Bail Bonding Frequently Asked Questions

What is bail?

Bail is money or other property that is deposited with the court in order to ensure that the person accused returns to court when he or she is required to do so. However, if the defendant does not come to court when required, or violates his or her bail conditions, the bail will be forfeited to the court and will not be returned. If you are having trouble getting an appropriate bail amount after you have been arrested in a criminal case, contact a reputable California bail bondsman from Penny Bail Bonds.

What does "forfeiture" mean?

Forfeiture occurs if a defendant fails to appear in court as scheduled. In this event, the bail bonds company has approximately six months to "surrender" the defendant to the court with no financial consequences. If this does not happen, the bond is payable to the court by the Bail Bonds Company.

What is a "premium"?

A "premium" is the amount paid to a Bail Bonds Company for the many services and financial risks assumed by the Bail Bonds Company, on behalf of the defendant. The amount of this premium is usually 10% of the amount of the bail. This is similar to payment of any premium for an insurance policy.

Is the premium paid refundable?

No – the premium amount is for the many services provided by the Bail Bonds Company to release the defendant from jail and make sure he appears in court. The premium is not refunded when the defendant appears in court – even if the charges are dropped.

What does a bail agent do for the consumer?

With his/her money on the line, a bail agent has a financial interest in supervising bailees and ensuring that they appear for trial. If a defendant "skips," the bail agent has time and the financial incentive to find him/her and bring him/her in. Significantly, commercial bail bond agents profit only when the defendant shows up for trial. The California bail agents of Penny Bail Bonds provide an array of social services and community resources to help the defendant and his/her family in numerous ways.

What is "collateral"?

Collateral is usually supplied by relatives and friends of the defendant and provides added financial security to ensure that the defendant appears in court when he or she is supposed to. Collateral can be in the form of anything of financial value that is legally pledged to back up the promise that the defendant will appear on his or her appointed court date.

When do I get my collateral back?

Collateral is returned to its owners immediately following the payment of all premiums and the "exoneration" of the bond by the court.

What does "exoneration" mean?

A bond is "exonerated" when the defendant appears in court as scheduled. This means that neither the people who supplied collateral or the Bail Bonds Company has any further financial obligation to the court in reference to the defendant's case.

What should I do at my bail hearing?

When attending a bail hearing, you want to make the best impression possible on those deciding on your bail or other pre-trial release conditions. The better the impression you make, the lower your bail tends to be. You may even be able to be released without having to pay money or put up collateral if you make a professional impression upon the judge. Having an attorney present with you at the hearing will help. Contact Penny Bail Bonds before you go to your hearing so that you can be ready to comply with the judge's order

What factors affect whether or not the judge will let me post bail?

The conditions under which the defendant may be released depends on many factors, and some defendants may be denied bail altogether. For example, if a defendant has outstanding warrants (whether opened or closed) he or she may be considered a flight risk and denied bail. A defendant could also be denied bail if it is determined that public safety is at risk. For example, someone who is considered a sexual predator could be denied bail or one who is being accused of a particularly violent crime could also be denied bail.

Get Released From Jail When You Need Bail:

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, San Diego County or the surrounding cities and counties of California and you the need help of an experienced bail bondsman, call California Bonding Agent Penny Bail Bonds today at (866) 435-2850, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule a consultation. Se habla Espanol.