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What can you use as collateral for a bond?

Jewelry used as collateral for a bond.

If a loved one has been arrested recently, you might be wondering what can be used as collateral for a bond in California. 

Bail bonds are necessary when someone who has been arrested cannot afford the full bail amount. However, bail isn’t free. You will be required to pay the bail fee, otherwise known as a premium. This is a percentage of the bail amount, and you do not get this fee back.

On top of the premium, collateral may be required. Collateral should be returned after the hearing, but it could be seized if the arrestee skips out on bail. Because of this, it’s important to consider your collateral options carefully. This is especially true if you do not fully trust the person requiring bail. 

Here are a few different options for bail bond collateral:

Vehicles 

If you own a vehicle, this might be the simplest form of collateral to offer up. But be careful. If the arrestee fails to make their court appearances, the vehicle could be seized. If this is your only form of transportation, that could create some problems. While you should be allowed to continue using the vehicle while it’s being used as a collateral, this definitely won’t be the case if it’s forfeited. 

If you have a second vehicle or another form of transportation (like a boat or camper), that would be ideal.

Keep Reading: How to find a bail bond company near me

Investments

If you have any savings, bonds, stocks, or other forms of investments, you can use it as collateral for a bond. However, it’s important to remember that these items could be tied up for quite some time. Because of this, you may want to consider another form of collateral before you offer up your life’s savings. 

Real Estate

Houses, land, and other buildings can be used as collateral for a bond (including any built-up equity). Other (less common) versions of real estate (such as livestock and crops) are also considered as a form of collateral. 

Jewelry and Other Valuables

Whether it’s a diamond ring or a ruby necklace, jewelry is an acceptable form of collateral. This also includes any gold, silver, or precious metals. 

These valuables can be combined with other personal items (such as computers, gaming systems, antiques, and even firearms) to account for the full value of the collateral.

In most cases, a 3rd party appraiser will be required in order to assess the value of these items (and possibly the proper storage of these items, as well).

Keep Reading: What is a bail bond agent?

Contact Cowboy Bail Bonds Today

Need help making bail? Give us a call at 661.324.6009 or fill out our online form to get immediate help. We are available 24/7 to help you or your loved ones make bail and identify possible forms of bond collateral.

Coronavirus bail bonds: Everything you need to know

Coins in front of clock.

With the emergence of COVID-19, many people are wondering what the deal is with coronavirus bail bonds. 

Are you still able to get a bail bond during the pandemic? Are bail bonds even necessary since many people are being released from prison with a zero-cash bond? Let’s take a few moments to cover the basics.

Why are zero-cash bonds being offered?

During the start of the shutdown, the Judicial Council decided to offer zero-cash bonds for anyone with a misdemeanor or lower-level felony. This was to avoid spreading the virus in an already overcrowded and confined space.

However, judges still have the opportunity to prevent certain suspects in custody from taking advantage of a zero-cash bond (if that person poses a higher risk to society). And, of course, any person with offenses more serious than a misdemeanor or lower-level felony is also denied a zero-cash bond.

Who does not qualify for a zero-cash bond?

There are more than a few reasons why someone might be denied a zero-cash bond — but most, if not all, of the reasons directly relate to the safety of the public or any victim(s) and whether or not they pose a substantial flight risk.

Here are just a few reasons why someone might not qualify for a zero-cash bond:

  • That person is considered a flight risk
  • There’s more evidence than usual to depict guilt
  • The offense involves violence against another person
  • The offense involves sexual assault
  • The person has threatened someone with bodily harm
  • The offense is higher than a low-level felony

Keep Reading: Learn more about why the bail bond process works

What happens if you do need a coronavirus bail bond?

If a person finds themselves in a bind and in need of a bail bond during the pandemic, there’s good news. Bail bond companies are still open and doing everything they can to ensure quick releases. Here at Cowboy Bail Bonds, we’re working double-time to help our clients post bail. Here are just a few of the reasons we are the go-to bail bond company in Bakersfield:

  • We offer the lowest rates allowed by law
  • We provide easy-to-qualify requirements for co-signers
  • We can promise flexible credit terms and payment plans
  • We are available 24 hours a day for fast bail bonds
  • We will meet you at our office or any place of your choosing
  • We are able to write most bonds with just a signature as collateral
  • We can help you bail online or by phone or fax

Relevant Reading: How to find a bail bond company

Contact Cowboy Bail Bonds for bail bond assistance

Need help making bail? Give us a call at 661.324.6009 or fill out our online form to get immediate help. We are available 24/7 to help you or your loved ones make bail.

