When a loved one is arrested, time feels like it stands still. Whether it’s a first-time offense or a misunderstanding, getting someone out of jail quickly is often the top priority. At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we’ve helped thousands of families navigate this stressful moment. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get someone out of jail — fast, legally, and with confidence.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Get the Basic Info
Before you do anything else, you’ll need a few key details about the person who was arrested:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Booking number (if available)
Location of the jail or holding facility
Type of charge(s)
If you don’t know which jail they’re in, you can call the county jail’s main number or check online inmate locators.
Step 2: Understand the Charges and Bail Amount
Once someone is arrested, a judge or magistrate will set a bail amount. This amount varies depending on the crime, past record, and other factors. In California, counties like Kern County (Bakersfield) have a standard bail schedule, but it can still change based on the case details.
Examples of bail amounts:
DUI: $5,000 – $15,000
Drug possession: $10,000 – $25,000
Assault: $20,000 – $50,000
Felony theft: $35,000+
Domestic violence: $50,000+
You’ll either wait for a bail hearing or receive this amount during booking.
Step 3: Decide How to Pay for Bail
There are three common options to get someone released:
1. Pay the Full Amount in Cash
You can pay the entire bail amount directly to the court. If the person shows up to all required court dates, you’ll get your money back (minus any court fees). However, you’ll need to pay the full amount up front, which isn’t possible for most families.
2. Use a Bail Bondsman (Like Cowboy Bail Bonds)
A bail bondsman pays the full bail amount for you in exchange for a non-refundable fee, typically 10% of the total bail.
Example: If bail is set at $25,000, you would pay Cowboy Bail Bonds $2,500. We cover the rest and handle all communication with the jail and court.
In some rare cases, you can offer property (like a house) as collateral. This is a slower process and requires court approval.
Step 4: Complete the Paperwork and Start the Release Process
Once you choose a payment method, the bail agent will file paperwork with the jail, and the jail processes the release. This can take anywhere from 1–6 hours depending on the jail’s workload.
At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we streamline the process with:
Online bail applications
Phone consultations
Mobile bail services in Bakersfield and surrounding areas
Where to Bail Someone Out in Bakersfield
Cowboy Bail Bonds handles bail services for all major locations in Kern County:
Lerdo Jail (Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility)
Kern County Jail
Bakersfield Police Department Detention Center
Local Courthouses
What Happens After They’re Released?
Once your loved one is released on bail, they’ll need to:
Follow any release conditions (like staying in the area)
Attend all court hearings
Check in with Cowboy Bail Bonds if required
Missing court or breaking any rules can result in re-arrest and forfeiting bail or collateral.
FAQs About Getting Someone Out of Jail
Can I bail someone out on the weekend?
Yes — Cowboy Bail Bonds is open 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays and weekends.
Do I get the bail bond fee back?
No — the 10% fee is non-refundable, as it’s a service fee for posting bail on your behalf.
How long does it take to get someone released?
It depends on the jail, but Cowboy Bail Bonds often has people out within 1–3 hours.
Why Choose Cowboy Bail Bonds?
We’re not just another bail company. We’re local, trusted, and experienced — and we know how to work fast. Whether it’s your first time dealing with the legal system or your third, we guide you with care, professionalism, and urgency.
The sooner you call, the sooner we can start the process. Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or yourself — Cowboy Bail Bonds is here to help you take control of the situation and bring your loved one home.
Few things are more terrifying than being arrested — or finding out someone you love is behind bars. If it happened in Bakersfield, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Cowboy Bail Bonds has been helping Kern County families post bail quickly and affordably for decades.
🚔 What Happens After an Arrest in Bakersfield?
Most people arrested in Bakersfield are booked at one of the following locations:
Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility
Kern County Central Receiving Facility (CRF)
After booking, a bail amount is typically set based on the charge and local guidelines. Learn more about estimated costs in our article: How Much Is Bail for Common Charges?
📞 Step 1: Call a Bail Bondsman Immediately
As soon as bail is set, you can call Cowboy Bail Bonds — day or night. We’re available 24/7 and start working on your case the moment we pick up the phone.
