If your friend or loved one has been arrested, then you’ll likely need to figure out how to find ‘bail bonds near me.’ While being arrested can be a stressful process, finding a reliable bail bond agency does not have to be. In fact, tracking down a bail bond agent can be a quick and painless process. Here are a few simple ways to find a local bail bond company.
Take a drive downtown
In many cities, bail bond companies like to shack up next to the police station and/or courthouse. Odds are, if you take a drive downtown, you’ll likely come across one or two bail bond companies. If you find yourself looking for a bail bond company during off-hours, don’t be deterred. The majority of bail bond companies are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Jot down their phone number, and give them a call (even if it is midnight on a Saturday). They’ll most likely answer.
Google it
If you decide to search for a bail bond agency online, consider limiting your search to only the first page. The top 5-10 results will show you the most popular and most relevant bail bond agencies near you. If you really want to drill down to the most reliable agency, check out the reviews located at the top of your Google search results. If you’re on a mobile device, these will show up right underneath the map at the top of the search results.
Look for the number of reviews, as well as the quality of reviews. Stick to an agency with a rating of 4 stars or more and make sure the agency has a good amount of reviews (unless you notice that all of the agencies near you don’t have very many Google reviews). If this is the case, then it likely just means that your surrounding community isn’t very active on Google and doesn’t tend to review local businesses.
Ask your Facebook friends
Unless you’d rather keep your current situation under wraps, Facebook is a great place to seek out recommendations from people you trust. You’d be surprised how many people have experience dealing with bail bonds and the prison system as a whole. Facebook also has a specific style post for people seeking recommendations, which allows for your friends to tag places and businesses within their comments easier than in traditional posts.
Want to learn more about bail bond companies?
Check out our additional resources to learn more about bail bond agents and the bail bond process as a whole:
If you’re wondering, “What is a bail bonds agent?”, then you’ve either seen a show about a bounty hunter or you need to bail someone out of jail. Luckily for you, we’ve got the answer to this question. Let’s break it down now.
What is a bail bonds agent?
A bail bond agent works for a bail bond company and gives a defendant the opportunity to avoid jail as they await their court date. A bail bond agent typically has to be licensed or educated in order to write bail bonds.
Is a bail bond agent the same thing as a bounty hunter?
No, a bail bond agent is not the same thing as a bounty hunter. Bounty hunters require different education and licensing, and although a bail bond agent and bounty hunter may work together from time to time, their jobs are very different.
A bail bond agent helps a defendant get out of jail as they await trial, and a bounty hunter will return that defendant to jail if that person fails to appear at their trial. A bail bond agent will pay a bounty hunter a percentage of the bail amount in return for their services.
How does a bail bond agent get paid?
As a defendant awaits trial, the court may give that defendant the option to post bail. This means the defendant can pay a refundable fee to the court in order to await their trial at home (as opposed to inside a jail cell). If the defendant can’t afford bail, they can work with a bail bond agent. A bail bond agent will charge the defendant a non-refundable percentage of the bond, and they will post the full bail amount to the court. Eventually, the bail bond agent will have the bail amount refunded to them by the court, and they will also keep the percentage initially paid by the defendant. This is how a bail bond agent makes money.
Want to learn more about bail bond agents?
Check out our additional resources to learn more about bail bond agents and the bail bond process as a whole:
When you’re faced with the option to post bail, you might be wondering, “Are bail bonds returned?” Since bail can be quite a bit of money, it’s only natural to wonder whether or not you’ll be getting some, all, or none of that money back.
Bail bonds are returned. Here’s how it works.
When it comes to bail, you normally have two options.
In one scenario, you could pay the bail in full to the court. This means that either you or a loved one took money that you currently have and gave it directly to the court. Generally speaking, this usually isn’t possible. Bail can be a pretty high amount, and the average person doesn’t have the full bail amount readily available. However, let’s say that a few people came together and paid the bail on behalf of the person requiring bail. When all is said and done, the bail amount is returned in full (even if that person is found guilty of the crime in question).
