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1. How long does it take to get out of Jail?
The paperwork takes approximately 15-30 minutes. Once the Jail receives our paperwork, the release time can vary from one hour or less for local Police stations to 1-12 hours for County Jails. Generally speaking, the busier the holding facility, the longer it will take.
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2. Where are you located?
We are currently located in the Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley and the Orange County areas. We have a wide network of Agents throughout the United States.
The best way to determine if we can serve your needs is to call us Toll free at(888) CITYBAIL (248-9224). We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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3. Why don't I get my premium back?
The Bail Bond Agency puts up the full amount of the Bail. Bail Premiums (the money you pay) are paid to Bail Bond Agency for use of their money, like interest on a bank loan.
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4. Why can't I do a Cash Bail myself?
You usually can for traffic and minor violations. While a few jurisdictions do allow Cash Bail by the citizens that sign an appearance guarantee and/or post the entire Bail in cash, most States now require a Licensed Bail Agent to guarantee for two reasons: First, it to ensure the state can instantly collect the entire Bail amount. Second, the Bail Agency shoulder the burden of apprehending those who fail to appear in court. You also run the risk of the Cash Bail deposited getting forfeited or being used as a fine or restitution fee.
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5. What is and isn't good collateral?
Items that are considered good collateral:
Real Estate with sufficient equity is good collateral, as are cars, boats, motor homes, etc.
Personal items of high value such as jewelry, firearms, computers, cameras, stereos, etc. can also be used as collateral, but like items of major collateral, these must be surrendered to the Bail Agent who will hold them in a secure place. These items are normally valued at their current resale value, not what you originally paid for them.
Items that are not considered good collateral:
A house that you are still paying a mortgage that is upside down (loan value is greater than market value) is not considered good or any collateral. We can accept such houses, but it takes some time. Any item (such as a car) that you have purchased on credit in which the lender holds the title and you make payments to.
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6. When do I get my collateral back?
You will get your collateral back upon completion of the court case when one of the following happens: the charges are dropped, the defendant is found innocent at trial, the person is sentenced at trial. In other words, the outcome of the case.
Of course, the collateral will only be returned if there is no outstanding balance due on the Premium. The Bail Agent has a legal responsibility (called a fiduciary trust) to safeguard all collateral(s) until the balance is paid.
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7. What are the chances that a person will be released on the Own Recognizance (OR)?
"Own Recognizance" (OR) release practices vary widely by Court Jurisdiction. The Courts will consider the minor charges and the defendant’s prior criminal history or arrest(s). Generally speaking, the minor a charge and prior is, the more likely the person will be released on an OR.
A Judge is likely to consider a person's stability in the community and their employment when setting Bail. However, please be aware that Bails and OR release standards have been raised in domestic dispute cases over the past few years. Some states now require a "mandatory cooling off" period in which Bail is not immediately granted for domestic disputes.
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8. What happens if the person does not appear in Court as promised?
A bench warrant is issued for the person's arrest and the person's name will appear in police bulletins as a fugitive. The State also authorizes the Bail Agency the Power to Arrest and Investigate and Locate the Fugitives as well.
The Bail Agency normally calls the person's home, work, and other references to try to find the Fugitive and convince them to appear. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the Agency may then search and employ Fugitive Apprehension Specialists (Fugitive Recovery Agents, Bounty Hunters, Private Investigators, etc..) to arrest the Fugitive.
From the perspective of someone who guaranteed the appearance by posting collateral, you want to convince the Fugitive to surrender themselves to the Police or Court as soon as possible. Normally, if the Fugitive is returned before actual remittance to the State, you can usually get your collateral back.
If the Fugitive does not surrender and cannot be found by the forfeiture date, the Bail Agency remits the entire bond to the Courts and proceeds with legal action to seize, if necessary, liquidate your collateral and assets.
Because CITY Bail Bonds has very experienced Bail Agents, we have one of the best rates in the country. We also have some of the best Investigators in the business that have apprehended major Felons and Fugitives for other Agencies. As a guarantor, you will be glad that we are good at what we do.
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