What You May Not Know About The Bail Bond Process
Getting arrested can be a scary and confusing experience, not just for the person who is arrested, but for their family and friends as well. One important part of this process is something called bail bonds. If you live in Bakersfield, California, Cowboy Bail Bonds can help. Let’s talk about some things you might not know about the bail bond process and how it works.
What Is Bail?
First, let’s start with the basics. Bail is money that you pay to the court to get out of jail while you wait for your trial. The court holds onto this money to make sure you come back for your court date. If you do show up, you get the money back. If you don’t, you lose the money, and a warrant is issued for your arrest.
What Is a Bail Bond?
Sometimes, the amount of bail set by the court is too high for someone to pay all at once. This is where a bail bond comes in. A bail bond is like a loan for the bail amount. You pay a small percentage of the total bail amount to a bail bond company, like Cowboy Bail Bonds. The bail bond company then pays the full bail amount to the court on your behalf.
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?
In California, the cost of a bail bond is usually 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if your bail is set at $10,000, you would pay $1,000 to the bail bond company. This fee is not refundable. It is the cost for the bail bond company’s service.
How much does a bail bond cost in California?
Who Can Get a Bail Bond?
Most people who have been arrested can get a bail bond, but there are a few exceptions. If the crime is very serious, like murder, the court might not set bail at all. Also, if the judge thinks the person is a flight risk (someone who might run away and not come back for their court date), they might deny bail.
What Happens After Bail Is Posted?
Once bail is posted, the person in jail can go home. But there are some important rules to follow. The person must show up for all their court dates. If they don’t, the bail bond company has to pay the full bail amount to the court. This is why the bail bond company might ask for collateral, like a car or house, to make sure the person follows the rules.
What Is Collateral?
Collateral is something valuable that you give to the bail bond company as a promise that you will show up for court. If you don’t show up, the bail bond company can take the collateral to cover the bail amount they have to pay to the court. Common types of collateral include cars, houses, jewelry, and other valuable items.
Do bail bonds require collateral?
What If You Can’t Pay the Bail Bond Fee?
If you can’t pay the 10% fee for a bail bond all at once, don’t worry. Many bail bond companies, like Cowboy Bail Bonds, offer payment plans. This means you can pay the fee in smaller amounts over time. Be sure to ask about this option if you need it.
What Happens If You Miss a Court Date?
Missing a court date is a big deal. If you miss a court date, the court will issue a warrant for your arrest. The bail bond company will also come looking for you because they will have to pay the full bail amount to the court. If you know you’re going to miss a court date, contact the court and the bail bond company right away. Sometimes, the court can reschedule your date.
How Long Does the Bail Bond Process Take?
The bail bond process can be pretty quick. Once you contact a bail bond company and fill out the necessary paperwork, it usually takes just a few hours to get someone out of jail. Of course, this can depend on how busy the jail is and how fast the paperwork is processed.
How long does it take to get bailed out of jail?
Additional Bail Bond Resources
Understanding the bail bond process can make a tough situation a little easier. Remember, bail bonds are there to help you or your loved ones get out of jail while waiting for a trial. If you ever find yourself in need of a bail bond in Bakersfield, Cowboy Bail Bonds is there to help.