Frequently Asked Questions
Serving the San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara County Areas
The Court System Can Be Difficult To Understand. Here Are Common Questions And Answers About Bail.
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In California, the cost of a bail bond is typically 10% of the total bail amount set by the court, as regulated by the California Department of Insurance. For example, if the bail is set at $20,000, the bail bond fee would be approximately $2,000. This fee, also called the premium, is non-refundable and covers the bail bondsman’s service for posting the full bail amount on behalf of the defendant.
Once a bail bond is arranged and payment/collateral is secured, release typically takes 2 to 6 hours.
An Individual who financially guarantees a defendant appearance in court and assumes the responsibility for paying the entire bail amount if the defendant skips bail or violate court orders responsible for paying the bail bonds premium if the defendant does not.
As an indemnitor (also called a co-signer) for a bail bond in California, you are legally and financially responsible for ensuring the defendant complies with court obligations, particularly appearing for all scheduled court dates. If the defendant fails to appear (FTA), it can trigger serious consequences for both the defendant and you as the indemnitor.
Collateral is something of value placed with the bail agent which may be sold in the event of forfeiture of the bond. The sale of the collateral is used to cover the amount of the bail that will be paid to the court.
Collateral is returned following the final disposition of the bond(s). Proof that all bonds are exonerated is required.
There is no refund on the premium.
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