GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BAIL BONDS
- The Definition of a Bail Bond
- How Much is Bail Bond?
- What about Bail Bond Discounts and Financing?
- What Types of Payment do you Accept?
- Are You a Reputable Bail Bond Company?
- What about Collateral?
- How Long Does a Bail Bond Take to Process?
- What are my Responsibilities with a Bail Bond?
- What if a Defendant Misses a Court Appearance?
- Will my Money be Returned?
The Definition of a Bail Bond
A bail bond is an agreement by a licensed bail agent and the Superior Court guaranteeing the appearance of a criminally accused person to answer charges against the individual. The bail bond is valid until the case has been settled or a judge revokes the bail for reasonable cause.
How Much is Bail Bond?
In California, the standard rate is typically 7-10% of the set bail amount. As an example, if a bail was set at $5,000.00, the fee would be between $350.00-500.00. The rate is determined on whether or not someone qualifies for the lower rate. Usually the discount requires membership in a union, military status, property ownership, and other criteria. Absolutely Affordable Bail Bonds always works to provide you the best rate available. Call 805-963-1233 to speak with an agent for details.
What about Bail Bond Discounts and Financing?
We understand times are tough and everyone wants to save money. Absolutely Affordable Bail Bonds offers 30% off* to a defendant who retains and is referred by any practicing private defense attorney. We will automatically give 20% off to qualified individuals who are members of a union, active military members, owners of real property, and individuals who retain private legal counsel. Save money on your bail bond premium! Call our agents at 805-963-1233 to find out how.
We also provides interest-free financing for qualified individuals with a low down payment. Credit checks are almost always never required.
* – Our special 7% rate is based on a defendant who retains and is referred by any practicing private defense attorney. The defendant referred by counsel must pay the full 7% of the penal amount for this rate to apply.
What Types of Payment do you Accept?
We accept most major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. We also take PayPal, Venmo, and Western Union. In addition, personal checks, money orders, and cash are all okay.
Are You a Reputable Bail Bond Company?
YES! Absolutely Affordable Bail Bonds has been helping the families of our community since 1969. We provide personal service by licensed professional agents. Our mission is to provide individual attention you deserve at the lowest available rate. When you call 805-963-1233, a live agent will speak with you directly. We help people by name, not case numbers.
What about Collateral?
Collateral is means of securing a bail bond with something of value. This could include cash, property liens, stocks, bonds, or miscellaneous tangible items such as jewelry. Once the case is settled, collateral is returned. Absolutely Affordable Bail Bonds does not require collateral on most bonds. Call us at 805-963-1233 to find out more information about our signature bonds.
How Long Does a Bail Bond Take to Process?
We have two locations that have bail agents who are within 15-minutes of your local jail. When you call 805-963-1233, you will speak with a live agent directly. We do not believe in “Call Centers.” Our agents are available 6:30 am – 9:00 pm everyday.
The paperwork procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Once the bail transaction is complete, the bail bond is given to the jail for processing. From this point, it usually takes the jail 1-8 hours to release an individual. It is beyond our control to expedite the release once a bail bond has been posted. The jail personnel determine how long the process takes.
What are my Responsibilities with a Bail Bond?
It is similar to a cosigner of a loan. An indemnitor is the person who signs for the responsibility of a bail bond. This person guarantees the appearance of the accused individual in superior court until the matter is settled. If the defendant fails to appear in court while the bail bond is in effect, then ultimately the indemnitor would be required to pay the full amount of the posted bail.
What if a Defendant Misses a Court Appearance?
If an individual accused of a crime fails to appear in court on the date assigned, the judge will order the bail bond forfeited and a warrant will be issued for the defendant’s arrest. The individual must be surrendered back to the custody of the court within the legal time frame or the full amount of the bail bond must be paid.
We will try our best to work out the problem with the indemnitor. We understand that an accident may occur or some other unfortunate event where someone could not make the appearance. Our mission is to provide understanding and work with each case individually.
But if the defendant blatantly fails to appear in court and is “on the run,” then we hire specialists to protect the financial interest of the indemnitor. Call us at 805-963-1233 for more details.
Will My Money Be Returned?
A bail bond fee is payment for services rendered and is non-refundable. Once an arrested individual is released from custody, then the service has been performed. The fee is non-refundable even if no formal charges are filed against the accused. In the event an individual is found not to be eligible for release during the process (i.e. probation hold, parole violation, etc.), then the premium would be returned.
If you have any other questions or need advice about bail bonds, you can contact us online or call 805-963-1233 to speak with a live agent. Information and advice are always FREE!