📋 Step 2: We Handle the Paperwork
We’ll gather all necessary info about the case and work directly with the jail to prepare your bond. You’ll only need a few key details — and if you don’t know them, we can help track them down.
We post bail directly at the facility and monitor the release timeline. Most clients are released within hours, depending on the time of day and jail processing speed.
📍 We’re Based in Bakersfield
Unlike out-of-town agencies, we know the ins and outs of the local court and jail system. That means:
Faster release times
Better relationships with court clerks and jail staff
Accurate, real-time guidance
✅ Why Choose Cowboy Bail Bonds?
Local, trusted, and experienced
Open 24/7 — even holidays
Real people. Real help. No judgment.
📲 Take Action Now
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Bakersfield, don’t wait. Call Cowboy Bail Bonds now and get the help you need to get them home today.
If someone you care about has been arrested in Bakersfield, one of the first questions you may have is: “Where do I go to post bail?” Kern County has multiple jails and facilities, and it’s not always clear what the next step is. This guide walks you through the main Bakersfield jail locations, the bail process, and how Cowboy Bail Bonds can help post bail fast — any time, day or night.
📍 Main Jail Facilities in Bakersfield
Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility – 17695 Industrial Farm Rd, Bakersfield, CA
Kern County Central Receiving Facility – 1415 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA
Downtown Bakersfield Jail (CRF) – Used for processing and short-term holding
If you’re unsure where your loved one is being held, use our guide to locate them or contact us — we’ll find them for you.
🏛️ Courthouse Location for Bail Hearings
The primary courthouse handling criminal cases in Bakersfield is:
Kern County Superior Court – Metro Division 1415 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
This courthouse handles arraignments, bail hearings, and most felony/misdemeanor cases. We often coordinate directly with this court to expedite bond approvals and fast-track releases.
We collect basic information and verify the charges and bail amount.
We complete paperwork and head directly to the jail to post bail.
Once posted, release can happen within a few hours (depending on the facility).
💡 Bail Amounts in Bakersfield
Bail amounts vary depending on the charge and criminal history. To estimate what you might pay, check out our detailed resource: How Much Is Bail for Common Charges?
Don’t wait in confusion or panic. Contact Cowboy Bail Bonds and we’ll walk you through every step. From locating your loved one to getting them home — we’re here for you.
Finding out that a loved one has been arrested can be stressful. If you’re unsure where they are being held, there are several ways to locate them within the California jail system. Follow these simple steps to find your loved one quickly.
1. Gather Essential Information
Before starting your search, you’ll need the following details:
Full Name – Their complete legal name
Date of Birth – Helps distinguish them from others with the same name
Any Known Aliases – Other names they might use
Having this information will make your search faster and more accurate.
2. Determine the Arresting Agency
Knowing which law enforcement agency made the arrest can narrow down your search. If you’re unsure, consider where the arrest likely happened and check the local police department or sheriff’s office in that area.
Visit the website of the county jail where you think your loved one may be held. Enter their name and other details to find their current status.
4. Use the California State Prison Inmate Locator
If your loved one has been transferred to a state prison, you can use the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Inmate Locator:
You’ll need their full name or CDCR number to search for them in the state system.
5. Search for ICE Detainees
If your loved one is an undocumented immigrant, they may be in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) custody. ICE provides an online detainee locator:
6. Contact the Jail or Detention Facility Directly
If online searches don’t provide the information you need, you can call the jail directly. Most county jails have inmate information hotlines where you can provide the person’s name and date of birth to get their status.
For example, in Los Angeles County, you can call: (213) 473-6100.
7. Seek Assistance from a Bail Bondsman
If your loved one is in jail and you need help with the bail process, a bail bondsman can assist in securing their release. Cowboy Bail Bonds provides fast and reliable bail bond services in California.
Visit their FAQ page to learn more about how bail bonds work.
Be Patient – Jail records can take time to update. If you don’t find your loved one immediately, check back later.
Respect Privacy – Use the information responsibly and respect the privacy of others.
