Bail
The full amount the court set. On a surety bond nobody hands it over, because the bond stands in its place.
Set by the court
Bail is the number a court sets. The premium is the number you pay.
In California the cost of a bond is generally 10%. If the bail amount is $10,000, the cost would be $1,000. We do have rebates available that in many cases can reduce the cost of the bond. An agent will discuss the actual cost of your own bond and any payment arrangements before you sign anything.
On this page
How the number is worked out
Three terms. A bail agent sets neither of the first two.
$10,000
The bail, from the county bail schedule or set by a judge. This is the example.
Set by the court
times
10%
In California the cost of a bond is generally 10%. The surety files the rate with the California Department of Insurance.
Filed with the state
equals
$1,000
What you might typically pay on a $10,000 bond.
Ask for it on the call
Bail can change at a hearing, and that's up to the judge. An agent can tell you today's figure, so you decide on a real number instead of a guess.
Paying the premium
Financing is available and the terms are flexible. Ask about payment arrangements and rebates on the call.
The agreement you sign is in writing, and it governs, not this page. Read all of it before you sign.
When collateral is involved
Collateral is something of value pledged against the bond and held while the case runs. It isn't always needed. Whether it applies to a particular bond is an underwriting decision, and the agent tells you before you commit to anything.
The agreement sets out what happens to collateral and what releases it. Collateral is security. The premium is the price.
What the premium doesn't cover
A bond does one job. These sit outside it.
The bail itself
The premium isn't a payment toward the bail amount. On a surety bond the court holds no money of yours at all.
Fines, fees, and anything else the court orders
Whatever a court imposes at the end of a case is between the court and the person it was ordered against. A bail agent neither charges it nor collects it.
A lawyer
A bond secures a person's release while the case runs. It isn't legal representation and it doesn't pay for any.
Expenses beyond the premium
Any additional expenses incurred in the transaction of a bail bond are to be paid by the co-signer to the bail agent. What a co-signer agrees to.
The premium isn'ta deposit
Cash bail is money the court holds and gives back at the end of the case, as long as the person made every appearance. A premium isn't that. It pays for a bond that is good for as long as the case remains active. Bail premiums are fully earned once the bond has been posted to the jail or filed in court, whether the defendant is on bail one day or 3 years. Is the bail premium refundable?