Bail Bonds Costs and Release Options

The bail bond amount is based on the charges, and set by the judges in a County Bail Schedule.  Depending on the details and severity of the crime, bail schedules have different bail amounts.  For example, a DUI charge in LA County has a $15,000 bail and a DUI charge that involves an accident is set at $50,000.

California’s average bail amount is $25,000, and in many cases it can be higher.  Most people don’t have that amount of money and will need to hire a licensed bail bond agent.  Professional bail bondsmen are very experienced in this area. They know the jail systems and bail schedules, and can walk you through the entire process and handle release procedures.  The jail release process can happen much sooner if a bail bondsman is contacted as soon as possible.

Only judges are allowed to lower, remove or raise the bail amount.  Keep in mind that if you don’t bail out and decide to stay in jail and wait to see a judge, that will take three business days The judge will be considering many factors to determine your bail amount.  They consider the severity of the offense, whether or not you are a danger to the community, amount of jail time should you be found guilty, your past offenses or arrest record, and your ties to the community. The judge could lower the bail, but they could also raise it or deny bail all together.

Payment for a bail bondsman is 10% of the full bail amount, which is regulated by the California Department of Insurance.  Be aware of bail bondsmen who misrepresent themselves and who are willing to charge you less or only charge you a 5% bail bond amount.  This means they are violating a California law and could be very dangerous for you.  This should be a “red flag” and warrants some serious consideration about their ethical behavior.  After all, do you want to hire someone who is not following the legal procedures of getting you released, and the possibility that you may never see your collateral again? 

Getting arrested, spending a night in jail and the whole booking process is never fun.  As they say, knowledge is power.  Knowing exactly what takes place and expectations can be a bit comforting.  Also, knowing your rights, responsibilities, how to conduct yourself, and arrange release, will help you to remain calm as well.  Before you know it, you’ll be back home, safe and sound with your loved ones.

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