How Bail Bonds Work in California?

Bail Bonds Work in California

Many people have never heard of or thought about bail bonds before, until they or a loved one is arrested and charged with a crime. Understanding the law and how bail works is important in these cases, because it can mean the difference between someone staying in jail and being released on bail.

Typically, when a person is arrested they are taken to the local jail for processing and they will have to wait until their court date to be released from custody. However, if the police have a warrant for their arrest or they are considered to be a flight risk, they may be denied the opportunity to post bail and remain in jail until their trial. In this case, a family member or friend can act as their guarantor by signing for them. The guarantor will agree to pay the full amount of the San Diego bail bonds on their behalf, and they will also assume financial responsibility for making sure the accused individual appears in court for all of their scheduled hearings.

The amount of money required to be released from jail is determined by the judge at a bail hearing. The judge will consider a variety of factors when setting the amount, including the severity of the offense and the likelihood that the accused will show up for their court hearings. The judge will also be able to deny bail altogether if the individual is deemed to be a flight risk or if they are a danger to themselves or others.

How Bail Bonds Work in California?

A defendant can post their bail by paying the full amount of the amount set by the court in cash or property that is of comparable value. The most common way to post bail is through a bonding company. A bonding company will usually charge a fee of 10% or less of the total amount of the bail. In most cases, the person posting the bail will also need to provide some form of collateral to guarantee the bail contract.

If the accused individual does not show up for all of their scheduled court hearings, then they will skip bail and become a fugitive. The bail agent will then lose the money that they put up as security for their client. If they have any collateral that is part of the bail agreement, then this will be taken over by the courts and used to recover the accused.

Bail bonds can be posted at jails in California 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The process is simple and quick. As soon as the bonding company receives the necessary information from a client, an agent can be sent to the jail immediately.

In addition to being licensed by the state, a bonding agent must pass an examination and attend training classes to qualify for a license. They must also be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and 18 years old or older. They must also undergo a background check and a drug screening.