You probably have a basic understanding of the meaning of being bailed out of jail, but you may not have an idea of what a surety bond is, and how it’s related to bail.
Because bail can range from several thousand to millions of dollars, the majority of people don’t have the ability to pay the full cash amount to the court. As an alternative to cash bail, a surety bond can be obtained through a bail bonding company like All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.
“A surety bond is posted by a bail agent, who is guaranteeing the court that they will pay the bond forfeiture if the defendant skips bail,” said Inessa Chavez, vice president of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita. “For this service, the agent charges the defendant what’s called a premium.”
Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: The Consequences Of Skipping Bail
The premium is 10 percent of the total bail amount in California, and the person who signs the contract — usually a relative or close friend of the arrestee — is known as the indemnitor.
After the indemnitor signs the contract and pays the premium, or a payment plan has been set up for those who qualify, the bail agent will post the surety bond with the court so the defendant can be released from jail.
Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: How Does The Bail Process Work?
“Bail agents basically put their money on the line with every surety bond, and as a result have a financial interest in ensuring that bailees make all of their scheduled court appearances, including their judgment day,” Chavez said.
In the case that the defendant misses a court appearance, the bail agent has 180 days to find them and return them to custody before they must pay the full bail amount to the court, which they will then seek to recover from the indemnitor.
“Skipping bail is definitely the worst thing you can do after an arrest,” Chavez said. “At All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita, our bail agents are available 24/7 to answer any questions about what’s required of you in your contract, how a surety bond works, and the bail process as a whole. Just give us a call.”
“With Us You Are Never Alone”
23360 W. Valencia Blvd. #E
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
661-255-2245
Call Toll Free: 888-755-2245
24 hours a day — 7 days a week
If your loved one is in custody and they wish to talk to an All American Bail Bonds representative, call:
818-990-0003 or 661-267-6777
CLIENT.SERVICES@ALLAMERICANBAILBONDS.COM