Frequently Asked Questions
How much do bail bonds cost?
The first thing you should know is that, by law, the price of bail bonds is set by the State of California. Alias Bail bonds offers the lowest rates the law allows, that is 8% to 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if we have a bond that is $50,000 then your cost would be 8%-10% which is $4000-$5000. For a $10,000 bond, the cost would be $800 to $1000. This premium is non-refundable.
What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a contract between the court, the bail agent, and the cosigner (person signing the contract for the defendant’s release). The bail agent (usually backed by an insurance company) guarantees to the court payment of the entire bail amount should the defendant fail to attend all required court appearances. If the defendant does fail to appear, the bail agent is authorized to bring the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court to recover the money paid out in the bond.
How long does it take for someone to get out of jail?
There is no set answer. Times can vary from less than an hour to 3-4 hours and even longer, depending upon which jail the accused is being held at, and how long the booking process takes. Generally speaking, smaller jails process defendants more quickly, and larger, more crowded jails can take longer. Once the booking process is completed, we will work to get the defendant released as quickly as possible.
What is collateral?
In order to ensure that payment is received and that the defendant appears in court, a bail bonds company may ask for collateral. Collateral can be anything of value, including cash or personal property. When the case is over and all financial obligations are met, we will return any collateral promptly.
Do I always need collateral for a bail bond?
Not necessarily. In a majority of cases, Alias will be happy to negotiate no-collateral bail bonds, also known as signature bonds. A large percentage of our customers are eligible for these types of bonds.
If I bail someone out, what are my responsibilities?
When you sign for a bail bond, you are called the bail bond indemnitor, and take full responsibility for the defendant appearing for all of his or her court appearances.
What happens if a defendant is bailed out and fails to appear in court?
If the failure to appear was due to a simple mistake or unforeseen circumstance, the bail bond agent should be able to arrange for the defendant to return to court without a problem.
Is it possible to get bail for a reduced rate?
Yes. legally we can reduce the premium up to 20%. The cost of a bail bond in California is set by the Department of Insurance. Please also see insurance.ca.gov. We understand that bail bonds are expensive and that you'd like to find the lowest rates. However, any agent offering rates lower than those we've outlined above is working illegally, and you should be wary of dealing with them. We will work with you to help you pay for bail in a legal manner.
What if I have any other questions?
Call us today at 1-888-442-5427 and we’ll be happy to explain and answer any of your questions or concerns.
What are the stages of a criminal case?
How are bail bonds determined?
