What Are the Different Types of Bail?
There aren’t many things that are more confusing than trying to figure out how a bail bond works. However, over the past 31 years of being a leader in the California bail industry, we’ve become experts. Did you know that there is more than just one type of bail, there are actually five!
The type of bail that you or your loved one will need will vary based on what level, State or Federally, their crime is being prosecuted at and the type of crime committed. Before you decide which type of bail is best for you and your family, it’s important to understand the basic principles of each one. That’s why we are using our vast experience to outline each type.
- Cash Bond – A cash bond is a bond that you are required to pay in full before the jail will release you while you await trial. A cash bail can only be used if you have the full bail amount available to you. If you show up to all of your court dates, you should receive all of your money back within 60-90 days.
- Federal Bond – If you or a loved one are facing federal charges, you will only be permitted to use a federal bond. A federal bond transaction is completed directly with the Court and does not involve a bail bondsman. You are permitted to use both cash and property.
- Immigration Bond – An immigration bond is used for individuals that are not citizens. This type of bail can be very confusing and is very risky for the bail bond company. They can only be issued by specialized companies.
- Property Bond – Property bail is occasionally used in California. This type of bond requires the individual to release the full rights of the property as collateral. There are several different types of properties that can be used as collateral, however, real estate is most often used. Obtaining a property bail bond is a much longer process than a surety bail bond or a cash bail bond because the bail bond company will need to complete an appraisal on the property.
- Surety Bond – A Surety bond is the most common type of bail. If you do not have all of the cash needed to be released from jail, you can contact a bail bonds company like Bail Bonds in Panorama City to assist you. You can obtain a surety bond by paying a bail bondsman 10% of the set bail amount and signing a contract that you will show up to your court appearances. Once the 10% payment is made, or you set up a payment plan, the bail bondsman will post the full amount of the bail to the jail.
If you or a loved one needs further assistance navigating the murky waters of the bail bond industry, give us a call. We would be more than happy to put our 31+ years of experience to use.