Sitting in jail in Los Angeles while waiting for you next court date can be a difficult situation to find yourself in. It is especially hard for family and loved ones to watch you rot in a cell while you go through the criminal justice system. And to think that the only thing keeping you in there…is money.
When you are arrested for a crime and you find yourself incarcerated, you have the option to post bail. This is a dollar amount that you would pay as a promise to the court that you will return when you are summoned. It is a way for the court to let you go free without worrying about you running away.
But for many families, posting bail can be a financial impossibility. Does this mean, then, that you are doomed to remain in custody while you wait to get your day in court? Not, necessarily.
A criminal defense attorney can convince a judge to release you on your own recognizance (O.R). If granted, this will allow you to promise the court that you will return without having to putting up any money. The two general factors that a judge considers when deciding whether or not to grant O.R. is the potential danger (if any) that you pose to the community if released and how likely you are to run away.
Making an argument to release you on your own recognizance is typically done at your arraignment (your first court date), which should be scheduled within 48 hours of your arrest. You will need an experienced attorney to make the argument on your behalf. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have been in practice for over 30 years and can help gain your freedom so that you can be with your family while awaiting your next court date. Call us today at 888-749-0034 or visit us online at www.wklaw.com. We will be there for you when you call.
