Welcome to our bail bonds FAQ, where we have compiled the most frequently asked questions regarding the process. Understanding what bail is, how bail bonds for Los Angeles California jails and premiums work, as well as navigating the process and procedures surrounding them can be complicated – we hope this information sheds a light and gets you one step closer to approaching the situation correctly.
Los Angeles Bail Bond FAQ
Al Lopez Bail bondsman can answer every question and concern you may have, but here are the top ten questions we receive on any given day. For more information about our Los Angeles bail bond services, contact us directly.
TOP TEN QUESTIONS
1. What is bail?
Everyone has a right to bail, which is an aspect of our legal system that allows for someone accused of a crime to be temporarily released from custody. In turn for release, either the full bail amount, surety bond, or property must be posted in order to guarantee that the defendant will appear in court. The amount of bail is determined by the court system.
2. What is a bail bond & how does a bail bond work?
A bail bond is much like insurance, offered by a third-party company or agency that guarantees the court that the bail will be paid in the event that the defendant does not appear as required.These bonds are offered at a premium – usually ten percent of the bond amount – that is non refundable.So if the bond set is $30,000, then the premium charged by the company is $3,000.
3. What is the difference between bond amount and bond premium?
The bond amount is set by the court system, and is the full amount of bail required to temporarily release the defendant. The bond premium is what a bond agency will charge, generally 10% of the total bail amount.
4. What is the Premium?
In Southern California, the premium is usually 10% of the total bail amount. This is a nonrefundable amount that the bail bond agency receives in return for putting up the bail to release the defendant. Agencies that accept 5% premiums are acting illegally, and such an action should question their reliability.
5. When does a bail bond forfeiture take place?
When a defendant misses a court date, this will result in automatic bail bond forfeiture. A warrant will be issued for the defendant’s arrest, and the bail amount must be paid to the court or the bond must be reinstated.
6. How much does it cost to bail someone out of jail?
This specific question should be handled directly with a licensed bail agent like a Lopez bail bondsman. Please contact us by phone or through this website.
7. How do I pay for the Bail Bond?
We offer several payment options, but do require some sort of payment in advance of posting bond for a defendant – whether that is through cash, check or a credit card. We currently accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
In order to serve you better, we also offer flexible financing and payment plans and even no collateral bonds. We know that the total cost of a bail bond can often be too much to take on at once, and do our best to make it easier on you.
8. When do I get my money back?
If you elect to use a bond agency, the money that is used for bail is technically that of the agency. The bond will be returned to the agency and the defendant or you will be responsible for paying the premium owed to the agency, as well as any other fees incurred.
If you have paid bail on your own, the money will be returned to you when the court process has ended – no matter who has been ruled in favor.
9. What is the procedure for bailing somebody out of jail?
The first phone conversation you will have with a bond agency will be to gather information about you, the situation and the detained. Depending on the overall risk that is assessed, the bond will be approved.
Upon approval, you will be required to complete some paperwork, including a bail bond application, Indemnity Agreement and receipt. When payment has been received, a licensed bondsman will appear at the jail in order to post the bail bond for your friend or loved one.
10. Can your company quickly handle bail bonds for any jail in California?
Yes. If you are in need right now, do not hesitate and contact us immediately.Our bonds are completed within one or two hours from the moment you contact us, and we can handle all paperwork electronically or by fax.