In the second scenario, you could work with a bail bond agency to post bail. In this situation, you don’t have or don’t want to put up the full bail amount to the court. Instead, the bail bond agency charges you a percentage of the bail, and they post the full bail amount on your behalf. Even in this situation, the bail is returned by the court. However, the premium you paid to the bail bond agency is not returned. The bail bond agency keeps this fee as payment for posting your bail.
Check out some more frequently asked bail bond questions
Are bail bond companies open on the weekend?
Yes. Most bail bond companies are open 24/7/365. Bail bond companies understand that people are arrested outside of normal working hours, which is why you can get help from a bail bondsman in the middle of the night and even on the weekends. So, if you do call the jail and they say your friend or family member has not posted bond yet, rest assured you can get in contact with a bail bond company no matter what time or day it is.
If the bond still needs to be posted, then you’ll need to get in contact with a bail bond company and start gathering any necessary items that may be required to get the bond process started. This can include personal, employer, and reference information.
There are many items you can use as collateral for a bond; however, choose these items carefully. There is a potential that these items could be forfeited if the arrestee fails to show up to court. These items can include jewelry, vehicles, real estate, and investments.
Contact Cowboy Bail Bonds for more information on local bail bonds
At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we offer 24-hour bail bonds in Bakersfield, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, and other Kern County areas. If you’re looking for more information on Kern County bail bonds or if you need to get started on the bail bond process, give us a call or fill out our online form.
One question we get asked pretty frequently is: Are bail bond agents cops? Now, the answer to this question is pretty simple.
No, bail bond agents are not cops.
Bail bond agents cannot arrest you, and if you have been arrested, a bail bond agent is someone who can become your immediate new best friend.
However, if you post bail with the help of a bail bond agent and you skip your court date, then that bail bond agent will no longer be your best friend. At this point, they may contact a bounty hunter, and that bounty hunter can arrest you and take you to proper authorities. But even at this point, a bail bond agent themself cannot arrest you.
If your next question is: “Are bounty hunters cops?”, the answer to this question is also no.
Bounty hunters can detain someone and deliver that person to court (if they have the proper documentation and authority to do so), but they are not considered police officers. You can read more about what a bounty hunter is and is not allowed to do in our recent article: Can a bail bond company arrest you?
Even though there is a possibility that a bail bond agent can indirectly take you back to jail, this only happens if you fail to uphold your end of the bail bond agreement. If you show up to court when you’re required to show up, then the bail bond process should run smoothly with zero hiccups.
Check out some more frequently asked bail bond questions
Are bail bond companies open on the weekend?
Yes. Most bail bond companies are open 24/7/365. Bail bond companies understand that people are arrested outside of normal working hours, which is why you can get help from a bail bondsman in the middle of the night and even on the weekends. So, if you do call the jail and they say your friend or family member has not posted bond yet, rest assured you can get in contact with a bail bond company no matter what time or day it is.
If the bond still needs to be posted, then you’ll need to get in contact with a bail bond company and start gathering any necessary items that may be required to get the bond process started. This can include personal, employer, and reference information.
There are many items you can use as collateral for a bond; however, choose these items carefully. There is a potential that these items could be forfeited if the arrestee fails to show up to court. These items can include jewelry, vehicles, real estate, and investments.
Contact Cowboy Bail Bonds for more information on local bail bonds
At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we offer 24-hour bail bonds in Bakersfield, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, and other Kern County areas. If you’re looking for more information on Kern County bail bonds or if you need to get started on the bail bond process, give us a call or fill out our online form.
Sometimes people want to know if bail bonds are public record or if they can find out whether or not someone has posted bail. These are similar yet different situations.
Generally speaking, bail bonds are public record. However, the only information that is public will almost always be just the defendant’s name and the bail bond company’s name. If there is a co-signer, the name of this person may also be public information. The crime itself is typically public record either way (which could vary based on state law).
Now, you could be wondering something like this: If my friend is arrested, will they let me know if their bond has been posted? Is this public information?
The answer to this question is also yes. This information is public.
While the information on who bailed that person out may not be readily available, the information on whether or not bond was posted is available. Depending on the jail, you might be able to find bail information online. If not, you can always call the jail to figure out if someone was able to post bail.
