Frequently Asked Questions about Bail Bonds in Hawaii

After a grand jury indictment is issued, the legal process continues, and several steps are typically taken as the case moves forward. Here is an overview of what generally happens after a grand jury indictment:

• Issuance of Arrest Warrant: If an individual has been indicted by a grand jury, the next step is often the issuance of an arrest warrant. The accused person may be taken into custody by law enforcement.
• Arraignment: After arrest, the accused is brought before a court for an arraignment. During the arraignment, the charges are formally presented, and the accused is informed of their rights. The accused may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In some cases, a plea deal may be negotiated.
• Bail Hearing: A bail hearing may be held to determine whether the accused should be released from custody before the trial. The judge considers factors such as the nature of the charges, the accused's criminal history, and the potential flight risk. Bail may be set, or the accused may be released on their own recognizance.
• Pretrial Proceedings: Before the trial, there are pretrial proceedings during which both the prosecution and defense gather evidence, exchange information, and may file motions. The defense may challenge the admissibility of evidence, and the prosecution may respond.
• Discovery Process: The discovery process allows both the prosecution and defense to obtain information from each other related to the case. This includes evidence, witness lists, and other relevant materials.
• Plea Bargaining: In many cases, there is an opportunity for plea bargaining between the prosecution and the defense. This involves negotiating a plea deal in which the accused agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence.
• Trial: If a plea deal is not reached, the case proceeds to trial. During the trial, both the prosecution and defense present their cases, call witnesses, and present evidence. The judge or jury determines the guilt or innocence of the accused.
• Sentencing: If the accused is found guilty, a separate sentencing hearing is held. The judge considers various factors, including the nature of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, to determine an appropriate sentence.

It's important to note that the legal process can vary based on jurisdiction and the specific details of the case. Additionally, not all criminal cases involve a grand jury indictment; some cases proceed through a different process, such as a preliminary hearing.

Individuals facing criminal charges after a grand jury indictment should consult with a criminal defense attorney to understand their rights, legal options, and to receive guidance throughout the legal proceedings.

An indictment in Hawaii is an accusation by a grand jury that a particular person has committed a felony. After the prosecutor presents evidence to the grand jury, they vote to agree whether there is sufficient evidence to formally charge the accused with the crime. If it is determined that there is enough evidence for an indictment, then a formal criminal complaint is issued and a court date is set for the defendant.

If you've been indicted in Hawaii, you should do the following:

1. Stay calm and seek legal advice.
2. Gather important documents related to your case, such as evidence or other paperwork that can be used in a defense.
3. Contact an attorney to represent you in court proceedings and provide guidance throughout the process.
4. Attend all hearings and court appearances as required, and follow any instructions provided by the judge or court personnel.
5. Exercise your right to remain silent until your lawyer has a chance to review the case against you.
6. Speak with witnesses who may have information relevant to your case, and obtain any necessary evidence or testimony for use in a potential trial or plea bargain negotiations.
7. Prepare for trial or plea bargain negotiations by fully understanding the charges against you and researching precedent cases that may have relevance to yours.
8. Follow any decisions reached through the judicial process, whether it is a sentence issued at trial or following a plea bargain agreement with the prosecutor

After being sentenced into jail, a bail amount will be set. For major offenses, a judge will personally assess the person’s case before setting the bail amount. Smaller crimes, such as minor misdemeanors, typically have a pre-set bail amount in Hawaii and you can quickly be released from jail upon paying the bail amount.

A violation of bail conditions, also referred to as a breach of bail conditions, may result in:

• Being arrested
• A warrant being issued
• Being held in custody until another bail hearing

A few things are important to know before requesting bail bonds...you will want to prepare the following:

• The location of the person in custody
• Their name
• Their booking number
• The cost of bail

We make Hawaii bail bonds applications quick and easy. You can apply with us online, over the phone, or in person. We place a strong emphasis on discretion for each of our clients and always treat you professionally. We can contact friends and family so that upon release our client can be reconnected with loved ones fast.

You do get your money when you pay for bail as long as it is cash bail and that person meets the required court date. However, you will not receive your money back if the defendant is found guilty on the charge or does not appear in court.

Price of bail bonds services can vary. It’s important to save as much money as possible for potential court fines and attorney fees, which is why A-1 Bail Bonds provides free consultations and typically does not require any collateral for most bonds. Additionally, the second year of bail is free with our service. A-1 Bail Bonds is the only bail company in Hawaii to give two years for the price of one - and we put it in writing!

There are a few relevant pieces of information we require to expedite the process for our clients: Full name, the name of the jail, and the bail amount are great to know if you've been able to find out this information. However, if you've had problems getting this information, we'll take your loved one's full name and look up the info for you.

A bail bondsman is a person or establishment who loans funds to another person in order that they may beable to post bail.

If your friend or loved one has been arrested, they must wait in jail until transported to court the following business day. At this hearing, your loved one will enter a plea, but unfortunately, most bail matters will not be addressed for several weeks, until the case is assigned to a trial judge.

When you contact our Hawaii bail bonds agent, we can set up a bail bond with the court to secure their release from jail on certain court and bond conditions.