Got Bail? Fast Release from your local Jail
Gold Country Bail Bonds - Local Agents
Gold Country Bail Bonds is a bail bond agency located in the foothills of Northern California, providing immediate release from jail since 1997. Our licensed bail bond agents have helped people in every situation imaginable statewide and nationwide.
At Gold Country Bail Bonds, we strive to go the extra mile to provide professional and courteous service. Our agency is unique in that a licensed and knowledgeable bail agent is available for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What does this mean for our clients? This means that whenever you call us, there will always be a licensed bail bond agent available and ready to assist you.
We treat each of our clients with professionalism and respect; we understand the difficult situation you're faced with. We never sacrifice a client's privacy or violate their trust under any circumstances. So, when you, a family member or friend needs our assistance don't hesitate to call on us. Established in 1997, Gold Country Bail Bonds founded and still run today by Chuck Holland has offices and licensed bail agents located in the communities of Placerville, El Dorado County, Tahoe City, Nevada County, South Lake Tahoe, Jackson, Amador County, San Andreas, Calaveras County, Auburn, Placer County, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Sonora, Tuolumne, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Woodland, Yolo County, Marysville, Yuba County, Yuba City, Sutter County, and Sacramento Areas. The company its owner and agents are established professionals that are committed to the bail industry and local community as well...
8% Bail Bond Premium on Approval
The Department of insurance has approved Gold Country Bail Bonds to offer 8% Rates if any party to the transaction is a member of AARP, has retained an attorney, is Active or Vet Military, or Labor Union Member.
Local Bail Agent Network
Gold Country Bail Bonds works through a network of Agents in over 30 States and Southern California to provide convenient expedited service where you need it. If you have a friend, family member or loved one that has been arrested in another state just call us to expedite the process. Our extended network of qualified agents will insure a fast hassle, free release from custody. We have licensed bail agents available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer any and all of your questions and concerns about bail bonds. If are in need of a bail bond for a friend, family or loved one, please have the person's name, and if possible the county name that they are held in ready, so that we may expedite their release process. We here at Gold Country Bail Bonds would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Please use the buttons above to get more information
How much does a DUI in California Cost?
Each and every case may be different, what to expect after a DUI arrest depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. Here are some issues that may affect the outcome of your DUI case: (BAC) Blood Alcohol Concentration, consent or refusal of a chemical test, was an accident involved, if so were there injuries?, any prior convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In California, generally DUI cases are charged under sections 23152(a) and 23152(b) of the Vehicle Code. These sections make it unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle, and provides that it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle. If injury is involved due to an accident, there is a specific Vehicle Code section related to this situation.
When a person is stopped by police, officers request the DUI detainee submit to a (FST) field sobriety test, Officers often request that a person submit to a field breath test (Breathalyzer) called a (PAS) preliminary alcohol screening test. An FST can include a series of different movements and actions the officer uses to determine if a person is driving in an impaired state. This is how the officer develops the final portion of his probable cause to affect an arrest for driving under the influence.
After being arrested and booked at the county jail it’s now time to post bail. Next is arraignment, at this point you should receive a copy of the complaint. The complaint spells out the charges the District Attorney intends to charge you with in the criminal court. You or your lawyer may enter a plea and the prosecution will make discovery items available to the defense. Some the possible pleas that may be entered by you or on your behalf through legal counsel are not guilty, guilty and no contest. The plea choice may come with serious consequences and should be thoroughly investigated and or discussed with a lawyer until you feel comfortable with the decision you’re making.
Pleading not guilty and heading for trial
At trial, the prosecutor has an obligation to prove each and every element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt. That means if it’s a jury trial all twelve jurors must agree on you guilt or innocence. You have many rights in this situation. As an example of some of your rights, the right to a speedy trial by jury, the right to be silent and not incriminate yourself; the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, the right to call witnesses, the right to present evidence, and the right to an attorney. Even if you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you by the court.
