The Van Nuys jail is one the busiest jails in Las Angeles, thus the booking time can take hours where jails in other counties can take less than one hour. After booking procedure the detainee may also transfer to other facility due to crowdedness. Therefore it becomes a hectic process for family members or friends to help their loved one to get out jail.
The purpose of bail bond is to ensure the accused person return to court at appointed date. Majority of bail is set at low amount, however due to the severity of the crime bail can also be set at very high amount, so it’s very hard for family member to bail the person out. Bail bond, or known as ‘surety bond’, is when the accused person is released from holding space upon paying a percentage of total bail amounts to the bail bondsman or bail bond company. On the other hand, the percentage of the total amount is non-refundable. Most bail bond companies in Van Nuys provide free bail bond information and its payment plans to potential clients.
Bail Bond Process
1) Contact the Bail Bond Company
In usual cases, a friend, relative or lawyer contacts a local bail bond company to bail out the accused from holding cell. From the initial contact, the bonding company collects as much information about the accused person as possible, and determines the amount of risk involved.
2) Bail Bond Contract
If the defendant decides to take bail bond as solution to release, he or she has to sign agreements that he or she will appear in court. A certain percentage of contract fee is taken, usually 10% for state case and 15% for federal case; the fee is non-refundable. Sometime depends on the total bail amount and defendant’s characteristics, the bail bond company also takes collateral, such as houses and cars.
3) Release from jail
Once contract is signed and the fee is paid to the bail bond company, the bail bond company gives court the whole amount bail. The court’s database system updates new information and return all personal belongs to the detainee. The person releases from jail with a receipt of all charges against him or her.
If the person decides to flee from the judge appointed date, the bonding company holds whole financial responsibility for the person’s non-appearance at court. As the bonding company’s money is at risk, it wouldn’t want the accused to flee thus its licenses bail bond agents are very strict in returning the defendant to court for trial.
Ways to avoid bail bond scams
1) Make sure the bail bond agent is licensed. Unlicensed bail bond person can take your money and disappear.
2) 10% is typically rate for bail on state cases, and 15% is for federal cases. If some bail companies offer you lower than that, they may have hidden fees or hidden interest in their contract.
3) Read contract thoroughly and keep your copy.
