Frequently Asked Questions

We try to do right in most of our dealings in life. But, sometimes things go awry. We then end up in court where we may have to wait for a hearing or for a trial date that has been set by the court. At this point we have a few options:

    • The court may release us on our word (meaning we will return voluntarily).
    • The court may decide the crime is such that release is not in the public’s best interests. In which case you stay in jail
    • The court may set “Bail” which means we agree to a payment sum of money or property of value in place of cash to guarantee that you will appear as scheduled.

This last item is what this article is about and answers the question:

“What do I do if I don’t have property or money available in the amount needed”?

Well that’s where a Bail Bondsmen comes in. They will Loan you the money like a bank does to secure your release from custody.

It’s as simple as that. If you don’t show up for your hearing or on the appointed day for trial you forfeit the Bond or money that was put up for your release goes to the court and you are considered a fugitive and will be arrested by the authorities and returned to jail.

This is the simple version of how the process works of course.

What you need to know is that there are 3 kinds of bond available that you can get:

Many people have questions about the process and here are a few of the most widely asked:

Q. What is a bail bond?

A. A bail bond is a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear in court as the court directs.

Q. Is the bail bond premium refundable?

A. Once the Bail Bond is posted, and the arrestee is released, it is considered fully earned and is not refundable.

Q. Who is liable for the bail bond?

A. You, if you had a co-signer they are also liable for payment of the bond premium. Which means you and the co-signer now have a legal debt that needs to be paid.

Q. What is collateral and why is it required?

A. It is something of value such as artwork, property or jewelry, auto, boat, that is used instead of cash put up to pay for the value of the bond.

Q. What should you know when signing for a bail bond co-signer?

A. You as the co-signer are guaranteeing that the bond will be repaid. Which puts you in an awkward position if the defendant skips (does not appear in court).

Q. What happens if the defendant does not appear in court as promised?

A. Bluntly, it means you get stuck with all fees spent to recapture the defendant. If defendant returns voluntarily by the specified date. This may be avoided.

Q. How do you get off the bond liability?

A. When all matters pertaining to the case have been met, Premium on the bond is paid in full. You are then free and clear of any liability. You may also reclaim and property or valuables that were put up to secure the bond.

Q. When will the defendant be released from custody?

A. After the court has the bond in hand. It can be as little as 30 minutes or up to 8 hours depending on the time to process the proper paperwork. This Information will help you if ever you have the need for Bail Bond services that we can provide you at Jacks Bail Bond. Call us at 818-997-8888 or find us on the WEB at http://jacksbailbond.com/

Q. What are the types of bail bonds?

STATE BAIL BONDS
This is a bond that says you will do certain things. This means you agree to do what is set down by the court and will abide by the stated rules and restrictions.

FEDERAL BAIL BONDS
This a bond that is used if your are being accused of breaking Federal laws. This bond says you will appear for all of the proceedings and follow any others conditions placed on your release from jail.

IMMIGRATION BONDS
If you are accused of a violation of Immigration laws and are being held by the US Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are awaiting a hearing or court appearance.