How to Bail Someone out of Jail in California

It can be a confusing and emotional time when someone has been arrested. If you would like to bail a family member or friend out of jail it is important to understand how the bail process works and the implications of posting bail. In this article we will cover the basics of how to bail someone out of jail in California. If you have questions or need help posting bail, give us a call at any time!  (916) 782-7048

Posting Bail in Three Simple Steps

The first step to bailing someone out of jail is to speak with a licensed bail bonds agent. The bail bondsman will need to know a few details in order to help, such as 1) where the defendant is being held; 2) how long they have been there; and 3) what are the charges. Be sure to call a trusted, experienced bail bond company. At Bail House we have been serving confidential bail bonds to members of our community for over 40 years.

As long as there are no government holds on the defendant, the bail bond company determines the risk level of the defendant failing to appear in court. If there is found to be little to no risk of the bailee not appearing in court on their appointed date, a bail bond is made available for purchase based on the bail amount set by the court. The person purchasing the bail bond will then sign paperwork to make an agreement.

After paperwork for the bail bond is signed the bail bond agent will “post” the bail bond at the appropriate jail or detention facility. Once bail is posted the defendant will be released from custody. The process of posting bail and being released from jail typically takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours.

If a defendant wishes to post bail while judges are not available, local bail schedules will determine the cost of the bail. This allows for the court system to not be overburdened with providing around-the-clock bail hearings, as well as for defendants to be released from jail at any hour, day or night.

 

The Possibility of Bail Forfeiture

At Bail House we want to make sure that you understand the possible outcomes of posting bail for someone. After bail has been posted it is very important for the defendant to show up on time for any and all court appearances. Failing to appear in court often results in bail forfeiture.

Unfortunately, if you’ve posted bail for someone that does not appear at their court hearing the full amount of the bail money is released to the court and it will not be returned. When making the decision to post bail on behalf of a friend or family member, be sure that they are a person you can trust to make their court appointment.

 

Money Needed for a Bail Bond

In a case where a defendant does not have anyone who can or will post bail for them, they may seek help from a bail bondsman. The licensed bail agent would put up their own money to secure the defendant’s release from jail for a reasonable fee based on the bond amount. If the defendant’s bail is forfeited the bondsman may sue the defendant or their estate for repayment.

As long as the defendant appears in court for all of their hearings the bail money, minus the bond fee, can be returned if you are in the state of California. If you put up any collateral for the bail bond that can be released as well.

 

The Best Bail Bond Company in Northern California

If you have any questions or need a bail bond, call us anytime at (916) 782-7048, even holidays! Our experienced bail bond agents are available 24/7 and can process your bail application over the phone. We are here to help you bail someone out of jail. Bail House Bail Bonds specializes in the northern California area of Placer County, Nevada County, El Dorado County, and Sacramento County and also has the ability to conduct bail bond services nationwide.