If your convicted (through plea or found guilty by jury) of a DUI, a first time conviction generally has no additional jail time, fines and assessments (about $2000.00) various fee’s and restitution, possible license restriction, DUI offender driving school (must be approved by DMV), and some probation time. (Usually court summary) For each additional conviction (2nd&3rd) the fines and consequences increase up-to but not limited to jail time. Upon conviction of a 4th DUI within ten years the standard misdemeanor charge can increase to a felony. Upon conviction of any felony a person may be sent to state prison. Persons finding themselves in a situation of multiple DUI’s should seek the advice and direction of an attorney.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has an administrative process which DMV determines whether a person convicted of DUI should retain their driving privileges. Even though a court orders a certain license disposition, DMV may try to tack on an additional penalty or restriction, suspension or revocation. It’s important to immediately request a DMV hearing in all DUI cases. If a DUI defendant fails to properly request such a hearing within 10 days of arrest, the hearing right may be waived.
Although sometimes it seems that DUI court proceedings are somewhat informal, they carry serious consequences within the criminal courts and administratively through the DMV. This information has been provided for informational purposes only and should never be relied upon as legal advice. For further information and advice I highly recommend you consult with an attorney experienced with California DUI laws.
Alternative Sentencing for war Veterans
As service members returning from duty in the Middle East, ( Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and even some from past tours of Vietnam) are finding themselves making the adjustment from a hostile military environment within a war torn region back into a mainstream American way of life, unfortunately some of our veterans are finding themselves on the wrong side of the legal system. There are numerous resources available to assist veterans when they fall astray of the law. One such statute, California Penal Code Section1170.9 is one of them.
In addition to combat vets with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the law applies to those suffering from substance abuse and/or unspecified psychological ailments. Service people afflicted with such conditions are convicted of a criminal offense that may lead to a stint in county jail or state prison, or they may even be eligible for probation, judges have an option of sending vets with PTSD to a treatment facility.
This statute took effect January 2007. It’s unclear how often this statute has been applied to a case. Its existence still seems to be relatively unknown within the legal community.
Here’s a brief description of how the statute works.
If you are a veteran who served in combat, you are facing criminal charges, or you have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing, there is a California law that may help you obtain treatment instead of serving time in jail or prison. (Penal Code §1170.9)
Most criminal lawyers in California understand alternative sentencing laws and rules within the local jurisdictions they regularly work. Penal Code §1170.9 isn’t widely used because it’s still relatively un-known or misunderstood by lawyers. First of all you should let your lawyer know you’re a veteran, served in combat, and may suffer from PTSD, have a substance abuse issue, or psychological problems. Your lawyer can evaluate your situation and determine if this method of sentencing will apply to your situation.
For the court to exercise the obligation to consider a persons veteran status, and further asses the defendant for PTSD, or other issues related, a lawyer may need to allege the defendant committed the charged crime due to post traumatic stress disorder, a substance abuse issue, or even a psychological problem as a result of combat service in the United States Military.
If you believe this statute is an appropriate fit for your situation you should consult with a lawyer. There is no substitute for competent legal representation. Attorneys are trained professionals in legal representation of criminal matters.
This information is just that “information” and should never be relied upon as legal advice. This information is intended to broaden your knowledge and allow you to better understand that options do exist.
Understanding the New Conduct Credit Laws
A new law went into effect on January 25, 2010 (SB X3 18) that changes the credits most defendants receive while serving time in a California jail. Previously defendants had to serve two-thirds of their jail sentence. The new rule means they only serve half of the sentence. As always certain restrictions apply. I have researched this issue and put together this brief outline of the changes. This is for information purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice.
Penal Code §4019 (a) (1) &(4) provide for conduct credits earned for “good time” and “work time” of pre-sentence incarceration in a county jail facility or state prison. (CDCR) Subdivision (a) (1) also allows for these credits to apply post-sentence for incarceration in a county jail.
