In California, criminal defendants who are eligible for bail have two options for arranging their release. They can either pay their full bail value or purchase a bail bond. A local bail bonds office in Alameda County CA provides bail bonds for eligible defendants.
Details the Defendant Must Provide
The defendant must provide their full name, their exact charge, and their booking number. The bail bondsman cannot take action until the defendant or their representative provides the information. The defendant must also participate in an arraignment first, and the judge must set a bail value.
How are Bail Bonds Purchased?
The defendant or their representative must provide a payment that is up to fourteen percent of the total bail value. The bail bondsman provides the exact value of the bond. The defendant or their representative provides a cash payment or charges the value on their credit card. The bail bondsman is allowed to accept certain collateral instead of a cash payment.
What Type of Collateral is Used?
Collateral used to secure the bail bond must equate to the total value of the bail value assigned by the judge. Typically, the bail bondsman accepts real estate, automobiles, savings accounts, and any asset that has a high value. The defendant or their representative must have a deed, title, or documentation showing that they own the asset outright.
Who is Responsible if the Defendant Doesn’t Appear in Court?
Whoever signs the contract for the bail bond is responsible for getting the defendant to court as scheduled. If the defendant fails to appear in court, any collateral used for the bail bond is seized. The individual who signs the contract must provide the full bail value. The defendant’s bond is revoked, and they are arrested.
In California, criminal defendants secure their release from the county jail by purchasing a bail bond. The bond is available for less than fourteen percent of the total bail value. A representative or the defendant remits the payment to the bail bondsman to secure the bond. Defendants who need more information are encouraged to contact a bail bonds office in Alameda County CA or browse our website right now.