COMPANIES OFFERING BAIL BONDS IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

• HOW BAIL WORKS:
  Posting of a bail bond. This process involves a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a bail agent and the individual posting bail. The bail agent guarantees to the court that the defendant will appear in court each and every time the judge requires them to.
  
  For this service, the defendant is charged a percentage of the bail amount (typically 10% of the bail amount in California). For example, if the bail amount is $10,000.00, the premium charged is $1,000.00. Before being released the defendant or a relative or friend of the defendant, contacts a bail agent to arrange for the posting of bail. Prior to the posting of a bail bond, the defendant or a co-signer must guarantee that they will pay the full amount of bail if the defendant does not appear in court.
  
  After an agreement is reached, the bail agent posts a bond for the amount of the bail, to guarantee the defendant's return to court.
  
  If the defendant "skips", the cosigner is immediately responsible for the full amount of the bail. If the defendant is located and arrested by the bail agent the cosigner is responsible for all expenses the bail agent incurs while looking for the defendant.
  
  These premiums are not refundable and upon the release of the defendant are fully earned. Any expenses incurred in the transaction of a bail bond, such as long distance calls, travel, or posting fees are to be paid by the indemnitor to the bail agent. It is the responsibility of the defendant or indemnitor to supply accurate information.
  
• IF THE DEFENDANT DOES NOT APPEAR:
  The defendant is obligated by the bail agreement to appear at each and every court appearance required by the court. The failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the bond. Failure to act immediately can add up expense, such as tracing fees, court costs, and attorney fees if legal action is taken. The indemnitor is liable. The law provides that the associated expenses can not exceed the face amount of the bond.
  
• GETTING OFF BOND LIABILITY:
  You are no longer liable for the defendant's bond when he/she has completed all of their court appearances, and when all premiums have been paid. It is best to contact the agent when the bond is exonerated by the court, for the fast return of any collateral pledged and to confirm that the bond is exonerated.