| What is a bail bond? A bail bond (surety bond) is a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear in each and every court appearance as the court directs. Failure of the defendant to comply with the conditions of the court could result in warrants issued and bail bonds forfeited. (Back to top) Where can a bail bond be posted? A bail bond can be posted at most courts and jails. Most jails accept bail bonds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 of the year. (Back to top) Where can I get a bail bond? You can get a bail bond by calling our toll free number at (888) 767-2245. A licensed bail agent will confidentially discuss your individual situation and assist with all of your bail bond needs. (Back to top) What hours do bail agencies operate? Because people are arrested both day and night, most bond agencies are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please feel free to call us anytime at (888) 767-2245. (Back to top) What if I am calling from out of the area or another state? If you are out of the area or live in another state and you have a friend or family member in custody, it is still possible to obtain a bail bond. The bail bond contract can be faxed to you and payment can be received by credit card or wire transfer. Call us at (888) 767-2245 to discuss your individual situation. (Back to top) How much does a bail bond cost? Most bail bond premiums are ten percent of the full bail amount. For example, if the full bail amount is $10,000.00, the premium (fee) for the bail bond is $1,000.00. These fees are established by the surety companies and regulated by the Department of Insurance. (Back to top) Is the bail bond premium refundable? Once the bail bond is posted and accepted by a court or jail, liability is taken on the bail bond. At that point the bail bond premium is fully earned and is not refundable. (Back to top) How long is a bail bond good for? A bail bond is good for one year. If the case goes beyond the one year, the premium must be paid again in order to keep the bail bond current. (Back to top) Who is liable for the bail bond? The indemnitor (co-signer) is financially liable for the bail bond. The indemnitor’s liability is limited to the full face value of the bail bond. (Back to top) Do I need collateral?
Every case is different. However, we enjoy bringing families together and with high bail amounts collateral is necessary. If you have questions, don't be afraid to call and ask!(Back to top)
What can I put up for collateral?
Anything of resale value! However, if you're a homeowner then a signature may be all that's needed or a lien will be placed on your home based on the bond amount and the required equity (Market Value vs. what's owed on the home).(Back to top)
How do I determine equity for a home?
Recent sale amounts for homes similar to yours. For example, if you currently owe $375,000.00 on your home and the homes in your area are being sold for $475,000.00, then you have $100,000.00 equity. However, it really depends on the condition of your home and the current market. If you have questions don't be afraid to call us!(Back to top)
What if the person I bail out does not appear?
The court will issue a warrant for the arrest of the defendant. In addition, a notice will be sent to us regarding the failure to appear. However, we will be happy to assist you in either reinstating the bail with the court or surrendering the defendant back to custody.(Back to top)
What if the person I bail out gets re-arrested in a different county or state?
Call us immediately so we can make sure you are protected. Communication is very important.(Back to top)
What if the person I bail out refuses to go to court? What will it cost?
Call us immediately and we'll make arrangements for him or her to be safely returned to jail. The cost of returning a defendant to jail depends where the defendant is located. For example, if the defendant is cooperative then the cost is as low as $350 to $500. However, if the defendant refuses to cooperate then it will cost an additional 10% of the Bond ($5,000 for a $50,000 bond) or 20% of the bond amount if out of state ($10,000 for a $50,000 bond) plus costs incurred by our fugitive recovery agents. If you have doubts about the person you are helping then don't sign for a bond! You're better off taking a nice vacation or donating to the Red Cross!(Back to top)
Are there any additional legal fees?
In the event of a forfieture (when the defendant failed or refused to appear in court as required) there will be court costs. The worst being a Summary Judgement where the defendant cannot be located and you have to pay the entire bond amount. If the defendant failed to appear due to a valid excuse, then the bond can be reinstated. Court fees vary from $75 and up. If a motion has to be filed to vacate the forfieture then you will be liable to pay for all legal fees.(Back to top)
Once the bond has been posted at the jail, how long until the defendant will be released?
