Q. What is a bail bond?
A. A bail bond (surety bond) is a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear in each and every court appearance as the court directs. Failure of the defendant to comply with the appearances of the court could result in warrants issued and bail bonds forfeited. The amount of bail increases due to the severity of the crime, as well as the court’s determination of the likelihood that the defendant might flee from prosecution.

Q. Where can a bail bond be posted?
A. A bail bond can be posted at most courts and jails. Most jails accept bail bonds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 of the year.

Q. Where can I get a bail bond?
A. You can get a bail bond by calling us at 818-997-8888. A licensed bail agent will confidentially discuss your individual situation and assist with all of your bail bond needs.

Q. What hours do bail agencies operate?
A. Because people are arrested both day and night, most bond agencies are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Please feel free to call us anytime at 818-997-8888.

Q. How much does a bail bond cost?
A. Most bail bond premiums are ten percent of the total bail amount. For example, if the full bail amount is $10,000.00, the premium (fee) for the bail bond is $1,000.00. These fees are established by the surety companies and regulated by the Department of Insurance.

Q. Is the bail bond premium refundable?
A. Once the bail bond is posted and defendant released by a court or jail, liability is taken on the bail bond. At that point the bail bond premium is fully earned and is not refundable.

Q. How long is a bail bond good for?
A. A bail bond is good for one year. If the case goes beyond the one year, the premium must be paid again in order to keep the bail bond current.

Q. Who is liable for the bail bond?
A. The co-signer is financially liable for the bail bond. The co-signer’s liability is limited to the full face value of the bail bond. Protect yourself and your family by following these few simple consumer tips when looking for bail bonds services.

Q. What is collateral and why is it required?
A. Collateral, such as real estate and auto titles, are sometimes used as collateral to protect the bail bonds agency from loss from forfeiture. Oftentimes, collateral is not required if the co-signer has been employed in a fair paying job for an adequate amount of time and has a fair credit report.

Q. What should you know when signing for a bail bond co-signer?
A. It is the responsibility of the co-signer to see that the premium is paid. A bail bond is an appearance bond and is good for one year. If the case continues longer than a year, an additional premium is due and is collected for each additional year. These premiums are not refundable and upon the release of the defendant are fully earned. Any expenses incurred in the transaction of a bail bond, such as long distance calls, travel, or posting fees are to be paid by the co-signer to the bail agent. Most additional expenses we incurred. It is the responsibility of the defendant or co-signer to supply accurate information.

Q. What happens if the defendant does not appear in court as promised?
A. The defendant is obligated by the bail agreement to appear at each and every court appearance required by the court. The failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the bond. Failure to act immediately can add up expenses (i.e., tracing fees, court costs, and attorney fees) the co-signer becomes liable. A warrant is issued for the defendant’s arrest, making the defendant a fugitive. The bail agency will call the defendant’s home, work, and other persons to try to find the defendant. The co-signer should also make every effort to compel the defendant to surrender himself/herself to the police (or court) as soon as possible.

If the defendant can be returned to the court before time expires, then the co-signer will not face the loss of collateral or other financial penalties. If the fugitive does not surrender and cannot be found by the due date, the bail agency must remit the value of the bond to the court. At that time, legal action will be taken to liquidate the collateral of the co-signer, along with other actions that may be necessary.

Q. How do you get off the bond liability?
A. You are no longer liable for the defendant’s bond when he/she has completed all of their court appearances and when all premiums have been paid. It is best to contact the agent when the bond is exonerated by the court, for the fast return of any collateral pledged, and to confirm that the bond is exonerated. In the event of forfeiture, the co-signer is liable until the full amount of the bail has been paid, plus any expenses incurred or until the court exonerates the bond. The bond then becomes discharged.

Q. When will the defendant be released from custody?
A. The time it takes for a defendant to be released from custody after a bail bond is posted varies widely. If the defendant is in police custody, he/she will be released in a very short time. This also is the case if the defendant is being held in the processing area of a detention facility. If the defendant has been inserted into the general county population, it will take longer to process his/her release (generally it takes six to eight hours).

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