When arrested, there are two ways to be released before your court date. Someone can pay what is called a “cash bail”, or they can go through a bail bonds company. Paying a cash bail is when someone pays the full amount of bail to the court directly. That person will be refunded that money, minus specific court fees, once the case is over. Going through a bail bonds company will allow the person to only have to come up with usually 10% of the bail amount. The 10% however, is not refundable.

A bail bonds situation 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.

Bail bonds companies will charge people a flat fee and will pay the court the rest of the bail amount in order to have someone released from custody. Most bail bonds companies have a relationship to the court and can have your friend or family member out of jail within hours.

The State of California’s Department of Insurance regulates the rates on all bonds. The rate is 10% of the total bail amount and is non-refundable. For instance, the payment for a bail bond of $5,000 would be $500. The $500 is not refundable because it serves as a fee for the bail bonds company having to put up the rest of the bail amount.

If it is required, collateral can be anything of value that is put up to secure the bail bond. This can be things like a car or a house.

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.

If you have an upcoming case and are in need of an experienced criminal defense attorney, contact our office today at (619) 238-1905.