Perhaps you have recently found yourself in need of the services of a bail bonds agency. Or, perhaps you are just curious about how the bail bonds process works in California. Either way, you have come to the right place. Lopez Bail Bonds is the leading bail bonds agency in Marina Del Ray and the greater Los Angeles area. Read on below to find out everything you need to know about how the bail bonds process works in California.

What is a Bail Bond?

In case you ever find yourself or a loved one under arrest and in need of a bail bonds agency, it is important to understand how the process works, so that you can act quickly. “What is a bail bond?” you may ask. A bail bond, or a surety bond, is essentially just a contractual agreement between a signer or cosigner and a licensed state bail bonds agent, guaranteeing that a defendant will appear for any and all mandated court appearances.

A bail bond can be secured for a small fraction of the entire amount of the bail set by the court; however, if the defendant fails to show up in court when he or she is required, the signer of the bail bond then owes the bail bond agency the full amount of the bail. The bail system in the Unites States was designed to ensure defendants’ appearances in court, and is a successful system that not only works well, but also does not cost American taxpayers anything, since bail bonds agencies are privately underwritten. As licensed bail bonds agents, the team at Lopez Bail Bonds is dedicated to helping you understand the bail system and the bail bonds process, and they are always here to answer any questions you may have.

What Happens When You Bail Someone Out of Jail?

If you are trying to bail a friend or loved one out of jail, one of the first steps you will likely take is to call a bail bonds agency. The first conversation you have over the phone with the bail bonds agency will basically be to gather information about you, the situation leading up to the arrest, and information about the detained.

When you initially call the bail bond agency, you should have several key pieces of information ready and at hand:

• The full name of the person who is being detained in the Los Angeles jail system
• The jail where the defendant is being held
• His or her booking number
• The charges that he or she is being held for
• Any previous charges that he or she may have had in the past
• Any additional information that you can get, that you feel may be important

Depending on the overall risk that is assessed after your initial conversation, the bond will then be approved. Once your bond has been approved, you will be asked to fill out some paperwork, which will include a bail bond application, Indemnity Agreement, and a receipt. Once your payment has been received, one of the licensed bail bonds agents of Lopez Bail Bonds will appear at the jail, and will then post bail for your friend or loved one.

Jail facilities vary in the length of time that it takes for them to process the bond and release the defendant. From start to finish, the bail bond agency usually completes all of the paperwork and the posting process within a couple of hours. In return, the agency’s customer is charged a flat bail bond fee of 10% of the bail amount, a sum that is mandated and regulated by California law. Be wary of any agent or agency that tells you they can offer your services for a lower rate – and realize that they are not operating under state law.

About Lopez Bail Bonds

Lopez Bail Bonds has been a locally owned, family run bail bonds agency in Los Angeles, California since 1956. They are personally invested in providing you with the services that you need, and understand that sensitive nature of this process. They realize that this can be an exceptionally stressful time in your life, and you can rest assured that they will do everything in their power to make this experience as stress free and private as possible for you. If you have any questions about bail bonds Marina Del Ray or bail bonds insurance, or if would like to speak to a member of their team about bailing out a friend or family member, please feel free to give them a call at 1-888-694-9260. They are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call.