Did you now that Fresno is the fifth largest city in California? Whether you are a resident of the Central Valley or are here visiting the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Forestiere Underground Gardens or the Woodward Regional Park for example, if you get arrested in the San Joaquin Valley or the surrounding areas, Ajua Bail Bonds can help you or your loved ones get out of jail fast! We have prepared the following guide to help you understand just how the bail bonds process works.
What is a Bail Bond AKA Surety Bond?
A surety bond, more commonly known as a bail bond, is a legal contract between a state licensed bail agent and the signer or cosigners that guarantee a defendant will appear for scheduled court appearances and not skip bail. Essentially, if the defendant does fail to appear, the signers of the bail bond contract agree to pay the court the full amount of the bond.
If you are considering bailing a loved one out of jail, it is important that you know how the process works and understand your responsibilities. Our licensed bail bond agents at Ajua Bail Bonds can answer all of your questions. Just give us a call!
Purpose of the Bail System and Bond Approval
The function of the bail system is to guarantee the appearance of a criminal defendant in court. In order to approve a bail bond in California, one of our empathetic bail bond agents will collect certain information during a quick and easy interview.
What to Expect when Bailing a Loved One Out of Jail
When a loved one is arrested, the defendant, a relative or sometimes even a friend will contact a bail bond company like Ajua Bail Bonds. During the free phone consultation, we will collect basic information about the defendant’s situation in order to determine the risk involved in the bail bond. Some of the questions we ask include:
– What is the nature of the charges
– When were they arrested
– How long have you known the defendant
– Are you and/or the defendant employed
– How long have you and/or the defendant been employed at your current job
– Are you home owners
We will then begin the approval process. If you choose to move forward with a bail bond, basic documents will be processed and need to be signed. These include a bail bond application, Indemnity Agreement, and receipt. When you contract with Ajua Bail Bonds, the paperwork can be processed by e-mail or faxed in just a few minutes or if more convenient, a licensed agent can meet you at your location or the defendant at the jail. We offer mobile notary services for your convenience and ease.
Completing the Process – Getting your Loved One Released from Jail
After the paperwork is finalized, one of our licensed bail bond agents will file, or “post” the bond with the jail which will result in the release of the defendant although different jail facilities vary in the amount of time it takes to process the bond and release the detainee. From start to finish, we generally complete the paperwork and the posting process in 1-2 hours. For this service, our valued clients are charged a bail bond fee (generally 10% of the full bail amount, which is mandated by California state law).
What if the Defendant is not Bailed Out or Otherwise Released
If the defendant is not released or bailed out, they will typically remain in custody until arraignment and possibly even until the matter has been resolved in court. The benefit of being released on bail is that the defendant will have time, freedom and resources to obtain qualified legal services to defend their case.
Costs of a Bail Bond in California
In California like in most states, the cost of a bail bond is set by law and rates are not negotiable. The fee for California bail bonds is 10% of the bail and there are no taxes for a bond. For example, if the bail is set at $20,000 (which is average in the State of California) then the fee charged is $2000. Ajua Bail Bonds conveniently accepts all payment method options. Call us whenever you need fast and efficient bail bond services. Our friendly agents are standing by to assist you today!