What is a cash-only bond and how does it work?

Cash in an envelope to pay for cash-only bond.

Some people who are accused of a crime and awaiting a court date are required to pay a cash-only bond. But what is a cash-only bond and why would a court issue this type of bond over others?

What is a cash-only bond?

In most cases, a defendant can work with a bail bond agent to settle their bail amount. With a bail bond agency, a defendant is typically only required to pay a percentage of the bail amount. However, in some cases, an individual might be asked to pay their bail amount in cash. This is called a cash-only bond, and the defendant is responsible to pay for the full amount of bail in cash (or with a credit/debit card). 

There are many ways to come up with the money for a cash-only bond — like selling cars or boats, getting a cash advance from a credit card, or asking a friend or family member to help out.

Why would you be issued a cash-only bond?

A cash-only bond could be considered a form of insurance or even a form of punishment. These bonds are issued by the court when there are certain circumstances at play. Here are a few reasons a cash-only bond might be issued:

  • You are considered a high flight risk
  • You have warrants from multiple areas
  • You have had problems appearing in court before
  • You have had problems paying previous fines

Who can post a cash-only bond?

If a defendant needs to post a cash-only bond, there are a few ways to get this done. A family member can post it, the defendant can post it, or a third party can post it. 

There are some bail bond agencies that work with cash-only bonds. In some cases, it is preferred to work with a bail bond agency. This is because the court is likely to keep the posted cash if additional fines are issued and apply the cash to pay for those fines. 

Do you get a cash-only bond back?

If a defendant is not found guilty of a crime, the cash from a cash-only bond will be refunded. However, if the defendant is found guilty, the court may keep some or all of the cash to pay off fines, penalties, or miscellaneous costs associated with the trial proceedings.

If for some reason the defendant fails to show up to court or does not follow all bail conditions, then the cash could be forfeited and kept by the court.

Have more questions about cash-only bonds?

Here at Cowboy Bail Bonds, we have decades of experience providing Bakersfield with bonds, and we can help you answer more questions similar to “What is a cash-only bond.” If you’d like more information on Bakersfield bail bonds, please give us a call at (661)324-6009 or fill out our online contact form

More bail bond information:

Bailing someone out of jail in California: 3 starter questions

bail money and calculator

Bailing someone out of jail in California can seem like a daunting process. But with a little research and the right people at your side, posting bail in California can be a relatively simple experience.

To help you understand the process better, here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding how to post bail in California.

Can you bail yourself out of jail in California?

If you’ve never been arrested before or if you’ve never known anyone who has been arrested, then even “common sense” facets of bail may not seem so “common sense.” So don’t feel embarrassed if you’re asking yourself the question, “Can you bail yourself out of jail in California?

To answer the question, yes — you can bail yourself out of jail. If you have the means to do so, then you can. However, in many cases, this is very difficult. Bail can be a rather large dollar amount, and people won’t always have this amount of cash ready at a moment’s notice. This is why bail bonds exist.

When you turn to a bail bondsman in order to post bail, they’ll look at a few different things:

  • Credit score
  • Job history
  • Residence 
  • Offense

If the bail bondsman reviews this criterion and determines you are unable to sign for the bail bond on your own, you will need to find someone who is able to meet that criteria on your behalf.

Do you get your bail money back in California?

What happens to your bail money after everything is over? Do you get it back or is it gone forever?

You’ll be happy to know that you actually do get your bail money back in California. 

Let’s say you pay cash for your bail without the help of a bail bondsman. Your bail amount should be released and mailed back to you after your disposition. In some cases, they may keep a small portion of the bail amount for miscellaneous fees.

However, if you do not make all of your court dates, your bail amount (or property) will likely be forfeited. This also includes if someone else (such as a friend or family member) pays the bail for you.

If you did work with a bail bondsman to post bail, the bond amount will still be returned, and if you put up any collateral, it will be released. The only thing you will be responsible for is the bond fee charged by the bondsman, which is typically around 10% of the full bond amount.

What can be used as collateral for a bond?