Determining eligibility, the new rules for custody credits apply to most defendants, some exceptions are;
1. Registered sex offenders.
2. Serving time / convicted of a violent felony listed in Penal Code §667.5 (c).
3. Persons with a prior violent felony conviction.
4. Pre-sentence credit for a person sentenced to the state prison for a life term.
5. Persons serving post-sentence time on an alternative sentencing program.
All eligible defendants will now receive two days of additional credit for every two days of “actual jail custody time” that they serve. I.e. a defendant sentenced to 60 days in jail will serve 30 days of actual jail time. Previously two thirds were required to be served, reducing a sentence by one-third for good time / work time credits.
The formula for determining time served credit is much simpler with the new revisions to Penal Code §4019. Days credited are deducted for each four day period in which a person is confined. Subdivision (f) provides that four days have been served for every two days spent in “actual custody”.
There is controversy brewing over the application of the new statute’s changes to county jail commitments and has prompted the introduction of two bills that are now pending in the Legislature to limit application of the formula increasing credits earned to only inmates committed to state prison. You should follow the pending legislation to keep current on any and all changes that may affect the way custody credits are calculated.
As of April 2010 there is a split in appellate decisions whether the new changes to Penal Code §4019 apply retroactively to pre-sentence custody credit calculations when a defendant was sentenced prior to the January 25, 2010 change in the statute. Three cases, People v. Brown, People v. House, and People v. Landon, (all 2010 cases) all held that the defendant is entitled to the new “half time” calculation. One case People v. Rodriguez reached a contrary conclusion. A hinge point seems to be Penal Code §3 specifying that no part of the Penal Code is retroactive “unless expressly so declared”. Once again it’s important to keep current on the changes and decisions made on this issue. Always consult with legal counsel to be sure you have the most current information.
Can Juveniles bail out of Juvenile Hall?
The standard answer to this question is “no” juveniles cannot be bailed from Juvenile Hall. The more complicated answer is yes, or sometimes yes, but most of the time no. there are very limited circumstances that allow a juvenile to be bailed from custody.
The California adult correctional system has been established with the goal of punishment, the juvenile justice system has a much different goal. Treatment and rehabilitation of offenders. California’s juvenile justice system has a broad array of programs for addressing juvenile crime, depending on the severity of the offense and the background of the offender. Including fines, treatment programs, detention, incarceration, and community supervision. The system provides for escalating responses to offenses of increasing severity, i.e.; informal probation, formal probation, and detention. Because the juvenile system has a goal of rehabilitation in mind, many more agencies have a role to play in the Juvenile system than in the adult system.
Juvenile justice gives police, probation officials, and the District Attorney broad discretion over juvenile offenders. Upon arrest, the police may release the juvenile to his or her parents or if the crime is serious, take the alleged offender to juvenile hall.
The state legislature has modified the juvenile law known as Proposition 21 so that a minor can be transferred from juvenile court to an adult court and be tried as adult in specified serious or violent felony cases, even if the he/she is as young as 14. In most juvenile crime cases a judge may determine if it is appropriate to make such a transfer. In certain serious juvenile criminal cases the DA may charge a minor in adult court directly.
When a juvenile is charged with a serious or violent crime, and the DA and or court moves forward under Proposition 21 the Judge can set a bail amount for the juvenile offender.
Gold Country Bail Bonds is experienced with handling juvenile prop 21 bail bonds. We have secured releases from both Juvenile Halls and County Jail facilities.
In all juvenile cases you should consult with an attorney for legal advice. Juvenile cases are complicated.
Bail Reductions
Bail allows a defendant to be released from actual custody on the posting of a bond, cash deposit, or other security deemed sufficient to guarantee to the court that the defendant will return to answer to the charges levied against him/her. The word bail as used in California law (called statutes) has several different meanings. People often get confused when they hear the word bail. Bail can refer to security posted guaranteeing appearance, or the surety or bondsman who posts security with the court to guarantee appearance. There are three distinct types of bail in California.
- Cash Bail, the putting up of money with the court for the entire penal amount of the bail set.
