Murder cases and murder-related cases are the most serious issues you could ever be arrested for. Therefore, it may not always be possible to post bail following an accusation of murder in the State of California. When it is an option, however, bail bonds for murder cases are likely to be the only viable option. If you have a loved one currently in custody, Future Bail Bonds can help you get them out of jail fast.

Here’s all you need to know about murder cases, from posting bail to preparing a defense and understanding the State of California’s definitions.

What is a murder case?

Murder is defined as the unlawful and premeditated killing of another person. In the State of California, it is covered by Penal Code Section 187 and can additionally cover “killings that occur during the commission of dangerous felonies” under the Felony-Murder rule. To be found guilty of murder you will have either committed the act of killing another person or failed to perform a legal duty that could have helped a person who died. A malicious afterthought and no lawful defense.

A host of related cases are often interchangeably used with the term murder. They include; Voluntary Manslaughter (PC 192.a), Involuntary Manslaughter (PC 192.b), Vehicular Homicide (PC 192.c.3), Gross Vehicular Homicide (PC 191.5), and Manslaughter with a Vessel (PC 1922.5). 

Murder charges, also known as first degree murder cases, are made when a defendant’s malicious afterthought is clear. If this cannot be proved, a second degree murder case of manslaughter is likely. 

Either way, securing a release from jail through 24/7 bail bonds will allow your loved one to avoid the immediate financial, emotional, and reputational problems that come from spending time in jail. It should additionally enable them to start working with a California murder attorney on preparing a defense. 

Bail bonds for murder charges

When a loved one is accused of murder, the judge may refuse bail. Even if they do not take this course, they are advised to use the set bail amounts for murder and the related cases. Given the severity of the crimes, these values are often set very high. The total bail amount can be even higher when the related charges are made as enhancements.

The bail for murder can be set to $2,000,000. Meanwhile, some of the bail fees for related charges are as follows; 

  • Voluntary Manslaughter – $100,000.
  • Involuntary Manslaughter – $25,000
  • Vehicular Homicide – $100,000.

While bail fees are returned after the trial, posting cash bonds at this value is not possible for most people. Therefore, turning to a bail bond company that deals with murder charges is often the best solution. The agency will guarantee that a defendant will attend all court hearings and satisfy their bail terms. This service will cost the defendant or co-signer a fraction of the full bail amount – often 10% or lower. 

Why choose bail bonds for murder cases?

First and foremost, using a bail bonds company can reduce the amount of money that you need to find by 90% or more. Given the large sums associated with bail for murder, it is likely to be a five, six, or even seven-figure fee. 

Working with a bail bonds company is additionally the best solution in a wide range of scenarios, including but not limited to;

  • The defendant has been arrested outside of banking hours and cannot gain access to the necessary funds.
  • You are a co-signer and want to limit your potential financial exposure while still helping your loved one get out of jail.
  • You want a quick approval and to post bail within hours.

The benefits are even greater when you choose a reliable service like Future Bail Bonds. We offer fast, confidential bail bonds services for murder cases and arrests in California. This is supported by discrete services and easy payment plans with no collateral needed. Furthermore, we provide some of the lowest prices in the Golden State as well as 0% financing plans. 

Bail bonds for murder cases can also be used 24/7 to post bail via telephone or email.

What is the bail process in California?

Understanding California’s bail process is a vital step to securing the best outcome. After the booking process, it is likely that the defendant will need to wait for a hearing to discover whether bail will be offered. If this is rejected, a second hearing can be arranged in the coming days. If bail is granted, you’ll have to post the bail either through cash, a bond company, or using property as collateral. It should be noted that real estate will need to be worth twice the amount of the bail figure.

Once a defendant has posted their bail, they can be released from jail until the time of their trial. However, they will be expected to attend all hearings and, in murder cases, probably avoid leaving the state. Additional requirements like handing in a passport may be stipulated too. 

Alternatively, if you reject the opportunity to post bail, you will need to remain behind bars until your trial date, which could be up to 30 days away. Posting bail allows the defendant to avoid this outcome and dedicate more time to preparing their defense.

What next?

After securing bail for yourself or a loved one, the next step is to start forming a defense. Murder is the most serious case that an individual could face charges for. Convictions can carry the following punishments;

  • 25 years to life in jail for first degree murder.
  • 25 years to life in jail with no chance of parole for first degree hate crime murder.
  • 15 years to life in jail for second degree murder.

Submitting a defense could focus on several issues. Accidental killing, self-defense, police misconduct, mistaken identity or false allegations, and incapacity to kill are common examples. 

Before building a defense, though, getting out of jail is the priority. Call Future Bail Bonds at (714) 515-5154 to take the first steps now.