What is bail?

Bail is part of our justice system and permits the defendant to be immediately removed from incarceration so that they can resume their lives while waiting for their day in court. In criminal cases, it is an amount of money, real property, or bail bond that must be posted by or on behalf of the defendant to ensure that they appear before the court. The right to reasonable bail is guaranteed to you by the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

What is a bail bond?

A bail bond is a financial promise made by or on behalf of a criminal defendant that is intended to guarantee their presence in court throughout their trial. Failure of the defendant to appear in court would result in the forfeiture of the bail bond.

How does a bail bond work?

The court system will set the amount of bail necessary for the release of the defendant. Under state law, an organization can provide a "bail bond" that promises the payment of the full amount of bail to the court if the defendant does not appear for all scheduled appearances. These bail bonds are provided by approved bail service providers. In order to offer a pre-trial release service, bail service providers charge a fee – a proportion of the overall bail amount, usually 10%. For example, for a bail amount set at $10,000, the premium will be around $1,000 plus any extra fees. The bail service provider must charge the premium rate that it has filed with the Department of Insurance and the premium is not refundable until the accused has been released.

Can you bail yourself out of jail?

Yes, you can bail yourself out of jail. A loved one can also facilitate the bail process on your behalf so that you can be freed safely and conveniently.  Here's the bail bond procedure after the arrest:

1. A bail amount will be set by the court to ensure that the defendant appears at the scheduled court date following their release from jail.

2. Contact Johnny's Bail.

3. We work with you, your loved one, and the jail to secure release by issuing a bail bond in the amount set by the court.

Bail rates and fees can vary. You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 951-588-5875, fill out our contact form, or email us for more information and assistance.

Can you bail someone out of jail with no money?

Yes, you can afford to bail someone out of jail even if you don't have the money right away. By contacting Johnny's Bail, you'll get help from an agent who will guide you through the bail bond process and get your loved one out of custody quickly. A 10% premium is normally charged for bail bondsman services, but this varies from state to state.

What is the jail booking process?

The jail booking process usually takes place after a suspect has been detained and taken into custody. Several steps are taken during the jail booking process, which differs from county to county:

• The personal information of the suspect will be taken from the police officer.

• Information on the alleged offense will be recorded.

• The history of the suspect is checked for warrants and/or past offenses.

• Fingerprints and photos are taken.

• A full-body search is done.

• A general health examination is carried out to determine if the suspect needs medical attention or is a danger to others.

• Personal belongings (such as keys, wallets, clothes, etc.) are confiscated from the offender.

• The suspect is put in a holding or jail cell.

What is the difference between bail bond amount and premium?

The amount of the bail bond is the full amount of the bail that is appointed by the court. The premium is the dollar amount charged by the bail service provider for the provision of the pre-trial release service. Usually, this premium is 10% of the bail amount. For example, if the bail amount is $10,000, the premium will be $1,000.

Who is a co-signer/guarantor?

The co-signer/guarantor is the person(s) agreeing to be liable for the defendant when on bail and who is mutually responsible for the financial obligation, including the guarantee of the full value of the bail bond.

What does it mean when a bail bond is exonerated?

A bail bond is exonerated by the conclusion of the court process/trial. It does not matter whether the defendant is proven guilty or innocent or whether the case has been dropped. The bail bond is discharged at this stage. However, any outstanding premium, penalties, or other sums received by the bail service provider are also due.

When does a forfeiture take place?

A forfeiture happens when the defendant fails to appear before the judge. If the defendant misses a court date, a warrant for their arrest will be released. In certain cases, the bail bond can be "reinstated" by the defendant meeting with the bail bond service provider to report directly to the judge, enabling the court to schedule a new trial date for the defendant.

What is a summary judgment?

A summary judgment is given by the judge if, after the forfeiture of the bail bond, the time period for the re-establishment of the bond or the return of the prisoner to custody has expired. Upon the filing of a summary judgment, the entire payment of the bond must be paid.

What is a reinstatement?

This is a procedure in which a defendant who has refused to appear before the court can have his bank warrant removed and the bail bond reactivated or "reinstated" with the court. The suspect, working with Johnny's Bail, will report back to the court allowing the court to schedule a new court date for the defendant. This proceeding can result in additional payments for the defendant/co-signor.