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Bail Bond Information
Understanding Bail
Sometimes the process of bailing someone out is confusing. For many it is a first time expereince.
We understand how you feel and have put together the following pages to help clear up some of the common questions we hear. Hopefully this will help to educate you about this process.
How Bail Works
When someone is arrested on a bailable offense and bail is set, the defendant can forfeit his/her right to see a judge within 72 hours of arrest (weekends and holidays excluded) and bail out.
This is done most commonly using one of two methods:
- The defendant or someone other than the defendant will post cash bail at the jail.
- This dollar amount is 100% of the set bail for the defendant's offense.
- If the set bail is $5000, then $5000 cash will need to be posted.
- When the defendant has fulfilled all of his/her obligations by appearing in court on all matters until the case is resolved the cash posted for his/her release will then be returned to the party who posted it.
- If neither the defendant nor any family members or friends have access to the entire bail amount. They can call a Licensed Bail Agent and arrange to post a Bail Bond.
- To post a Bail Bond, typically you would need two things, PREMIUM & COLLATERAL.
- Premium is 10% of the set bail, (Bail equals $5000, premium would be $500), and is considered earned once the defendant is released on said bond and at that time is nonrefundable.
- Collateral is something for the Bail Agent to hold until the defendant has finished all required appearances with the court, at which time it would be returned.
- Collateral is usually one of four things, CASH, CARS, REAL ESTATE, and in some cases SIGNATURES of someone who qualifies to be financially responsible to secure the bond.
Your Rights
- You are innocent until proven guilty
- You are entitled to a fair and speedy trial
- You are entitled to make a phone call after being arrested
- You are entitled to know what you are being charged with
- You are entitled to an attorney or a public defender
- You are entitled to have your property returned to you when you are released form jail (Excluding evidence)
Court Etiquette
- Weapons of any sort are prohibited
- Drugs are prohibited
- Electronic devices are not to be used in the courtrooms (unless approved by the court)
- Do not chew gum while testifying
- Stand up straight and speak clearly
- Pay attention to any instruction given by the employees of the court and the Judge
- It is permissible to respond with,"I don't recall" if you do not remember some details
- Answer only the question that you are asked. Do not volunteer information
- If you do not want to answer a question, do not ask the judge whether you must answer it. If it is an improper question, your attorney will rise and state an objection.
- Do not shake your head to indicate a "yes" or "no" answer. Use words to answer every question.
- When in court, federal magistrates are to be referred to as "Your Honor".
- The court is only interested in the facts. Please do not give your opinions or your conclusions unless you are asked.
- Do not allow yourself to become angry. This will not help your case.
- Try to dress professionally.
- Remove sunglasses in court.
- Have any evidence or relevant paperwork handy.
- Try to leave disruptive children at home.
- Be early. People who are late may be issued a bench warrant or have their bail forfeited.
- Do not leave the courtroom without knowing when and where you are ordered to return.
Visitation Guidelines
When visiting someone in a correctional or holding facility, the visitors are expected to follow specific rules and guidelines. To make your visit as pleasant as possible, be prepared to meet the following guidelines:
- Each facility sets their own visiting hours, limitation on the number of visits each week and the number of people at each visit.
- Check the facility you will be going to for their specific information.
- Some facilities require appointments for visitation so you may need to call in advance to schedule one.
- You may be required to check in as much as 30 minutes early for the appointment. Your appointment will be canceled if you are not early. Check with the facility when scheduling.
- A picture ID will be required for each visitor.
- An adult must accompany visitors under the age of 18.
- A visitor can only visit with the inmate they signed up to visit.
- Once you leave the visitation area, your visit is considered terminated. You cannot return to the visitation area that day.
- You and your belongings are subject to search by correctional staff.
- No alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons, tear gas/O.C. dispensers, cameras and/or knives will be allowed in the visiting area.
- Any visitor bringing illegal contraband into the facility may be arrested.
- Usually smoking is not allowed in any part of jail including the lobby.
- Usually no food or drink is allowed in the lobby and visiting areas.
- Visitors must be dressed in appropriate attire. You can be denied visitation if your clothing is considered offensive to others, refers to gang affiliations, displays inappropriate comments or pictures or doesn’t cover sufficiently.
- Any visitor committing a criminal act anywhere on jail property is subject to arrest.
- All facilities reserve the right to terminate any visit if deemed necessary for security purposes.
These are only general guidelines. Some facilities' rules may be different and you should check with the facility you are visiting before arrival.
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Why Choose Us
» 24 Hour Emergency Bail
» Free Bail Bond Consultation
» Free Bailbond Advice
» Free Bail Bond Financing
» Easy Payments
» Credit card release by phone/fax
» Collateral Not Required
» Any Jail, Any Court in California
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