tracers to help find the individual.
6. How will getting a bail bond affect my credit?
In terms of your credit history, a bail bond is similar to other loans. As long as you pay the loan back according to the terms of the agreement, your credit history should be fine.
7. Can I change my mind after bailing someone out of jail?
A bail bond surrender can take place depending on a variety of factors. However, that would mean the defendant would be sent back to jail, so the decision should be made carefully. The bail bond company may choose to cancel the bond as well.
8. What is the typical sentence for the crime my friend is accused of committing?
Clearly, the answer to this question depends on many factors, but judges and juries have standards that they follow as guidelines.
Generally, misdemeanors may be punishable by less than one year in jail and/or fines. Felonies are punishable by more than one year in prison. However, some high-level misdemeanors can be considered felonies, and some of the lower level felonies can have minimized prison time. On top of that, what may have been a misdemeanor may be considered a felony if it’s a repeat offense.
It’s really a complex answer that requires many factors to be taken into consideration, so ask your attorney for information about possible sentences.
Tags: Bail Bond Process, Court Process, Port Huron Arrest, Port Huron Court, St. Clair County Bail Bond, St. Clair County Court