- Property Bond, the use of real property rather than money. Generally a more complicated and time consuming process.
- Surety Bail, the use of a surety bail bond via a bail agent, or bail bondsman. Commonly a bail bond agency charges only a percentage of the penal amount of the bail set.
A reduction in bail can come at different times depending on the complexity of a case. Bail can be reduced at arraignment, the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, on the filing of an information or indictment; however some judges are reluctant to reduce bail at arraignment because they know very little about the case. As of arraignment they usually don’t have the police reports to review, the judges tend to avoid making a decision on bail without facts. At this point a bail review, or bail study is generally requested by the judge, a Probation Officer will review the facts and make a report back to the court for a further bail hearing.
A good guideline of how courts set bail is described in the California Constitution, Article I Section 12. In part it guides the court on factors to be considered in the setting of bail, and the reduction of bail. Three factors to be considered are;
- Seriousness of the offence (s) charged.
- Defendant’s criminal record.
- Probability of the defendant (accused) returning to court.
Hearings on bail motions (increase or decrease) are generally informal. Most bail motions are made either orally or in writing. Written motions are generally more complex; include memorandum of points and authorities, and declarations of supporting facts. Some courts even require actual testimony, affidavits, or declarations. The assistance of an attorney is advisable.
The judge has a lot of discretion when setting bail amounts. The California Constitution uses the word “may” with regards to excessive bail. May is a word that gives judges their wide range of discretion. Bail reduction hearings are common place in the courts; some hearings are more complex than others. Judges often have their own mindsets on how bail should be set. Each judge is different; it’s not uncommon to have a different judge review bail on the same case.
Bail and Electronic Monitoring – Pretrial Releases
In some cases electronic monitoring can utilized for bail reductions. By offering the option of an ankle bracelet a number of our clients have had more success requesting bail reductions. We offer two options for ankle bracelets, the first operates on GPS and cell phone signals allowing clients to go to work or school and continue to be monitored. The second option is more of a traditional house arrest system which operates on radio frequency with a base station located in the house.
If you have a friend or loved one in jail and your lawyer wants to try for a bail reduction don't forget this valuable tool. It may be the determining factor in their release.
How is Bail Amount Determined? Bail Schedule
There are many factors that come into account when an arresting agency decides on how much bail the accused must pay to be released from jail. For most crimes, bail amounts are derived from a document called the "bail schedule" a list of crimes with corresponding bail amounts decided by the district attorneys office and local judges. However, the bail schedule does not list bail amounts for ALL crimes. In this case bail will be decided by the Judge. Here are some examples
How the Jail handles the bail amount totals varies from county to county. Some counties maintain the policy of "Stacking" bail. In this system all charges carry a specific amount and are added together, the sum is the amount that the accused must pay for release. Other counties may use only the highest bail amount to determine the total bail.
How to Determine Bail in El Dorado County
El Dorado County is a little Different than most counties in their policy of determining total bail amounts. All misdemeanor counts of a crime are stacked (bail amounts are added together) and felonies are only stacked if the crimes occurred in succession of time ex. burglary, led to hit and run, hit and run led to evasion. Warrants are always stacked for they are different case numbers.
Searches and Search Warrants
Every person has a Constitutional right protecting them against unreasonable searches and seizures. (Fourth Amendment) The Fourth Amendment was ratified as a means to guard against abuse of the writ of assistance, better defined as a “general search warrant” in the American Revolutionary times. The Fourth Amendment specifies all searches and arrest warrants be sanctioned judicially, and supported by probable cause. In 1961 the Supreme Court ruled the 4th Amendment to applicable by way of Due Process outlined in the Fourteenth Amendment.
The 4th Amendment specifically only applies to government employees, and does not protect you from searches and seizures (reasonable or unreasonable) conducted by a private citizen, and only applies to criminal law with no protection under this amendment for civil law.