Release times vary from City Police Departments, Jail facilities, and County Detention Centers. For example, a small police department may release a defendant within 10 minutes to hour. A County Detention Center may take up to 6 to 8 hrs. LA County Jail may take as long as 12-24 hrs. Most of the time LA County Jail releases defendants within 6 to 8 hrs.(Back to top)
Should I get an attorney to request a bail reduction?
If a case has been filed at the court by the District Attorney's office and the bail amount is high, then you may want to seek the advice of an attorney regarding possible bail reduction. However, a bail reduction hearing cannot occur until there is an official case filed by the District Attorney.
When a defendant is booked into Jail and held on new charges, the district attorney has 48 court hours to file an official complaint or else the defendant must be released. This does not mean a case will not be filed at a later time.
For example, if a defendant is arrested on a Wednesday, then the District Attorney has until Friday to file a case and officially charge the defendant in a court of law. If a defendant is arrested on a Thursday then he/she could be held until Monday or Tuesday.
Please remember this does not mean a case will not be filed upon release by bail bond or according to the 48 hour rule. Once a case has been filed by the D.A., the bail could remain, be lowered, or be increased. Once the defendant goes to court he/she could be released without posting a bond. Bail Reduction is not so simple as some attorneys claim.
The Jailer cannot reduce the bail without a court order signed by a judge. The bottom line is if a defendant is arrested on a Wednesday and does not have a court case number by Thursday, then Bail Reduction by Friday is very unlikely because the defendant will either be released under the 48 hour rule or the DA will file a case on Friday and the Defendant will have to wait for a the arraignment the following week for possible bail reduction or have someone post bail for him/her to be released from custody.
If the District Attorney files a case on Thursday, then an Attorney can request a Bail Reduction at the arraignment, which would be the following day (Friday). Bail Reduction is possible by Friday if a case has been filed by Thursday. There are no guarantees the court will grant reductions, but if the defendant has no priors then the court may grant a request. Remember justice is blind!(Back to top)
What if a person has a Warrant?
In most case we can clear warrants with the court and set a new court date. However, each case is different. Call and ask for assistance.(Back to top)
How long will it take for a defendant to be released from jail?
Most metropolitan jails located in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County may have delayed released times from 6 to 12 hours. However, if a defendant is being held at a police station, then he/she could be released within 1 hour.
The booking process at large Detention Centers take a few hours.
All persons arrested and brought to a police station or detention center are "booked" into a local database. The purpose of the booking process is to establish the true identity of the defendant, find if the person is wanted elsewhere in the state or nation, document a "history" of the arrest (in the local and the FBI's national database), and to determine whether or not the person can be released on his/her own recognizance or on cash bail.
The defendant cannot be released until the Department of Justice identifies the individual in custody. Don't allow a bail agent to tell you anything different.(Back to top)
Do some Bail Bond Companies give misleading information?
There have been some incidents with clients being given misleading facts on release times and bonds not being processed quickly from a well known bail bond agency.
The unnamed bail bond company has been investigated repeatedly by the California Department of Insurance. Remember when meeting with a bail agent to ask to see their California bail agent license.
There are some large Bail Bond Companies who use non-licensed employees to collect money and information from your family inorder to remove the bond off the market, but not service customers quickly as promised.
It is illegal for non-licensed agents to negotiate bail.(Back to top)
Can a Bail Bond Company refer an attorney?
It is against the law for a bail bond company to refer an attorney.(Back to top)
What happens if a person is released on Bail, but the case is dismissed? Do I still owe the premium?
Yes, if you hired a bail company to post bail for a defendant. Commission is earned once the defendant is released on a Bail Bond. Further, Bail Bond Companies cannot determine if the District Attorney is going to file a case or not. Apollo Bail Bonds will verify with the Police Department or Jail if the defendant is going to be released without needing a bond. (Back to top) What if I have additional questions? If you have additional questions not answered in this FAQ page or if you want to obtain a bail bond, please feel free to call (888) 767-2245 or email us anytime. A qualified bail agent will be happy to answer all of your questions and assist with all of your bail bond needs. (Back to top) | 
