Walk down the street in a typical town and you’ll find out that not many people know a thing about the bail bond industry. If you want to know some of the basic California bail bond laws and regulations, then this article is for you. Read on to understand a thing or two.
California Bail Bond Laws and Regulations
Perhaps one of the basic laws and regulations governing bail bonds in California that you should know is the cost. How much do bail bonds cost?
The California Department of Insurance is responsible for regulating all bail bond companies. This department mandates that every bail agency charge 10 percent of the total bail. However, you can still find companies that advertise and charge less but they are probably breaking the law. The only time a company can charge less is if they use the Prop 103 loophole and ask for 8% of the total bail.
Types of Bail Bonds Available
The following are some of the types of bail bonds you’ll often find in California:
- Cash – The defendant will find someone to take the entire bail amount to the court, which will then hold on to the money until the defendant attends all court dates and the case is completed. At that point, the money will be refunded.
- Surety – You work with a bail bonds company. It’s usually a contract with the company that contracts with an insurance company in turn to back all bonds written by the bail bonds company. That means, when you bail an individual out, you’ll essentially be in a contract with an insurance company for the amount of bail.
- Citation Release – The arresting office may let the arrestee go before they go to court – cite-out. However, the defendant is still responsible for attending all their court dates until the case is finished.
Note
There are many companies offering bail bonds at various price tags. When you need one, find a company that can offer better bail bonds.
How the Cost is Determined
The cost is determined by the bail schedule for the state. The schedule explains all the ways an individual can break the law. There are mainly two types; Misdemeanor and Felony. Each of these charges is assigned a code known as Penal Code.
Conclusion
It’s good to familiarize yourself with some of the California bail bond laws and regulations. You and or a loved one may find themselves in the wrong hand of the law and your knowledge might help. For more information visit our Website.