1. WHY DO I NEED TO GET BAILED OUT OF JAIL?

Choosing to go through a Bail Bondsman is the best option when you want to get out of jail fast. It is both the quickest and easiest way to get out of jail. Going through a bondsman only requires 10% of the full bail amount. Otherwise, a friend or family member would have to put up the full amount directly through the court. For example: A $25,000 bond would require you to put up the entire $25,000 in cash with the court. If you choose to go through a bondsman, you will get out of jail faster and it will cost you a mere fraction of that ($2,500). This is why a bail bond is almost always the only option for the accused in obtaining release from custody.

2. WHAT IS A BOND AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

A bond is a contractual agreement between the bail company and the court. When a bond is posted for an individual, the bail company is taking responsibility for that individual and guaranteeing that they will show up to court on all specified dates and times. A bond allows the accused to remain free and get back to their life and job for the entirety of their case. Otherwise, they could be confined in jail for weeks or months while they await their day in court.

3. WHY IS THE BAIL/ PREMIUM SET AT THAT AMOUNT?

The amount of the bail depends on the specific charge and the county in which the offense occurred. This is determined by each county's Bail Schedule. In California, the Bondsman is REQUIRED to charge 10% of the total bail amount.

4. DO I NEED TO PAY THE FULL (10%) BOND PREMIUM UP FRONT?

No. We are very aware that in some circumstances, coming up with a lump sum can be difficult. Here at Coast Bail Bonds, we offer monthly payment plans with little down and 0% interest! This 10% premium, is a non- refundable payment.

5. I BAILED MY FRIEND/ LOVED ONE OUT OF JAIL. WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES?

If you ''co-signed'' for a friend or loved one to help them bail out of jail, you have several responsibilities as well. These include guaranteeing the defendant appears in court on all required dates and times, and making the premium payments on time. You are also accepting responsibility for paying the full amount of the bond in the event that the defendant fails to appear for any court hearings and cannot be located and returned to the court within 6 months.

6. WHEN DO MY RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE BOND END?

Both the defendant and the co- signer are responsible for all costs associated with the Bail Bond until all premiums have been paid and the case is either dismissed or the defendant is sentenced. Once the bond is 'exonerated' and all premiums have been paid, the responsibilities of the defendant/ co-signer have been met and will end. The 10% premium collected is a non- refundable fee, even if the charges are not filed or subsequently dropped.