Karen E. Lockhart, PLC

Phone Numbers:

(951) 698-5191 - Main Phone

Website:

Address:

38975 Sky Canyon Dr Ste 202
Murrieta, CA 92563

Description:

Have you been arrest or charged with a crime? How important is your freedom? Since 1993 Murrieta criminal attorney Karen E. Lockhart has devoted her practice to the aggressive representation of individuals who have been arrested and charged with committing criminal offenses. During the span of her career she has successfully defended thousands of criminal cases, including some of the most complex, difficult, criminal cases in Riverside County. Ms. Lockhart is an accomplished trial attorney and an aggressive, experienced criminal defense attorney, with one of the most widely recognized names in the Riverside County criminal justice system. Ms. Lockhart also has one of the highest success rates defending criminal cases in Riverside County. Ms. Lockhart’s law office is conveniently located just a few miles from the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, at the Murrieta - Temecula border. Ms. Lockhart has a unique hands on approach to representing individuals charged in criminal cases. Working full time as a law clerk, while attending law school, gave Ms. Lockhart an intimate understanding that clients must be informed on the progress of their case, and must have access to their criminal defense attorney, not just staff. When you have questions about legal matters, you want prompt answers. All phone calls from clients are returned by Ms. Lockhart within 24 hours, except in extraordinary circumstances.

What is a bail hearing?

After a defendant is arrested, a bail hearing is scheduled to determine if the defendant is a flight risk and to set the amount of his or her bail or deny the bail and bonds altogether if the defendant is deemed a flight risk.

How long after an arrest does it take to set bail?

States have laws that specify when a bail hearing must take place after an arrest. For most states, the hearing must be held 48 to 72 hours after the arrest – but weekends and holidays will not count towards this time.

What is a bail bond?

A bail bond is a contractual guarantee, issued by a licensed bail bond agent, between the agent the defendant and the court, that promises the court the full bail payment if the defendant does not show up for his or her scheduled court hearing.

How quickly can a bail bond be issued?

Once defendants have received a bail amount at their bail hearing, and contacted a bail bond service, the bail and bonds are usually accomplished within 24 hours of the bail hearing.

What is the cost of a bail bond?

States set the fee for a bail bond, and in most states, the fee is 10 percent of the total bail. This fee is paid to the bond agent for the bond service, and it is a non-refundable fee.

Are there any alternatives to a bail bond?

Yes. Defendants may pay the full price of the bail, opt for a property bond or try to gain a release through their own recognizance.

What if a defendant cannot afford a bail bond?

Defendants who cannot afford a bail bond can try for a release on their own recognizance, search for a bail bond agent who offers a payment plan, or remain in jail until their court hearing.

What happens if a defendant flees?

If a defendant flees the full amount of the bail is due, the defendant will be charged with costs associated with their recovery and the amount of the bail is forever forfeit even after the defendant is recovered.

What type of collateral can be used for a bail bond?

Almost anything of value can be used as collateral for a bail bond, including retirement or private savings, property, or personal items of value such as jewelry or antique collections that belong to the defendant or to family members or friends who accept responsibility for the collateral.

When does the bail bond end?

The process for bail and bonds ends when defendants appear for their court hearing. Regardless of the outcome of their hearing, as long as they show up, the bonds are terminated.