How Do Bail Bonds Work In San Diego?

Choosing a bail bond company and signing all the appropriate paperwork to secure a bail bond is the fastest and most effective way to guarantee a defendant’s release from jail. That’s why we want you to know how bail bonds work in San Diego. So if you’re in some trouble, read this article to get the basics and call our contact number at the bottom to get started or ask us any necessary questions you need answers to.

What is a bail bond?

Simply put, a bail bond is a contract between a bail bond company and a defendant (or person on the defendant’s behalf). This contract acts as a guarantee that the defendant will return to any and all court dates they are requested at for the current case. 

How much money does a bail bond cost?

Bail bonds can range in cost depending on the area of the country you secure one in. However, San Diego in particular has a set rate. To purchase a bail bond, the defendant must pay a non-refundable 10% fee – that’s 10% of the total bail amount. The greater your flight risk, the higher bail will be set. 

How do you use a bail bond agency?

First, you’ll want to get a list of reputable bail bond agencies in San Diego County before making your decision. You can easily look this up on the internet or ask your local San Diego jail for a listing. 

Once you decide which bail bond agency you’d like to work with, we highly suggest getting in contact with them as soon as possible to ensure immediate release of the defendant. Remember, the appropriate paperwork must be filled out and the 10% fee must be paid before the defendant gets out from behind bars. If applicable, a payment plan can be set up through the bail bond agency. 

What will the bail bond agency need to release the defendant from jail?

When you initially request aid from a bail bonds company, they are going to need some important information from you regarding the defendant, including:

• The defendant’s full name
• The jail that the defendant is being held in
• The booking or report number associated with the arrest
• The charges the defendant is accused of

Keep in mind that in most cases, the defendant cannot directly speak to the bail bond agency. Someone has to do the communicating for them, a loved one or a friend. Which means the paperwork and money transactions will go through that loved one or friend. Because of this, you’ll need to give your full name, address, and identification for them to put on the record.

Where does the remaining 90% of bail come from?

When you work with a bail bonds company, they only ask 10% of the bail from you as previously stated. 

In typical bail situations, once the full bail is posted, the defendant is released from jail. After the court cases are done and the defendant is found either guilty or innocent, the bail is returned in full to whoever posted it. 

In bail bonds situations, the bail bond agency technically posts 100% of the bail. Which means they get the money back at the end. Your 10% fee acts as their payment for doing the job on your behalf. 

If you need assistance in releasing a defendant from jail, please reach out to our professionals over at Synergy Bail Bonds. We have people by the phone day and night to help answer any questions you may have and to get your loved one out from behind bars. Please don’t hesitate to call and start up a conversation at 866-320-8050.