Here are the basic steps: visit the county jail's website, use a third-party inmate search tool, contact the jail directly, or check online court records. Each method provides a path to find the bail amount and plan for a loved one's quick release.
The defendant can post their own bail or ask a family member or friend to post it. If the defendant uses a bond company, the company may require the defendant to have a co-signer (someone who will help the company find the defendant should they fail to appear).
In some jurisdictions, the court may also allow you to post a property bond, which will use property that you own as collateral for your conditional release. Unfortunately, though, if your bail amount is high, you may not have the resources to post bail with the court on your own.
Yes, in California, you do have the option to bail yourself out of jail under certain circumstances. When you're arrested and booked into jail, the authorities will set a bail amount if you are not considered a danger to society or a high flight risk.
The collateral is usually preferred to be liquid, such as an irrevocable letter of credit, but some sureties will also take other pieces of collateral, such as certain equipment or even real property. A Collateral Bond is different when used in the context of a surety bond.
The bail amount is based on the crime(s) for which the individual is arrested as well as his or hire criminal history. For example, misdemeanor bail typically starts at $5,000 – $10,000. Felony bail starts at $25,000 and increases depending on the seriousness and number of charges.
Bail bondsmen are generally not too picky about what kind of collateral they will accept. Real estate and houses are commonly put up in cases with a high bail requirement, but defendants can also use jewelry, stocks, bonds, and other investments and valuables.
Personal jewelry represents another commonly used form of collateral. The value of individual items such as rings, broaches, or necklaces can be difficult to ascertain without a professional assessment. Some bond agencies are therefore understandably cautious about accepting jewelry as collateral.
The bail bond agent will need you to sign some paperwork in order for you to secure their services. This usually means paying an amount to the agent, usually a percentage of the total bail amount, and signing off on any collateral for the bond.
No - if you signed the bond it doesn't matter whether you have a job or not - or whether the bondsman asked you if you did. You are liable as surety on the bond - having a job or not has nothing to do with your liability. Sorry.