Have you heard about the SB 10 in California and the importance of the upcoming vote regarding it this November? Whether you have or not, it’s important you know the facts.
SB 10 and the Attempt to Eliminate Bail in California
For years, California residents were able to use a cash bail system for detained criminal suspects to ensure they could be released from in jail in exchange for a promise they would return for their criminal hearings. It serves as an ideal and fair tool to make sure defendants showed up for trial, but didn’t have to stay in jail while they were still presumed to be innocent. The bond rates were set by the state’s superior courts, and could be increased or decreased based on what judges thought was fair based on the charges and other extenuating circumstances. Bond is good for a year, sometimes even longer. Most people can’t afford to pay their bond, which is why the bail industry is so important.
Nevertheless, California pushed through SB 10, which would end the use of cash bail for detained suspects. Instead, there would be a hearing to assess the risk of granting pre-trial release, and to determine the conditions of granting bail, which could lead to a host of issues. Fortunately, thanks to a referendum to overturn SB 10, California residents will be able to vote on it in November of 2020.
Here’s why you should be against SB 10
It puts way too much power in the judge’s hands, which is not ideal in a system built on checks and balances. We all have biases, overt or covert, and judges are human just like anyone else. However, for the worse judges who may knowingly or unknowingly profile, it could put minorities at a major disadvantage. What’s more, if the judge doesn’t let you out, you have to wear that hideous orange jump suit to court? Who do you think makes a better impression on the court – a person in nice clothes or a person in that orange jump suit? It puts dependents at a severe disadvantage.- Imagine a loved one was arrested. Jail is an awful place; we’ve heard horror stories of clients having to use toilet paper as a pillow and the food is just putrid. Wouldn’t you want him or her to have someone who knows the ins and outs of the system and can get them out right away? If you’re waiting on a judge, it could take days or weeks! Each county has at least 2,000 inmates, so that’s over 160,000 inmates trying to get out, which clogs the system. The client and the bail bondsman have an actual relationship, and while your bondsman may not be a lawyer, he does have years of experience in the field and can be a sounding board. Your bondsman will be with you every step of the process.
- Bail bonds are tax free! They don’t cost the tax payers of California a cent.
- Bail Man Bail Bonds will work with clients to develop a payment plan that suits their needs.
- Removing the bail industry will clog the system and take it longer for you or your loved one to get out of jail while awaiting trial. This is especially important during the coronavirus pandemic…who wants their loved one in a place where the virus is known to rapidly spread?
- When using a bail bondsman, we can come right away and can do another bond if the judge raises bail. If the state is ahead of it, you could be waiting several days…in jail!
- If something happens that causes you to miss your court date, we can reinstate the bail, since it supersedes the bench warrant.
- It may not be comfortable for defendants. For instance, if your case takes 6 months to finalize after delay and delay, you may be required to wear an ankle bracelet with a GPS tracking device, which costs $500 dollars a month! You have to wear this device 24-7 (if it comes off for any reason, your probation officer is immediately alerted). It’s an expensive nuisance to endure while you’re awaiting trial.
- Without the bail bond industry, expect taxpayers to have to fund more programs to get the new systems up and running efficiently. It will cost the state and its taxpayers bundles of money, and it still does nothing to guarantee defendants will show up to trial. Wouldn’t those dollars be better spent on other aspects of the criminal justice system?
- Reduced privacy. The defendant is practically forfeiting their right to privacy. The government will know where the defendant is at all times. This change would make the government bigger and remove a bail bondsman, who works to help protect your rights!
Get Out And Vote ‘No’ On SB 10 This November!
Sadly, only about 10% of Californians understand the importance and urgency of voting ‘no’ on SB 10. That has to change as it will cause so many issues for the state, and get rid of an industry that’s been around since the gold rush days. As such, the details above are just some of the many reasons why you should vote ‘no’ on SB 10 this November.
Bailman Bailbonds Will Get You Out of Jail Like Yesterday!
If you need the help of Bailman Bailbonds, give us a call at 866-945-2245. We’re are open 24-7 for our customers; if you need us to bail you out, we’ll to help you immediately. We service customers throughout the LA County, Ventura County and Orange County areas, including those in Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Van Nuys, Burbank, San Fernando, Glendale and Long Beach.