Bail bonds, also called “surety bonds” offer the court financial incentive for an arrested defendant to appear in front of a judge for their appointed court date.
In order to procure the release of a defendant while they are awaiting their arraignment, the indemitor (signer) will pay a bail bondsman 10% of the the total amount of the bail to “post the bail bond” with the jail or court. This fee is non-refundable.
When you post a bail bond, you, (the indemnitor), us (the bail bond agency) and the surety (the insurance company), are essentially “guaranteeing” the court that the defendant will follow through with their court appointed agreements and show up for every court date.
Bail agencies such as ours, offer a valuable public service because bail amounts can sometimes equal thousands, to tens of thousands of dollars. In these days of economic hardship, many people cannot afford to pay the court the full amount of the bail.
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?
In California, rate for a bond is 10% of a total bail amount. So, if bail is set at $10,000, the cost of a bail bond will be no more than $1,000. We never include any interest or fees when you work with us.
With our company, there are never any interest fees, additional charges or taxes added on to the cost of the bail bond.
What Are The Different Types of Bonds Available?
Surety Bond: This is used when the bail has been set by a Judge too high for most to pay in cash. A Surety bond is also known as a bail bond.
Property Bond: Allows the court to issue a lien on real property for the total amount of the bail. This process however, can take quite a while. It’s like having a home in escrow to an extent. Should the defendant not show up to court, the foreclosure process may be initiated on the property.
What is A Cash Bail?
If you have the money, you can always do what is called a “cash bail” and take the full amount, (in our example, $20,000), down to the jail and pay the clerk at the window. Once the defendant has fulfilled all of their court obligations and the bond has been exonerated, the full $20,000 would be returned to you (minus any administrative fees).
Please be aware the money you pay for the defendant’s release at the jail can take quite a while, possibly months to be returned to you. This is why using a bail bondsman is the fastest, easiest, most convenient way of procuring release from jail with the least possible amount of money and time.
What Happens After the Bond Has Been Posted?
When the bail bond has been posted by a licensed bondsman, the defendant will be “released on bail.” This means, they are under the wing of the bail bond company until they complete all court dates and their bond has been exonerated. Once the case is completed, the bond has been exonerated, and all bail premium fees have been paid, the defendant and indemnitor are under no further obligation to the bail agency.
Is The Premium Refunded After The Case is Ended?
The 10% premium (bail fee) you pay the bail agency for a bail bond is non-refundable; even if the case has been dismissed or the charges have been dropped. The bail bondsman has earned his or her fee at the time the defendant was released from jail.
Questions About Bail Bonds?
If you have any questions about the bail bond process, how to go about getting one, or, you’re thinking about becoming someone’s indemnitor, don’t hesitate to call. We offer free of charge consultations and can explain all of your responsibilities. A licensed, professional bail agent can work one-on-one with you.
Our toll-free number is 877-422-4591 or 877- 4 BAIL 911. We’re here to help.