Offenses That May Not Require Bail Bonds

In some cases, when people are arrested, you may not need to hire a bail bondsman.  With certain charges, defendants are arrested, processed, booked and then released on a “cite out.”  A “cite out” means they are issued a citation and promise to appear in court.

“Cite-outs” are typically issued when fairly minor offenses have occurred, such as drunk in public or a basic first-time DUI.  The term “basic” means that there is no history of DUI arrests, no accident involved, no minors in the car, no leaving the scene, and there was no resisting arrest.  Most often, police will keep these offenders for approximately 8 to 10 hours for them to “sober up”, and release them with a promise to appear in court.  You may, however, need to hire a bail bond company and be prepared to post bail if there was a felony or serious misdemeanor involved.  (More DUI bail bonds information.)

The bail bond agent you contact should Read more »

Todd Road Facility – Ventura County Jail Information

General Information

The Todd Road Facility Jail
600 South Todd Road
Santa Paula, CA
805-654-3335
Ventura County Bail Bonds

Built in 1995, the Todd Road Jail is located in Santa Paula. This facility houses both sentenced and unsentenced males. The Todd Road Jail is the Sheriff’s newest adult jail facility. It is located on 157 acres between Ventura and Santa Paula. The facility is designed to house 784 inmates.  This jail is also nown as “TRJ.”

Visiting Information

Visits are handled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Because inmates are routinely re-housed to different areas, it is recommended to call (805) 933-8501 prior to making your visit.

• Check-in begins Read more »

How to Choose a Bail Bonds Company Over the Internet

In this world of more technology interface, and less dealing with real people face-to-face, we thought we’d detail some of the items you should look for, questions to ask, and what to do when choosing the right bail bonds company through the use of the Internet:

1. Google The Bail Bond Company: If a bail company has been in business a while and has been actively working in the industry, they will have both a comprehensive and professional online presence. Bail is a very competitive industry and a professional bondsman will have a professional web presence. So Google them, and see what you come up with and how they present themselves over the Internet.
2. What is Their Professional Reputation?
   Are they members of the Better Business Bureau or other business regulation group? What is their rating? Are there many or any complaints?  Google the owner of the bail company by name. Do you approve of what you find? This will help you narrow down the good, the bad and the ugly.
3. What Percentage Do they Charge?
   All bail bond companies are Read more »

Hollywood Jail Information

General Information

Hollywood Community Police Station and Jail
1358 Wilcox Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028
213-972-2971
Bail Bonds for Hollywood Jail

Hollywood is known for the entertainment industry and plays a major role in the economy of for the area. People from all over the world travel to visit the ”Entertainment Capital of the World.” Often, people are on vacation visiting one of the four major entertainment attractions in the Hollywood area which are Universal Studios, Paramount Studios, Mann’s Chinese Theater, The Kodak Theatre, Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.

Arrestees are initially taken to the LAPD Hollywood Station for initial processing after arrest. Bail will be set after processing is complete.

Visiting Information

• Visiting hours are Read more »

What to Look For In A Bail Bonds Company

There are many bail companies to choose from in California. But what makes them different? Just like any other industry, look for quality of service, integrity, knowledge of the area and experience.

For example, the way someone greets you and engages with you over the phone carries a lot of weight. Within the first few seconds, you know if the voice on the other line is a person or company you might want to work with. You’re trusting them with you family member, loved one or friend after all. You’re investing your money and time, so you want the bondsman to to be articulate and professional, and you want them to take the time to listen to your issues and address them.

You also want them to have experience. You’re seeking guidance and need them to advise and consult you professionally. They are the experts, right?  You want to rely on them to Read more »

El Centro Jail – Imperial County Sheriff Information

General Information

El Centro Jail Facility
328 Applestill Road
El Centro, CA  92243
760-339-6367
Bail Bonds for El Centro Jail

Those who are arrested by the Imperial County Sheriff will be taken to one of the Imperial County Jails. Male detainees are taken to Herbert Hughes Correctional Center located on Applestill Road in El Centro.

Women detainees are taken to the Regional Adult Detention Facility directly adjacent. It could take 4 to 6 hours before a detainee is released once a bond has been posted. This time may vary depending on the work load of the jail operations staff.

Jail Visiting Rules

Should you decide to visit an inmate at the Imperial County jail, it is best to review all jail rules and regulations prior to your visit.

• No more than Read more »

How Illegal is It to Solicit Bail?

Is Soliciting Bail a Misdemeanor or a Felony

Today I received this question from Ella via “Ask The Bondsman“:

I just have a quick question regarding Section 2074 of Title 10 of the CA Code of Regulations. If one is charged with such crime would it be a misdemeanor or a felony? I looked everywhere but couldn’t find an answer. 2074 “Except as provided in Sections 2074 and 2079.5, no bail licensee shall solicit any person for bail in any prison, jail, or other place of detention of persons, court or public institution connected with the administration of justice; or in the halls or corridors adjacent thereto; provided that a bail licensee may in such halls, corridors or in other rooms or areas where not prohibited by local rule or ordinance transact bail with persons specified in Section 2079 who have prior to transaction, requested his services.”

[bolding and link added by me for reference, not part of the email -tlr]

My Opinion: Off With Their Heads!

Thanks for the question, Ella. Hopefully, you are not asking because you’re trying to figure out if you will loose your bail license if you get caught soliciting bail (A convicted felon cannot hold a bail license in the state of California. I hear Colorado will take you if you wait long enough after the offense.).

This is a legal question and being a bail bondsman, not an attorney, I can only offer an (unqualified – or qualified, depending on how you look at it) opinion. However, my understanding is that it depends on the severity and the number of “counts” against an individual.

My personal opinion is this type of activity is not just grounds for “disbarment” (aka loss of license). I would love to see harsh financial consequence and jail time…. but that’s just my opinion as an honest bail bondsman.

Bail bondsmen must Read more »

Burbank Jail Information

General Information

Burbank Police Department
200 N. Third St.
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 238-3010
Bail Bond Information for Burbank Jail

The Burbank Police Department jail may house up to 73 felony and misdemeanor arrestees at a time. The main entrance is on the northeast corner of Third Street and Orange Grove Avenue in Burbank.

Visiting Information

If you plan to visit the Police Department, be aware of the parking signs, as some parking in the area may be very limited in time.

• Visiting Hours: Read more »

Do I Need To Use A Bail Bondsman?

Quite simply: No, you do not need a bondsman to post bail.

If you have the total amount of the bail in cash, for example, the entire $50,000 bail amount, you can post what is called a ”cash bail” directly at the jail. You will take the full amount ($50,000) in cash or cashiers check to the jailer to secure the release of the defendant. When the defendant’s case is concluded, you would receive that cash back, less any administrative fees charged.

If you (like most people) don’t have $50K on hand that you want to tie up for the duration of the case, your next call is likely a bondsman.

Bail Bondsman Fees

Bail bonds companies by state mandate usually charge Read more »

Santa Barbara Jail Information

General Information

Santa Barbara County Jail - Sheriff’s Department
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA93110
Phone: 681-4100
Santa Barbara Bail Bonds

The Main Santa Barbara County Jail receives new bookings directly from the Sheriff’s Patrol and other south coast agencies such as the SBPD, the University of California Police Department, and the CHP.

The Santa Barbara County Main Jail is a secure correctional facility which holds pre-trial detainees as well as male and female sentenced inmates. Many detainees from the Santa Maria Branch Jail are routinely transported to and housed in the Santa Barbara Main County Jail.

Jail Visiting Information

• The day and time of visitation with an inmate is determined by Read more »