Frequently Asked Questions About The Jail Expert Bail & Bond

Below are the most commonly asked questions we get from our clients, spanning from the basics about bail to specific questions regarding payments and regulations. If there are any questions you have that you don’t see addressed here, please feel free to contact us at any time of the day via out bail hotline.

What Exactly Is Bail?

Bail is defined as a financial agreement between the court and a defendant that allows the defendant to be released from jail while awaiting their trial. The bail amount is set by a judge and is meant to ensure that the defendant appears in court for their trial. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bail money is forfeited and a warrant is issued for their arrest.

How Does Bail Work in California?

If you’re arrested in California and taken to jail, a judge in the county you were arrested in determines your bond amount. A The Jail Expert Bail Bonds agent will then charge you 10% of the bail amount to secure your release from jail. This is a standard rate that is determined by the State of California. We also offer options that allow for 0% down payments and 2% down payments of the bail amount for qualifying defendants. As long as the cosigner and payment method for your bail meet our requirements the bail process is fairly quick and easy.

How Is Bail Determined?

There are a number of factors which go into the determination of bail amounts here in California, such as:

• What is the criminal history of the defendant? – A person with an extensive criminal history will receive a higher bail amount than someone who is a first-time offender.
• Is the person considered a flight risk? – If there’s a chance that the individual will flee before their court date, bail will be set higher than for someone that isn’t a risk.
• What are the defendant’s important family obligations? – Judges understand that defendants are also parents, spouses, and caregivers and take that into consideration when setting bail.
• What kind of community connections does the defendant have? – Those with strong connections to the community may receive a lighter bail than those who are not well connected.
• Is the defendant a potential risk to public safety? – The risk factor involved will determine whether bail is granted and how much the bail is set for.

What Types of Bonds are Available in California?

There are several types of bail bonds which are available to residents of California who get arrested. Qualifying for these various types of bail bonds can vary based on the specifics of your case. The most common types we typically see in use are property bonds, cash bonds, and surety bonds.

What Do I Need to Post Someone’s Bail?

The requirements for posting someone’s bail are fairly simple. First and foremost, the cosigner must be a legal U.S. resident who is 18 years old or older. Beyond this most basic requirement, there are also three things you’ll have to bring along when posting bail.

• A valid identification such as a driver’s license or state identification.
• A recent paycheck stub or other proof of income.
• A recent utility bill showing proof of residency.

You’ll also need to be able to provide the following information:

• The charges the defendant is facing.
• The jail the person is being held in.
• The defendant’s date of birth.
• The individual’s booking number at the jail.

What Payment Methods Can I Use to Pay Bail?

You can pay a defendant’s bail using a variety of methods including:

• Cash
• Credit Card
• Money Order
• Western Union Quick Collect

How Long Does it Take to Process the Bail Paperwork?

Typically, it only takes around 20 minutes for the bail paperwork to be processed.

How Long Does it Take to Release a Person After Bail Is Posted?

That depends upon where the person was arrested and the facility that they’re being held in. However, most jails release bonded defendants within 4 hours. In some cases, the defendant may be released in as little as half an hour.

If I Cosign Someone’s Bail, What Are My Responsibilities?

If you’re willing to post someone’s bail or co-sign their bail, you take on a certain amount of responsibility, beyond your financial input. You’ll also be responsible for:

• Making sure the defendant appears in court when scheduled.
• Ensuring the defendant informs The Jail Expert Bail Bonds of future court dates.
• Paying any applicable premiums.

What Responsibilities Does the Defendant Have?

A defendant that has been bailed out of jail is responsible for their own actions after being released. Defendants are expected to take on the following responsibilities:

• Reporting to the local The Jail Expert Bail Bonds office to complete the necessary paperwork upon being released from jail. At this point, the defendant will receive information about upcoming court dates.
• Defendants must also report any new court dates to The Jail Expert Bail Bonds either in person or over the telephone at 866-649-6559.
• Finally, a defendant must appear for all of their scheduled court dates.

Do I Have to Accompany the Defendant to Complete Paperwork or to Court?

No, you are not responsible for making sure the defendant complies with the terms of their bail bond agreement. However, if you’re worried they won’t, it may be a good idea for you to be there to make sure.

Do I Get My Money Back After the Defendant Goes to Court?

In terms of what happens to bail money after it’s been paid – No, you won’t get a refund for your payment. Our bail fees are non-refundable unless there’s a reason we are unable to post the bond for certain reasons. If bail cannot be posted, you may be entitled to a refund.

What Are the Benefits of Bailing Someone Out of Jail?

There are several personal and legal benefits for a defendant who has been bailed out of jail.