No one wants to receive a traffic violation ticket, but unfortunately, it happens to the best of us. And when it does happen to you, it can be stressful and lead to severe consequences. Depending on the severity of your violation, you may face a hefty fine, points on your license, or even have your license taken away from you. Sometimes, traffic violations can also lead to an arrest.
Fortunately, you can always turn to bail bonds if you or someone you love are in such an unpleasant situation. However, you must understand how bail bonds for traffic violations work to navigate this process confidently. Fortunately, our experienced bail bond agents will walk you through everything you should know about bail bonds for traffic violations in this blog post.
Traffic Infractions Vs. Traffic Violations: What's the Difference
When the police arrest you for a traffic violation, they may mention several terms you have never heard before. Some of these terms include traffic violations and traffic infractions. Knowing the differences between traffic infractions and traffic violations is essential. While both terms are notoriously used interchangeably, they represent different offenses with different consequences. For example, a traffic infraction refers to a minor offense that typically results in a fine but does not carry any potential for jail term.
Common examples of traffic infractions are:
Running a red light
Speeding
Failing to yield
Rolling stop
Failure to wear a seatbelt
Illegal U-turn
Using a handheld device while driving
Failure to signal
Although infractions don't carry the potential for a jail term, they are still frustrating, and you will have to pay a fine to resolve them.
On the other hand, a traffic violation is a more severe offense and can result in fines, points on your license, license suspension, and even jail time. Common examples of traffic violations include:
Reckless driving
Passing a stopped school bus
Driving without insurance
Running a red light
Driving with a suspended or revoked license
Hit and run
Driving under the influence
Vehicular manslaughter
What are Bail Bonds?
Now that you know the various traffic violations and infractions, it is best to understand what bail bonds are and how they work. Simply put, a bail bond is a legally binding contract between an arrested individual, a bail bond company, and the court. It allows the defendant to secure release from jail in exchange for a promise to honor all court appearances and rules. If the defendant fails to honor the agreement, the bail bond agents will be forced to pay the total amount of the bond to the court.
Regarding traffic violations, bail bonds play a crucial role. Depending on the violation and your jurisdiction, you can secure a bail bond and avoid spending time away from your loved ones or your source of income by posting bail.
How is Bail for Traffic Violations Set?
It is important to note that bail for traffic violations is not cast in stone. For starters, bail may be set automatically based on a predetermined bail schedule, or it may be assigned by a judge who will consider various factors such as your criminal history, the severity of the offense, and a flight risk. Typically, bail for less serious traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, tends to be lower than for severe crimes like fleeing a police officer or reckless driving.
According to the California bail schedule, here are the common bail amounts for various traffic offenses.
Excessive speeding can result in bail of $100 to $500 or more
Reckless driving bail is typically set at $500, depending on the severity of the offense
Bail for DUI or DWI is typically set at $500 for a first-time offense but tends to be higher for repeat offenders
Bail for driving without a license or a suspended license is generally $500 to $1,000.
The bail amount for running a red light or stop sign typically starts at $100 to $500
How to Get a Bail Bond for a Traffic Violation?
Here are the steps to obtain a bail bond for a traffic violation.
Find a reputable and highly regarded bail bond company in your area
Contact your preferred bail bond company and provide the required information about the defendant
Pay the bail bond fee
Make sure you attend all court appearances
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, don't hesitate to contact the experienced bail bond agent at Golden Boy Bail Bonds. We are ready to help you secure your release from jail after being arrested for traffic violations or other offenses. Contact Golden Boy Bail Bonds today to learn more about our bail bonds Chula Vista.