When someone is arrested anywhere in Los Angeles County, many are left wondering what to do, where to turn and wondering who they can call for help.

Is this the first time you have ever researched information on finding a bail bond? We get asked several questions about the bail process every day. Don’t worry about asking the wrong question, or too many questions. That’s what the bail process is all about. We want to help take all the mystery out of posting a bail bond.

So, let us help you. Below, we have described just some of the details in getting a bail bond for someone who has been arrested, and what you should know about a Los Angeles bail bond, or, in any area for that matter. Feel free to call us at any time, toll-free at 877-422-4591 to talk more about it.

What Happens When Someone is Arrested in Los Angeles County?

If you have a loved one, family member or friend who has just been arrested anywhere in Los Angeles County, they will likely be transferred to a local Los Angeles Police Station or Sheriff Station. While there, they will be booked and processed into the computer system.

Booking Process

This includes taking the defendant’s fingerprints, (Livescan), mugshots, and collecting their personal background information. The booking process can take from 2 to 4 hours, or more to complete depending upon their individual circumstances. They cannot be visited during this time, nor can a bail bond be posted until their booking process is completed.

It is important to understand that the defendant may also be transferred to one of the larger Los Angeles County jails. Men can either be transported to Men’s Central Jail or Twin Towers.

Women may be transferred to CRDF/Lynwood County Jail. If they are brought to one of these larger facilities, the bail process time can take much longer to complete.  Sometimes between 12 to 16 hours. This is why we recommend bailing out your loved one if possible, while they are still being detained at one of the local stations or jails for a much faster release time.

The Cost of a Bail Bond

If you should require a Los Angeles County Bail Bond, you should know that the fee you pay for the release of the defendant should be 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if the bail was set at $20,000, you would pay $2,000 for their release.

Bail amounts in Los Angeles are among the highest in the country. However, the average bail amount is $20,000. With the help of a professional, licensed bail bondsman, you should only have to pay 10% of the entire amount which can make easier for families to afford.

What Can a Bail Bondsman Charge?

The legal cost-of-service for a Los Angeles bail bond is 10% of the total bail amount. This fee is non-refundable; and should be clearly explained to you well in advance of signing for the bond. However, there are some cases in which the bondsman can legally charge 8% for the bond, if the indemnitor falls within certain guidelines and criteria set forth by the bond agencies’ surety. Ask the bondsman up-front, if you meet those criteria.

What is a Cash Bail?

If they can afford it, some may choose to conduct a cash bail and pay the entire bail amount  in cash directly to the courts. This amount is refundable. Using our example above, the indemnitor would pay the court the full $20,000 at the bail clerk’s window for the release of the defendant. However, it’s important to know that when this is done, it can take several months or more to get that money back, as cases can take that long for completion.

Read more about various options for release from jail.

 

No-cost Bail Information and Consultation

Professional bondsmen can access arrest reports from jails throughout Los Angeles 24-hours a day. These records can be accessed to determine what charges have been brought against the arrestee.

This information can include their bail amount, booking number and other important information. The professional bondsman you speak to (at 3:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.) should be  ready and willing to provide you all of this information, while offering as much time as you need. They should be ready to answer any questions you have about the bail bond process and do this absolutely free of charge, without rushing you to sign any paperwork.

Clearly Understand Your Responsibilities When Signing for a Bond

Courts understand that when a bond is posted, the bail bondsman and the defendant’s signer (the indemnitor) are financially guaranteeing that the entire bail amount will be paid if the arrestee skips out on their hearing. All of the guidelines and responsibilities of the signer should be discussed well in advance of posting the bond.

What is an Indemnitor?

The indemnitor is the signer for the bail bond and will take on the financial responsibility of the full bail amount should the defendant not show up for court. The indemnitor/signer should  have a clear understanding of all the details set forth in the bail contract prior to signing. Any ethical bail bondsman will take the time to explain these details thoroughly. Fortunately, most bail forfeitures in Los Angeles are unintentional and they can usually be resolved with one phone call to the bail bond company.

What are the Advantages of Posting Bail?

Posting bail is the fastest way to bring the arrestee home, where he or she can be with their family and continue their daily work or school routine. Being bonded out of jail also gives the defendant time to find a lawyer and take care of any personal business before going back to court. These are just some of the advantages to posting bail for the defendant.

Do you need to speak to a trusted Los Angeles bail bondsman about the bail process right away?  Call SCV Bail Bonds 24/7 now at 213-373-5245 or toll free 877-422-4591. We’re ready to help.

Information The Bondsman Needs From The Indemnitor

When you call, if possible, you should have the defendant’s legal name, date of birth, county jail or station they are being held in custody. If you don’t have all of this information, a licensed agent can help to gather the needed data. Some companies, like SCV Bail Bonds, are open around-the-clock, weekends and holidays to speak with you about your individual situation, provide you necessary information and to post the bond.

What Happens When the Bondsman is Contacted Directly From the Defendant?

If an arrestee calls us directly from any Los Angeles County jail, the bail bond agent will gather basic information such as their name, jail location, date and time of arrest and contact numbers for possible co-signers for the bail bond agreement. Then, the bondsman will evaluate the risk in posting the bond for that particular defendant. Every bond is evaluated on a case-by- case basis. A defendant’s past criminal record, employment, and community history can play an important factor in this decision making process.

How is the Bail Process Started?

Once the bondsman acquires all of the necessary information from the indemnitor, the defendant has cleared the booking process, and the bond is approved, the signer will be asked to sign a bail bond application.  At SCV Bail Bonds, the application is easy to read and understand and only takes minutes to complete.

What is The Application Process?

A bail company company should quickly and easily provide the bail bond application and contract to you for the fastest release time.  We use the latest in technology and can easily work via fax or email and phone.  Once the application is received and approved, our agents can be dispatched to any Los Angeles County jail or station to “post the bond” for the defendant’s fastest release.

For more Los Angeles jail and bail information, see our detailed Los Angeles County Jail Page.

We hope that we’ve helped you today by providing information on how to post bail in Los Angeles. Call us anytime at 213-373-5245 or toll-free 877-422-4591 for additional information. When you call, just provide one of our 24 hour agents information on the jail where the defendant is in custody and we’ll do the rest.

For more information, feel free to see our comprehensive bail FAQ’s page.

SCV Bail Bonds can provide accurate, professional assistance at any of the Los Angeles County jail locations listed on this page. Just click on one of the links. For additional information in person, call us 24 hours a day at 213-373-5245, toll-free 877-422-4591. We’re here to help.

Why Choose Our Company?

We are a husband and wife team that heads a staff of experienced, honest, professional, and most of all – caring, bail bondsmen.

We are also a family. We understand family situations. We receive both professional and personal satisfaction from helping people in difficult situations. In addition to Los Angeles County, we work with a network of licensed bail agents and can can post bail at any court or jail in the state of California. Trust us to help you.