The Supreme Court has ruled that searches and seizures can violate the reasonableness required pursuant to the 4th Amendment in certain cases. However, not all actions by governmental authorities to obtain or collect information and evidence on a person constitute a search. The actions of governmental authorities are what trigger the protections guaranteed pursuant to the 4th Amendment. If no search occurred, there may be no necessity (requirement) for a warrant. On the contrary if a search occurred there may be a necessity (requirement) for a warrant.
In 1968 the Supreme Court ruled that in certain circumstances police officers (governmental employees) can conduct limited warrant-less searches with suspicion levels less than that of probable cause in certain circumstances. In certain situations officers may conduct a “pat down search”. This activity is primarily done for the safety of the officer (s) and to determine if a “suspect” has a weapon of some sort. An officer needs to articulate specific facts in order to justify their actions; a vague hunch does not work.
The 4th Amendment mandates a law enforcement officer receive permission from a court of law (Judge or Magistrate) in order to lawfully search and seize evidence in the course of investigating a crime. The permission granted by the court is called a warrant. When a law enforcement officer conducts a search and seizure without a lawfully issued warrant it may be considered unreasonable and or unconstitutional. However there are certain exceptions that allow un-warranted searches and seizures.
Prior to 1914 evidence was allowed to be admitted into a criminal case no matter how it was obtained. The Supreme Court adopted the “exclusionary rule” in Weeks vs. United States. Other decisions came shortly after giving further protection of the 4th Amendment. One such ruling dealt with tips resulting from illegally obtained evidence is also inadmissible in trials, known as “fruit of the poisonous tree”. The main function of this protection is to deter law enforcement officers from violating suspects 4th Amendment rights.
Through the years courts have established exceptions to the warrant requirements, for example:
Plain view, with probable cause and a reason to be present an officer may seize objects that are in “plain view”.
Open field, fields, water, woodlands etc. may be searchable without a warrant. The expectation of privacy level is far less than that of a person’s home, person or vehicle. The Supreme Court has ruled in a 1924 case that the 4th Amendment protection does not extend to open fields.
Curtilage, the outdoor area’s immediately surrounding a home may be protected, and considered an extension of a person’s home. Therefore subject to privacy protections afforded in the 4th Amendment. To fall outside of the realm of cartilage interpretation there may need to be a great distance, fence, plants, etc to separate the area and be considered an open field.
Exigent circumstances, an exception to the warrant requirement may be an exigent circumstance. This happens when a law enforcement officer reasonably believes there is a need to protect life or property. When a search is not motivated by intent to arrest or obtain evidence an un-warranted search may not violate persons 4th Amendment rights.
Vehicles, persons in automobiles generally have a lesser expectation of privacy. A vehicle usually does not serve as a person’s residence or repository of personal belongings. A law enforcement officer needs some sort of probable cause and a reasonable belief the vehicle, occupants, and/or contents are connected with criminal activity. As a general rule items in “plain view” may be seized with out a warrant.
Searches at time of arrest, its common and has been found to not violate the 4th Amendment to search an individual incident to an arrest. Two major factors come into play, 1. Officer safety, the officer needs to check for weapons. 2. Preservation of evidence, the officer needs to gain control of evidence to prevent destruction by the arrested party.
Example; It’s reasonable for the officer to search the area within the arrestee's immediate control, that is, the area from which the defendant may gain access to a weapon or evidence. A search of the room in which the arrest is made is therefore permissible, but the same is not true of a search of other rooms, as the arrestee would not probably be able to access weapons or evidence in those rooms at the time of arrest.
Borders & Airports, a person, vehicle, and personal effects may be searched without a warrant at any United States boarder or international airport. The “border search” exception even relaxes the necessity for probable cause. While at a border crossing or international airport any person may be searched at random with virtually no violation of his/her 4th Amendment rights. However a search that intrudes on a person’s dignity and privacy must be supported by reasonable suspicion.
Misc. exceptions, some of the other exceptions used for the basis of a warrant less search are; Public Schools, Government Offices, Jail and Prison Cells, Searches Made With Consent.
