Those who don't have a great deal of familiarity with the commercial bail industry are often surprised to learn how regulated it is.

In California, a bondsman can call an inmate's friends or family members to try to arrange bail bonds, but only if the inmate called them and requested they start the process.  Companies are also prohibited from "cold calling" people who have been arrested by scheduling visits at the jail.

Some companies have reportedly said the restriction violates their right to free speech.  But, as of this week, a CA appeals court ruled otherwise.

The current ban was implemented by …