Bail bonds in California work much like bail bonds in many states. A bail bond is a method used for a defendant to be temporarily released from jail while awaiting their designated trial date. Bail bonds are legally binding documents with a set amount of money determined by the court depending on the severity of the alleged offense(s) if the defendant fails to appear on the date of the trail.

A bail bond is a type of surety bond provided by a surety bond company. Bail Bonds can be requested by the defendant, or the defendant’s family/ friends. This proceeds through a Bail Bondsman in a criminal or civil case. The process of a bail bond can range because of the state as well as the county.

Bail bonds in California vary by county because each has a local bail schedule.

For example, Los Angeles has a misdemeanor and felony bail schedule. It’s used as a system to calculate and as a result determine the total bail amount.  

There are several factors that come into play when it comes to determining the amount of bail. Factors include the severity of the offenses, weapons were involved, current employment, and previous criminal history. There is secured (little money upfront), and unsecured (no money upfront) payments. They can be in the form of cashier’s check, money order, traveler’s checks, and likewise even cash.

Bail Bonds in California High Amounts

Bails are typically set at a high amount which can prove difficult for the defendant to post bail themselves because can lead to the defendant seeking different options. One option is to use a bail bondsman, who posts the bail bonds for them. Bail bonds in California are typically posted for 10% of the total set bail amount. Hence, there is one of two things that can happen either the defendant can appear or fail to appear in court on the trial date.

If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bail bond will forfeit and the remaining balance of the bail will be paid. Therefore, the defendant’s collateral, such as their estate, possessions, or stocks will be used to pay the remainder. If the defendant does appear in court, the trial will proceed to completion. In which the collateral will be returned and the bondsman retains a fee as profit.  

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So you got your bail posted and your bail bonds are complete, now what?

Once your bail is posted you will be required to appear in court. Just because you were released does not mean you have avoided the courts. When you are released you will be given a court date. You should share with your bail bonds company so that they can be on the same page as you.

What happens frequently after the bail is posted? Many people skip on the court date because they are afraid or want to avoid going to jail. This is very tempting to some when there is still possible jail time. However, skipping out on your court date is NEVER a good idea! Why? because when you skip your court date you will make your life/family life difficult. You now also have more consequences than just simply going to court.

Skipped on your bail bonds?

As soon as you decide not to appear in court you are considered to be skipping on your bail bonds. At that time you will be issued a warrant for your arrest. This means that if you get caught for a traffic ticket you will be arrested and charged additional crimes for skipping out on your bail.

Another consequence that results in heartbreak for the family is you loose all your collateral for not showing up to court.

When family or friends make the decision to help you with your bail bonds, they put their name on the line. Many times family will have to put up houses, jewelry, and many more valuable items. When you decide not to go to court you forfeit all collateral and that means even if the collateral was not yours. That is why its important to be responsible and make sure you arrive to your court date.

Also, it’s very important to understand that skipping court and not being found results in the Co-signer having to pay the entire bail bond! Could you imagine doing this to someone you really cared about? Some bail bonds are well over $100,000. So please we urge you to go to court and keep all parties happy.

Here at Dan’s Bail Bonds we are free to answer questions, concerns, and always help get you out. It’s important that you get the right answers quickly so you can always make the best decision.

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