THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE POSTING A BAIL BOND IN LANCASTER
Avenger’s bail bonds wants to provide you with information on posting a bail bond in Lancaster and how we are here to help you or your loved one get out of jail now. We all know that having a friend or loved one in jail is a very stressful time. So, if you or someone you care about has been arrested and taken to jail, it’s extremely important to know how to get through the bail bonds process.
Below you will find some helpful tips about how to navigate through the bail bond to get someone out of Lancaster jail fast.
What Is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is an amount of money that must be paid to get a person out of jail. Typically, the bail amount will be set within 2-8 hours after an arrest, depending on how busy the jail is at the time. Once bail has been set, you can post bail, and the person will be released under certain conditions.
Getting released from jail is extremely important for many reasons, including:
- This will allow you to possibly hire a private attorney and help prepare your defense.
- Being released on bail will allow you to continue working and maintain your income.
- You will be able to continue to help take care of your family.
- Bail will provide you time to get your affairs in order in the event jail time is required.
Types of Bail Bonds
The 2 most common types of bonds are cash bail bonds and surety bail bonds.
The Definition of a Cash Bail Bond
This means that you pay the full bail bond amount in the form of either (a) cash, (b) a cashier’s check or (c) a money order.
Often this can be quite expensive, depending on how much the bail bond has been set at. Since the total amount is due up front and paid directly to the jail, this is the more expensive route than posting a surety bail bond.
The Definition of a Surety Bail Bond
Surety bail bonds are bonds that are posted by a local Lancaster bail bond companies, like the professionals at Avengers Bail Bonds.
Here’s the way it works; a local bail bond company like Avengers Bail Bonds will give the full amount of the bail bond to the jail.
They will charge a small fee for the use of their money typically between 7% and 10%.
Once the bail bond is posted, the defendant will be released from custody.
The money you pay the bail bonds company is a non-refundable fee.
How Does a Bail Bond Work?
If posting the bond involves a local bail bonds company, the bail bondsmen will have you sign an agreement that states you will appear at all future court dates. This agreement may include collateral depending on the severity of the charges and the bail amount.
What Types of Collateral will I Need?
Every bail bonds company is different, and each bail bondsmen will have their own set of rules on what they accept as collateral. Generally, anything that you own that has value can be acceptable.
Here are a few examples:
- Vehicle Pink Slips
- Boats
- Real Property; Home etc.
- Stocks/Bonds
- Full Cash Collateral
- Credit Cards
- Assignment of Bank Accounts
How Are Bail Bond Amounts Set?
Bail bond amounts are usually set by what is called the bail schedule. Each county in California has a bail schedule, and these schedules are set by a panel of judges in each county.
The bail bond amounts will typically be set by several factors listed below:
- The Severity of the Offense.
- Prior Criminal History.
- If the Defendant is Currently on Probation or Parole
Judges determine how much bail bonds are set at, and they have the power to increase or lower bail amounts as they see fit.
The judge can even deny bail, meaning you will remain in custody for the duration of your case. Basically, you are in jail until you are sentenced.
What Happens if the Defendant Violates the Bail Bond Conditions?
There will be several conditions set by both the court and the local bail bonds company.
When you are released you will be ordered to appear at all future court dates. You will have to abide by all laws. If you get arrested again, while you are out on bail, you can be charged with a felony. Most likely you will not have an opportunity to bail out again, and if you do receive bail, it will be much higher.
If you fail to appear in court as required, the court will notify the bail bonds company. Once the bail bondsmen find out you have failed to appear in court, they will hire “bounty hunters” or bail enforcement agents to find and apprehend you.
If the bail bondsmen do not locate you within a six-month period, you, or the person who signed for you will be responsible for paying the full bail bond amount.
Will I Receive a Refund?
If you used a local bail bond company, you will not receive a refund. The amount of money you paid, is the bail bondsmen’s fee for posting the bond.
However, if you posted a cash bond you will receive a refund from the court, minus any fees and court costs.
What Should I Know to Get a Bail Bond in Lancaster?
If you are helping a friend or a loved one get out of jail, there are a few important things you will need to know when trying to secure the bail bond.
It’s best to know where the person is being held, his/her first and last name, the booking number (if you have it), and the amount of the bail.
Understand that if you sign paperwork with a local bail bonds company, you will be responsible if the defendant fails to appear at any future court date.
Do All Lancaster Bail Bond Companies Charge the Same Rates?
Generally, the answer to this question is yes. All bail bond companies charge a fee between 7% and 10% of the full bail bond amount. These rates are state mandated and regulated by the California Department of Insurance.
Any bail bond company that tries to charge you more or less than that, is operating illegally and should be avoided.
Can the Bail Amount be Reduced?
If you can’t afford to post the full bail bond amount or post the bail bond amount through a local bail bond company because the bail is set too high, you can always request a bail hearing to have it reduced. However, this is where it is strongly recommended you have a good attorney represent you. Because if you’re not careful, the judge could raise your bail amount or set it at no bail and then you would be stuck in jail for the duration of your case.
How do I Choose a Lancaster Bail Bonds Company?
If you have a friend or a loved one in jail, choosing the right bail bonds company is a vital decision. The problem is, you have to make this decision fast.
Here are some important questions to ask a potential bail bonds company:
How long have you been a licensed bail bondsman?
How long have had your bail bonds license?
Are you open 24 hours a day?
Has your bail bond license ever been restricted or suspended?
Another way to find out more information regarding a potential bail bonds company is to visit the California Department of Insurance at www.insurance.ca.gov. They have information on every bail bonds company in California.
What if I Have More Bail Bonds Questions?
We know this information can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been through the bail bond process. So, if you have more questions or you need to get a friend or loved one out of jail, contact the professional, highly recommended bail bond agents at Avengers Bail Bonds. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us now at (888) NO-JAILS, our friendly bail bond agents are on standby to answer all your questions and we are ready to help you get your friend or loved one out of jail FAST!