Fourth Amendment protection does not apply to an arrest and or seizure by a private person. (Citizens Arrest) Most states have laws governing the specific circumstances when a private person may arrest another. Some general examples of when a private person would make an arrest would be when a felony or misdemeanor crime has been committed and possibly witnessed by the arresting citizen. The arresting citizen should have a reasonable belief that the person arrested has committed the crime. A private person making a citizens arrest has no qualified immunity and may face a civil lawsuit if they’re mistaken.
This information has been provided as a reference, and should in no way be relied upon as legal advice. If you have questions or concerns of a specific matter you are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent attorney.
Want to become a Bounty Hunter Like "Dog"?
Well maybe not exactly like Dog, but a bounty hunter just the same. The job of a bounty hunter is to arrest fugitives running from the law. It is a dangerous? Sometimes sure, but that's half the draw right? If you think that a career as a bounty hunter is right up your alley here are the steps needed to do it legally.
Advice: Fugitive Recovery agents come through our office all the time trying to get business. We have only used a few. If you want to get into this business be ready to bring something extraodinary to the table. You must be effective and be able to back it up time and time again. Remember, it takes years to build a great reputation, and only a day to ruin it. That being said, here are the legal requirements.
- Complete a 40- training course at an accredited community college that teaches individuals how to become a Fugitive Recovery Agent. This course should include a course about the power of arrest course pursuant to Penal Code Section 832.
- Complete a 12-hour, pre-licensing bail education course that is compliant with the Insurance Code Section 1810.7. Go to bailschool.com to see class schedules.
- If you are planning on carrying a weapon you must complete the P.C. 832 Firearms course. You must obtain a firearms permit from your county sheriff and carry the permit with you wherever you go.
- Complete an 8- hour course that focuses on duties of a security guard and the power to arrest.
- Complete the training course successfully to become licensed.
After you have completed all the requirements above you can start make contacts in the bail industry and offer your services as a fugitive recovery agent. This business can be lucrative, it is competitive. In order to break into this business you must be persistent, resourceful, and able to bring results every time. Remember, the act of physically restraining the Fugitive and bringing him/her back into custody is only the end of the hunt. First you must convince a Bail Agent to entrust their liability to you, then find out where the Fugitive is residing. My advice is to plan your strategy on all these fronts before you start taking classes. Don't start this endeavor until you are sure you can stick with it for the long haul. Good Luck and Happy Hunting.
Warning: Bail agency backgound check
Warning: It does not make us proud to advise you there are some bail agencies in the community who will take advantage of unknowing consumers. We are proud to say that most bail agencies are honest and fair with the public. Some are not. It is to your advantage to protect yourself and your family by following a few simple bail bonds consumer tips and bail bonds process.
- Make sure you only deal with a licensed bail agent. Ask to see the bail agent’s license and identification prior to any bail transaction. Ask the agent if their license is restricted or in full force. Use this link to check the agent’s license status. http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0070-check-license-status/
- Make sure the bail agent charges you only legal rates. The premium charged for a bail bond is normally 10% of the full bail amount. Only select bail agencies are approved to charge a discounted rate of 8%. (Gold Country Bail Bonds is one of the few approved for this rate.) Any additional charges should be itemized and explained to your satisfaction.
- Make sure you are given itemized receipts for all charges.
- Make sure you are given copies of all signed contracts and agreements.
- If financing is provided, make sure you understand the terms of the financing agreement prior to signing and be sure you are given copies of anything you sign.
- Make sure the bail agent you contract with will be available to you after the bail bond has been posted. Part of what you pay for is service. Any professional bail agent will be available for questions or concerns throughout the entire process.
Advice: As an informed bail bond consumer, you will have the tools necessary to make the right decisions. Make sure you feel comfortable with the bail agent you choose. Go by your gut instinct. If it feels right, it probably is. If it doesn't feel right, walk away and call someone else. At GOLD COUNTRY BAIL BONDS, we pride ourselves on being professional, straight forward and honest. For immediate assistance, please feel free to contact us.