Stay Informed – Understanding how bail is set can help you prepare if your loved one is eligible for release.
By following these steps, you can locate a loved one in the California jail system and take the necessary actions to support them during this difficult time.
When someone you care about gets arrested, it’s a very scary time. You may not know what to do or where to turn. One of the first things you should do is contact a bail bondsman. But why is it so important to do this right away? Let’s break it down.
1. Time Is of the Essence
When someone is arrested, they may feel very scared and alone. The sooner you contact a bail bondsman, the sooner they can be released from jail. Every minute counts when someone is behind bars. By reaching out to a bail bondsman quickly, you can help get your loved one out of jail as soon as possible. This can make a big difference in how they feel and how they can handle the situation.
2. Bail Bondsmen Know the System
Bail bondsmen are experts in the bail process. They know how the system works, and they can guide you through it step by step. This can be very helpful, especially if you have never dealt with something like this before. They can explain things in a way that is easy to understand and help you avoid mistakes that could delay the process.
3. They Can Help You Save Money
Posting bail can be very expensive, and most people don’t have that kind of money just lying around. A bail bondsman can help by covering most of the bail amount for you. In return, you usually pay a fee, which is a small percentage of the total bail. This makes it much more affordable to get your loved one out of jail. The sooner you contact a bail bondsman, the sooner you can get help with the costs.
4. They Provide Peace of Mind
Knowing that a professional is handling your loved one’s bail can give you peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about figuring everything out on your own. The bail bondsman will handle the paperwork and work with the court on your behalf. This can take a lot of the stress off your shoulders and let you focus on supporting your loved one.
5. They Can Work Quickly
Time is critical, especially in legal situations. A bail bondsman can often get your loved one out of jail much faster than you could on your own. They have connections with the court and understand the fastest way to get things done. The quicker your loved one is released, the quicker they can start preparing for their court date and moving forward.
6. They Can Help You Understand the Next Steps
Once your loved one is out on bail, there are still many steps to follow. A bail bondsman can help you understand what needs to happen next, such as attending court dates and following bail conditions. They can also help you find legal assistance if needed. This guidance is invaluable in ensuring that you don’t miss any important details.
In summary, contacting a bail bondsman immediately after an arrest is crucial. They can help you get your loved one out of jail quickly, save money, and give you peace of mind. Their knowledge and experience can make a difficult situation much easier to handle. So, don’t wait—reach out to a bail bondsman as soon as you can!
If you’re like many people, you may use the terms jail and prison interchangeably. However, jail and prison are two very different things.
Let’s quickly discuss the main differences between jail vs prison.
Jail vs Prison: The main differences
Time incarcerated
Jail is designed for a short-term stay, while prison is designed for a long-term stay. When a person is taken to jail, this often means they are awaiting trial or convicted of a misdemeanor with a year or less of jail time. When a person is taken to prison, this often means they are convicted of a felony and will be introduced into a population that requires various levels of security (from minimum to solitary confinement).
Management
Jail is managed by your local law enforcement and government entities, while prison is managed by state or federal entities.
Programs
Both jails and prisons offer various programs that treat substance abuse, offer vocational training, provide educational opportunities, and more. The opportunities available to inmates will vary based on time left on sentence and type of crime.
Living conditions
If you think about short term vs long term (jail vs prison), then it’s easy to imagine the differences in living situations.
Jail is short-term, and there is a variable flow of inmates in and out of the facility on a regular basis. Because of this, inmates will be around different people every day (from low-level offenders jailed for misdemeanors to high-level offenders awaiting trial). Programs and facilities available usually aren’t as well-developed as they are in prisons since they are designed for short-term interactions.
Even though an inmate may be around considerably more dangerous felons in a prison, this still may be a more ideal situation for them if they’re facing 6 months or more of jail time. This is because they may have more of an opportunity to get on a schedule, eat and sleep better, and benefit from all-around better programs.
Visitation rights
With both prison and jail, inmates have a right to visitation from loved ones, friends, and legal representation. On top of this, they are also guaranteed basic human rights such as free speech and medical care.
Looking for information on bail bonds? Check out these resources:
