My family member, friend or loved one just got arrested, what will happen to them now?
The first thing that will happen is the arresting law enforcement agency will transport the defendant to the local police station jail or the County Jail for processing and booking into the jail system.
This process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours or more to complete, depending on the facility and the jail staff. Once the booking process is complete, a bail amount will be set if the defendant is not released on O.R. (own recognizance), or Citation Release (cited out). If bail is set, we can provide that amount for you.
Should I call SCV Bail Bonds right away?
When you know the defendant has been arrested, you can call us 24/7 at 877-422-4591.We can explain the bail process to you in detail. Our licensed agents have the technology to monitor your loved one during their booking process.
If bail has been set, we’ll let you know the amount and discuss the bail process so you are best prepared to handle the details and qualify for the bond. We’ll inform you of the timing of the completion of their booking so the bond can be posted as quickly as possible with the jail.
When you call us it’s always good to have the inmate’s name, booking number and date of birth, and where they are being held in custody.
We are professional bail bondsmen, fully licensed and compliant with the California Department of Insurance. You can trust we will handle your case with knowledge, discretion and the utmost care.
What is an Indemnitor? What Are My Responsibilities?
An Indemnitor or Co-Signer is responsible for signing the bail agreement, and qualifying for the bond. If you sign on behalf of a defendant, you become financially responsible for making sure the defendant returns to all court appearances and fulfills all of their legal obligations. You will accept responsibility for the entire face amount of the bond should the defendant not return to court. This includes paying for the entire premium or any other fees associated with the bond.
However, once the defendant’s case is completed, meaning: They show up for all mandated court dates, they are sentenced, the case is dismissed or the bond is exonerated, the responsibility of the indemnitor/Co-signer will be fulfilled and no other money is owed.
How can I qualify for the bail bond?
We can determine that when you call our company by asking you a few questions. Some of the questions we ask may seem a bit personal, however, we need to evaluate the risk we are taking on in underwriting the bond. Details such as your employment, home-ownership, credit rating, citizenship, family status, etc., will be discussed.
We will also ask questions of the same nature about the defendant in custody. We’ll then determine whether we can do what is called a “signature bond” or, if we’ll need to take collateral, such as California real property.
When Am I no longer responsible or liable for the bond?
Once all court dates have been met and all legal obligations, classes and fines have been handled the court will exonerate the bond and you will no longer be held liable for the bond.
What happens to them if they are not bailed out?
In general terms, the defendant will remain in custody at the jail until their arraignment.
What Is Collateral?
Collateral can come in the form of California Real Estate, Cash, or other forms. If the bond is large or high risk, the bail bondsman may require collateral to secure the bond. Factors such as the defendant’s past history of arrest, their credit, employment or residence history or how long the Indemnitor has known the arrestee will all play into the underwriting of the bond. A lien will be taken on property or cash will be deposited into an escrow account and held until the bond has been exonerated and the premium and all fees have been paid in full.
If I use collateral to secure the bond, when will I get it back?
Any collateral taken from the signer(s) of the bonds will be returned to its rightful owner(s) immediately following the final payment of all premiums and the bond has been verified “exonerated” by the court.
However, should a forfeiture of the bond occur, any and all collateral may be lost. It may be liquidated in order to pay the face amount of the bond which includes any other unpaid premiums and/or expenses. It’s important to read the details of the contract prior to signing over any collateral for a bail bond. We are always happy to answer your questions about collateral and the bail process.
What exactly does it mean when a bond has been “exonerated?”
A bail bond will be “exonerated” when the defendant has appeared for all court dates as scheduled and their case is completed. Additionally, neither those who provided collateral or the bail bonds company will have any further financial obligations to the court regarding to the defendant’s case.
What is the Bail Bond Premium?
The bail bond premium is the amount you (the indemnitor) will pay the bail agency prior to the release of the defendant.
For example, if the bail amount has been set at $25,000, you will pay a $2,500 premium to the bail agency for the defendant’s release. This amount is rendered upon the release of the defendant and is non-refundable; even if the case is dismissed or no charges are filed. The premium is earned by the bail bondsman upon the defendant being released from jail.
Why do people have to post bail?
The answer in truth, is they really don’t. If a judge grants bail for the defendant, they are under no obligation to have to pay for it or pay the 10% to a bail bondsman. Bail is merely the opportunity for the defendant to be released from jail while they await their court date.
Most people would rather be released from jail than have to wait in a jail cell until their arraignment. This also gives them time to get their personal items in order, get an attorney, public defender or legal team, take care of work or school issues and provide for child and family issues.
What happens with all charges have been dismissed or the case is dropped?
If the case is dismissed, or all charges have been dropped, the indemnitor will no longer carry any responsibility or liability for the bail bond they signed for. However, the premium that was paid for the bond is non-refundable.
Can SCV Bail Bonds handle posting bail at any jail in California?
Yes we can. We work with a professional network of licensed agents and can operate at most stations and jails located throughout California.
What if I live in another state, but my friend or family member has been arrested in California?
That’s okay. We can easily fax or email our easy application to you anywhere in the United States. Once it’s complete, just fax it back to us. It’s as easy as that.
Should I hire an Attorney?
We get asked that question a lot, however, bail agents are are not permitted to provide any legal advice regarding your specific case. However, we always recommend consulting with a legal professional/attorney when it comes to the specifics of your case. They can best advise you in how to move forward smoothly, while discussing your rights and the charges that were brought against you.
Is a bail premium tax deductible?
Bail premiums are not tax-deductible.
Have a specific question about bail or the bail process? Call us anytime and ask one of our knowledgeable, caring agents. We’re ready to help you at 877- 4 BAIL 911 or (877-422-4591).