Bond not posted? Here’s what you may need to know.
Are bail bond companies open on the weekend?
Yes. Most bail bond companies are open 24/7/365. Bail bond companies understand that people are arrested outside of normal working hours, which is why you can get help from a bail bondsman in the middle of the night and even on the weekends. So, if you do call the jail and they say your friend or family member has not posted bond yet, rest assured you can get in contact with a bail bond company no matter what time or day it is.
If the bond still needs to be posted, then you’ll need to get in contact with a bail bond company and start gathering any necessary items that may be required to get the bond process started. This can include personal, employer, and reference information. Get help gathering all this information by checking out our list of bail bond information.
What qualifies as bail bond collateral?
There are many items you can use as collateral for a bond; however, choose these items carefully. There is a potential that these items could be forfeited if the arrestee fails to show up to court. These items can include jewelry, vehicles, real estate, and investments.
Contact Cowboy Bail Bonds for more information on public bail bonds
At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we offer 24-hour bail bonds in Bakersfield, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, and other Kern County areas. If you’re looking for more information on Kern County bail bonds or if you need to get started on the bail bond process, give us a call or fill out our online form.
If you or a loved one has been arrested outside of normal business hours, you’re likely wondering, “Are bail bond companies open 24 hours?”
The answer to this question is usually yes — the majority of bail bond companies do operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Let’s quickly cover why 24-hour bail bond agencies exist, and then go over some important information if you’re searching for a local bail bondsman.
Why are bail bond companies open 24 hours?
The explanation of this question is rather cut and dry. Since many arrests take place outside of normal business hours, bail bond agents need to be available.
For example, what happens if a family member is arrested on a Friday night? Should they be expected to wait until Monday morning at 9am to start the bail bond process? Absolutely not.
Bail bond agents understand that they need to be available at all hours of the day and all days of the week to truly support and help their clients. Not only do 24-hour bail bond companies make the entire situation less traumatic for defendants when they’re available 24/7, but they also make the process all-around quicker.
Common questions people ask 24-hour bail bond companies
If you or a loved one is arrested for the very first time, the bail bond process can seem daunting and confusing. It’s only natural to have questions and concerns about the process. To help clear up the confusion, we’ve gathered together a list of resources answering common questions.
Contact Cowboy Bail Bonds for more information on 24-hour bonds
At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we offer 24-hour bail bonds in Bakersfield, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, and other Kern County areas. If you’re looking for more information on Kern County bail bonds or if you need to get started on the bail bond process, give us a call or fill out our online form.
If you owe money to a bail bond company, you might be wondering whether or not they can garnish wages. While the answer to this question can vary depending on what state you live in, a bail bond company is treated like any other creditor in California. In other words, a bail bond company can’t automatically garnish wages from your paycheck.
However, after the proper process is completed, unpaid debts to a bail bond agency can be garnished from your paycheck. To do this, a bail bond agency will need to start by suing you and taking you to court (this could include the co-signer, as well). If the bail bond company is successful at proving the unpaid debt exists and that they have a right to recover it, then they will likely be given the option by the court to garnish your wages.
Luckily, there are limits to how much money can be garnished from your check monthly. The amount garnished will be determined by a percentage of your weekly disposable earnings.
Additional bail bond resources from Cowboy Bail Bonds
Cowboy Bail Bonds is a bail bond agency located in Bakersfield. With over 50 years of experience providing Kern County residents with bail bond assistance, we can help you navigate the ins and outs of the bail bond process. Give us a call, fill out our online form, or check out our additional resources below.
One question we get asked a lot is, “Can a bail bond company arrest you?” And the simple answer to this question is yes. A bail bond company can most definitely arrest you.
A bail bond company can’t just automatically arrest you for failing to appear at court. There are parameters that need to be met first, and keep in mind, these parameters can fluctuate depending on what state you’re in.
Let’s cover the general basics on when and why it’s acceptable for a bail bond agency to arrest someone.
Can a bail bond company arrest you?