If you are unable to post bail yourself and you need to consult a bail bondsman, there are a few different types of items you can use as collateral for the bond.

Here are some examples of bond collateral:

  • Property: examples of property include homes, land, equity in your mortgage, and livestock
  • Vehicles: examples of vehicles include boats, trailers, trucks, and SUVs
  • Valuable Items: examples of valuable items include jewelry, laptops, gaming systems, and precious stones

Still have questions about bail bonds in California?

How to pick a bail bond company: 3 quick tips

Yes or no checklist on how to pick a bail bond company.

If you’re wondering how to pick a bail bond company, odds are you’re in the middle of a trying situation. But don’t worry. If you keep a cool head and do your research, you can make this situation as stress-free as possible. 

Here are a few quick tips on how to pick a bail bond company.

Be wary of a cheap bail bondsman. 

If you hear a bail bondsman talk about “cheap bail bonds” or if you see that referenced on their website, be cautious. There is no such thing as a cheap bail bond. This is usually a false advertising claim with the intention to lure you to their website. Take a few minutes to learn more about what it actually means when people use the term cheap bail bonds

Learn about the bail bond process. 

Don’t go into this situation blindly. Know your rights and understand how the bail bond process works. It’s important to understand:

  • How to post a bond
  • Court dates
  • How to get a bail bondsman
  • Who pays for what
  • How fees are set
  • What can be used as collateral for a bond
  • Who’s responsible for what

 Check out the answers to some of the most common bail bond questions here.

Take a look at bail bondsman reviews.

Do they have reviews and testimonials on their site or on Google? This is one of the simplest ways to see how people view the bail bond company. Keep in mind, these reviews will typically be very positive or very negative — so be wary. While these won’t build a complete picture of the company, it can show you the very best and the very worst of the company (which can be helpful).

Looking for bail bonds near me?

Cowboy Bail Bonds is headquartered in Bakersfield, California. However, we provide bail bonds services throughout Kern County, including Tehachapi, Delano, Wasco, and more. If you or a loved one is in need of a bail bond, give us a call at 661.324.6009. 

We have over 50 years of experience in the bail bonds industry, and we’ll do whatever it takes to obtain the release of your loved one. At Cowboy Bail Bonds, you can expect flexible credit terms and payment plans, quick and honest service, and the lowest rates allowed by law.

Additional Bail Bond Resources:

Cheap Bail Bonds: What does it actually mean?

Cheap bail bonds shown on Monopoly board.

If you’re searching for cheap bail bonds in Bakersfield, what does that actually mean? Is there really such a thing as affordable bail bonds? Are bail bonds even negotiable? And who really has the cheapest bail bonds in Bakersfield, CA? 

Let’s take a few moments to discuss the ins and outs of “cheap bail bonds” — aka, what does it actually mean?

First things first, are bail bonds negotiable?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but bail bonds are not negotiable. The cost of a bond is set by the state of California. If you find yourself working with a bail bond agent who says that the rate is negotiable, then you need to question whether or not your agent is legitimate.

So, what’s considered “cheap bail bonds?”

Good question. If rates are non-negotiable, then why do people still go searching for cheap bail bonds? Well, this particular question is two-fold.

One, they may not actually understand that rates are non-negotiable. A large percentage of people dealing with bail bonds are dealing with them for the first time. It’s only natural for there to be some confusion as to how bail bonds actually work.

Keep Reading: Why do bail bonds work?

Two, they may mean something else. For example, how you pay for a bail bond may differ depending on your agent, their resources, and your personal financial situation. 

Here at Cowboy Bail Bonds, we have financing available and can also arrange for a collateral-based bond. While you will still be required to make a deposit of at least five percent, we will do our very best to assist you with the remaining balance.

Have more questions about how bail bonds work? Check out our bail bonds FAQ.

Looking for bail bonds near me?

Cowboy Bail Bonds is headquartered in Bakersfield, California. However, we provide bail bonds services throughout Kern County, including Tehachapi, Delano, Wasco, and more. If you or a loved one is in need of a bail bond, give us a call at 661.324.6009. 

We have over 50 years of experience in the bail bonds industry, and we’ll do whatever it takes to obtain the release of your loved one. At Cowboy Bail Bonds, you can expect flexible credit terms and payment plans, quick and honest service, and the lowest rates allowed by law.

Additional Bail Bond Resources: