Questions and Answers:

Choosing the right Company?

Questions and Answers:

Choosing the right Company?

 

What is a Bail Bond?

Bail is simply a financial guarantee with the court system ensuring that if an individual is released from jail, they will appear each time the court requests his or her presence until a decision is made on the case. Using a Bail Bond Company enables you to bail without requiring you to personally post the entire amount of the bond.

How much does Bail cost?

The bail premium in California is typically 10% of the total bail bond amount. The bail premium is normally paid in advance, non-refundable and renewable on an annual basis should the case go over a year. Other fees may include actual, necessary and reasonable expense incurred in connection with the transaction. The court determines the amount of the bond.

What happens when someone is arrested?

From the time a person is arrested on the street it may take a few hours before they are even processed in at the jail. After they arrive at the jail, an individual is processed in for their charges and bail is set. Depending on how busy the jail is the booking process can takes a few hours. Typically the jail will request a background history report to see if there are any outstanding warrants throughout the United States. Once there are cleared and bail is posted it can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on where they are being held. Each jail is different.

Is collateral necessary to post Bail?

Collateral is normally secured within the approximate value of the total bail bond amount, it's returned in full and not always required. Collateral is usually one of four things, cash, cars, real estate and in some cases, a signature of an individual that qualifies to be financially responsible to secure the bond. If you anticipate the return of collateral please be sure to obtain documentation from the court that proves that the case is closed. All collateral is returned in full when the case is resolved.

How long until someone is released from jail?

It all depends on what city the person was arrested in and what jail they're being held at. If the person is being held at a local city jail, typically the entire process can be done in a few hours. If the person is being held at the county jail the process can take 5 to 8 hours and in some cases days. The goal should be to bail out from a city jail as soon as possible. Most city jails are limited in space and end up transferring their arrestees to the county jail.

What happens if you don't Bail out?

If you don't bail out you have to see a judge within 48 hours but that's business days, not weekends. Unfortunately if you don't post bail you risk being transferred to the county jail. Depending on your crime and particular situation once you go to court it's possible that you'll go back to jail for further instruction and processing. The advantages of bailing out is that your court date is normally set a month or two out, providing you the opportunity to work on your case and retain an attorney.

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Does the owner answer the phone?

More than likely if the owner answers the phone you're in good hands. There are several fly by bail bond companies that aren't fully committed to the business and often broker services out to other companies. You want personal service that you can trust. You want hands on experience. Make sure the company you choose works with you ever step of the way.

Can they explain the bail process before asking for money?

A good bail bond company will walk you through the entire process and answer every question for free. The company you choose should also contact the jail on your behalf and very often commit several hours of their time before receiving payment.

Is the individual friendly and informative?

Friendly and informative agents are important and you can tell within the first few minutes. Make sure the person you're speaking with is kind, informative and knowledgeable. The more informative an agent is, the faster the bail process can be.

Has the company posted a bond at your jail before?

It's important to know if the company has been to the jail that you're calling about. Most agents that know the jail can help expedite the bail process. A good company will know where the jail is, what numbers to call and who to speak with.

How many years of experience does the person have answering the phone?

What experience does a company have is a very important question. Several companies have minimum wage paid kids answering their phones and trying to negotiate bail. This is a huge mistake for several reasons. (1) you want to know that you’re working with an experienced licensed bail agent (2) The more experience a company has the faster the bail process normally takes and (3) If you put up collateral, your home or a car, you want to be sure that it will be returned to you when the case is closed.


Bail Bond Process

Bail is simply the release of an individual in exchange for security. The bail bond company writes a check to the jail for the total amount of the bond guaranteeing that the individual will appear in court at a given time and place.

There are two important terms to understand when working with a bail company, premium and collateral.

Premium: the fee for our services that is paid in advance, non-refundable and renewable on an annual basis should the case go over a year. The bail premium is normally 10% of the total amount of the bond but exceptions can apply. Other fees may include actual, necessary and reasonable expense incurred in connection with the transaction. The court determines the amount of the bond.

Collateral: normally secured within the approximate value of the bond and returned in full when the case is closed. Collateral is usually one of four things, cash, cars, real estate and in some cases, a signature of an individual that qualifies to be financially responsible to secure the bond. If you anticipate the return of collateral make sure to obtain the proper documentation from the court that proves the case is closed.