Obviously a bail bond agent is not a cop. They can’t just go around arresting people. However, when you turn to a bail bond agency to post bail, you’re — in a way — giving up some of your rights. That bail bond agreement you sign gives a bail bond agency the ability to hire a licensed bounty hunter to find you and take you to the proper authorities.
Let’s say your bail is set at $10,000. The bail bond agent will charge you a percentage of this bail amount (around 10%), and that percentage is non-refundable. The bail bond agent will then go pay that full $10k bail amount to the court. Once the whole court process is said and done, your bail bond company will get that 10 grand back from the court.
However, if you do not show up to court and this was not done by mistake, it is very likely that the bail amount will not be refunded. In other words, your bail bond agent just lost all that money. For this reason, that bail bond company will want to find you and deliver you to the court, so they can get their money back.
In order to take a person back to court, a bail bond company will turn to a bounty hunter. Depending on where you live, what a bounty hunter is and is not allowed to do will vary.
Here’s a general overview of what may or may not be allowed:
In many states, bounty hunters have to be licensed and possess the proper certifications and requirements.
In some states, a bounty hunter is allowed to enter private property under the following conditions:
They know the fugitive lives there.
They know the fugitive is currently in the property prior to entering.
There is an arrest warrant out for the individual.
If the property does not belong to the fugitive, they need to have the permission of the rightful owner to enter the property.
They have the proper paperwork with them and ready for inspection.
Keep in mind, if mistakes are made during the arresting process, the bounty hunter can and likely will be held liable for it. Potential mistakes could include arresting the wrong person, using excessive force, carrying firearms without a license, pretending to be law enforcement, or forcibly entering the wrong property.
In some states, bounty hunters must also notify law enforcement prior to attempting to arrest an individual.
Have more questions about bail bond companies?
At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we’ve been helping the people of Kern County successfully understand and post bail for decades. To learn more about the bail bond process in Bakersfield and to answer more questions similar to, “Can a bail bond company arrest you?” check out some of our recent articles and resources.
If a loved one has been arrested, then you’re probably wondering, “What information does a bail bondsman need?”If you do find yourself entangled with law enforcement, then it’s important to quickly uncover what info a bail bond agency is looking for. The sooner you can gather all this information together, the sooner you can get the bail bond process started for your loved one. Let’s take a look at the main items and information a bail bondsman will need to process your bail.Related Material: Are bail bondsman cops?
A bail bondsman will need the arrest information.
There are a handful of jails in Kern County. To make sure your bondsman knows where to start, you’ll need to let him or her know where your loved one is being held. Check out the areas we serve in Kern County, including Taft, Wasco, Lamont, and Bakersfield.On top of this, you’ll need to identify their inmate reference number and what their bail is set at. If you can’t figure out their bail amount, the bondsman should be able to gather this information for you. However, knowing the bail amount before speaking with your bondsman can make the bond process go quicker.It’s important to remember that bail may not be posted until the arrest and booking procedures have been finalized. This process may take more or less time depending on the jurisdiction and staffing resources available. Remain as patient as you can.
A bail bondsman will need personal information.
As would need to with the majority of large financial transactions, you’ll need to have the inmates personal information handy when first contacting a bail bondsman. This could expand to include the following information:
Full legal name
Driver’s license or ID
Address
Birthdate
Phone number
Social security number
A bail bondsman will need employer information.
In addition to basic personal information, the bail bondsman will likely need to know employer information, as well. This could expand to include:
Employer name
Employer address
Employer phone number
Years worked
Job title
Description of duties
Proof of employment
Keep in mind, this will typically include employer information for the inmate and employer information for the person posting bail on behalf of the inmate.
A bail bondsman will need reference information.
Similar to applying for a job, a bail bondsman will need references. However, these references should be personal references of the inmate. Be prepared to list at least three personal references, which should include full legal names, addresses, and phone numbers.These references can help a bail bondsman track down an individual who fails to show up to court.
Need to contact a bail bondsman in Kern County?
At Cowboy Bail Bondsman, we have decades of experience helping families in Kern County get out of jail fast. We’re available 24/7/365, and we’re pros at navigating the local bail bond process.Give us a call today or fill out our online form. Have more questions about bail bonds? Check out our bail bond FAQ page.
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.
