If you live in a Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco or any major metropolitan area, you’ve probably seen or heard television or radio spots advertising bail bonds companies.  If you turn to the Internet or even to the yellow pages, you’ll also find a number of companies that provide bail bonds throughout California services without needing to put forth much effort.

But just because you’re easily able to find a California bail bondsman, that’s not to say you have any clue as to what it is he or she actually does.

What Happens When Someone Is Arrested

When a person is arrested they’re taken to a county jail facility where they will be booked and processed.  During that time, the bail amount will also be set.  That amount is determined based on the individual county’s bail schedule; a document which provides guidelines for bail based on the severity of the crime committed, whether the defendant has a prior history of arrest and whether he or she is considered to be a threat to society.  Suffice it to say, a person charged with run o the mill DUI will have a much lower bail than someone charged with attempted murder.

Using a Bail Bondsman

In order to be released from a California jail, a defendant has two options: post the full amount of the bail with the court in the form of cash or cashier's check, or seek out the assistance of an expert bail bondsman.   In choosing the latter, the bail bond costs 10% of the total set bail.  That amount is a non-refundable fee charged by the bail bonds company for providing their services.  That fee is regulated by the California Department of Insurance and is considered across the board to be an industry standard.

After a bail bond has been arranged, the bondsman will then take a bond to the jail where the defendant is being detained to have it posted.  This bond, which is a legally binding contract, serves as a promise that the defendant will appear for necessary court proceedings related to the charges.   If they "fail to appear" in court, their bail will be revoked and a bench warrant will be issued for his or her immediate arrest.

If you find yourself in a position where you need to seek out the assistance of a California bail bondsman you will likely have a number of questions relating to how bail bonds work.  You’ll want to be sure to find someone who takes the time to address your concerns, who can explain how the process works, and who will treat you with dignity and respect.

Published: 11/24/2012