| Q. |
What is a bail bond and how does it work? |
| A. |
A bail bond is a financial guarantee to the court ensuring that the defendant will appear at all the mandated court dates until the case is over. Should the defendant fail to comply with the court's mandates, an arrest warrant may be issued and bail bonds forfeited.
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| Q. |
What is the definition of a bail bondsman? |
| A. |
A bail bondsman is a licensed person or entity who can write and post bail on behalf of a Surety or Insurance Company pledging money as bail in exchange for a fee, usually ten percent of the total bail amount.
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| Q. |
How much does it cost for a bail bond? |
| A. |
The State of California's Department of Insurance regulates the rates on all bonds. The premium is 10% of the total bail amount and is non-refundable. For example, the premium for a bail bond of $15,000 would be $1,500.
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| Q. |
When someone is arrested, what are the release options? |
| A. |
Four basic release options available are described below:
- Cash Bail: To be released on cash bail, the total amount of the bail (not just 10%) must be given to the court in cash. The court holds this money until the case is concluded, providing the incentive for the defendant to show up in court. If the defendant does appear for all court proceedings, the cash bail is returned in full.
- Surety Bond: The most common bail bond is a Surety Bond. It involves a contract with a bail agent who posts a bond for the full bail amount, which financially guarantees that the defendant will show up for all court proceedings. The bail agent typically charges the defendant a premium of 10% of the bail amount for this service.
- Release on Own Recognizance (O.R.): This program is usually offered to low risk individuals with no past criminal record or non-violent offenses.
- Release on Citation (Cite Out): Most people are familiar with this procedure. This is the same thing that happens when a person receives a traffic citation. The citation is usually issued and the defendant is never actually placed in custody. Like the Release on Own Recognizance, it is up to the defendant to voluntarily show up in court on the appointed date.
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| Q. |
Is the premium for the bail bond refundable? |
| A. |
No. The premium is the Bail Agent's fee for posting the bond and is fully earned when the defendant is released.
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| Q. |
What is collateral for a bail bond? |
| A. |
If and when it is required, collateral can be anything of value that is put up to secure the Bail Bond. All collateral (minus court costs and/or bank fees, if any) is returned upon exoneraton of the bond.
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| Q. |
How long is a Bail Bond good for? |
| A. |
A bail bond is good for only one year. If the court case goes beyond the one year, an additional premium must be paid to keep the bond in force.
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| Q. |
What if a defendant is bailed out, but doesn't appear in court? |
| A. |
Should the defendant fail to comply with the court's mandates, an arrest warrant may be issued and bail bonds forfeited.
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| Q. |
What happens if the defendant is not bailed out? |
| A. |
If not bailed out, the defendant will remain in custody until the court case has been resolved.
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| Q. |
Do you accept payments? |
| A. |
Yes, on approved credit. Please call us at 760-967-1275 to discuss a plan!
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Call, right now... (760) 967-1275, (858) 350-4500, or (619)265-9800.
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