Answers from licensed bail agents — call (626) 478-1062 anytime
The standard bail bond premium is 10% of the total bail amount, set by California Insurance Code § 1800.4. Some clients qualify for a reduced 8% rate.
Once we post the bond, most people are released within 4-8 hours. We expedite the process as much as possible.
The arrested person's full name, date of birth, and the jail they are in. Charges are helpful but not always required.
No — the 10% premium is our non-refundable fee for posting the bond.
Yes — we offer flexible payment plans and zero-down options for qualifying clients.
Absolutely. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — including holidays.
You sign two primary documents: (1) Bail bond application — this collects your personal information, the defendant's details, and the charges. (2) Indemnity agreement — this is the contract that makes you financially responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. We can complete both electronically by phone or email — no office visit needed. Our agent explains every line before you sign. Never sign a bail bond agreement that you haven't read completely or that contains blank fields.
When a defendant misses court, the judge issues a bench warrant for their arrest and declares the bail bond forfeited. Under Penal Code § 1305, the bail agent receives notice and has 180 days to locate and surrender the defendant. If the defendant is found and returned to court within that period, the forfeiture can be set aside and the bond reinstated. If the defendant is NOT recovered within 185 days (180 + 5 days for mailing), the forfeiture becomes a summary judgment against the surety — and the indemnitor (cosigner) becomes liable for the full bail amount, not just the 10% premium. This is why we stress the importance of every court date to both the defendant and the cosigner.
The 10% bail bond premium is non-refundable — it is the bail agent's fee for posting the bond and is earned the moment the bond is delivered to the court or jail. This applies regardless of the case outcome: dismissal, acquittal, plea deal, or conviction. However, if charges are dropped before the bond is actually posted (for example, if the defendant is released on OR before we deliver the bond), the premium may be partially or fully refundable depending on the circumstances. Any collateral you pledged IS returned once the bond is exonerated — which happens automatically when the case is resolved and the defendant has attended all court dates.
