FAQ
Bail is some form of property or money deposited to the court to secure a defendant’s release from custody with the promise to return to court until the case is complete. The California Department of insurance regulates all bail transactions and premium rates in the state. The right to bail is granted to all U.S. Citizens under the 8th amendment of the United States Constitution.
What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a financial guarantee made by a cosigner on behalf of a defendant, promising the defendant’s appearance in court. The court shall forfeit the bail and demand the full penal amount of the bail bond if the defendant fails to appear in court.
How much will a bail bond cost?
The standard rate for a bail bond in California as set by the Department of Insurance is 10% of the penal amount of the bail (e.g. the penal amount of the bail is $20,000 the cost of the bail bond is $2,000). Golden State Bail Bonds has 2 additional rates legally filed with the Department of Insurance for 7% and 8% of the penal amount. These special rates are based upon approval of meeting special requirements. Please call for more information.
What is a “premium”?
The premium is the amount charged by a bail bondsmen for the service of posting the bail bond. The standard premium rate as set by the Department of Insurance is 10% of the penal amount. Golden State Bail Bonds is able to offer a 7% and 8% rate upon approval of meeting special requirements. Golden State Bail Bonds offers affordable payment plans with no interest for its clients who are unable to pay the premium in full. The premium is non-refundable.
What is a cosigner/indemnitor?
The cosigner/indemnitor of a bail bond is the person who is accepting the financial responsibility for the defendant while the defendant is out on bail.
Do I need collateral?
In most cases only a cosigner/indemnitor is needed. The cosigner’s signature on the contracts acts as collateral. However, on large bonds (over $100,000) it may be necessary to provide some sort of collateral.
When will my collateral be returned?
If property of cash collateral is taken at the time a bail bond is posted it will be returned as soon as the bail bond is exonerated. The bond is exonerated when a case is dismissed or a defendant is sentenced.
What happens if I miss a court date?
If a defendant fails to appear for a court date, Golden State Bail Bonds will assist in getting a new court date scheduled as well as providing the necessary paperwork the court will need for Golden State Bail Bonds to reassume the liability of the bail bond to avoid having to pay the full penal amount of the bail bond to the court.
How long is a bail bond good for?
A bail bond is good for 1 year from the dated it is posted. If the bond is still active on the anniversary date of the posting of the bail bond the cosigner will be charged the premium for the bond again.
How to make a payment?
A payment can be made in several ways:
1. A credit card payment through our website Click Here
2. A credit card payment over the phone by calling any of our local phone numbers 24 hours a day.
3. Mail or drop off a payment to our main office at:
Golden State Bail Bonds
255 N. Market Street, Suite 124
San Jose, Ca 95110
What if I think I have a warrant?
How to contact us?
Email: [email protected]
Local Phone Numbers :
(408) 871-6666
(415) 332-5555
(707) 421-2222
(831) 425-2222
(650) 364-6666
Fax: (408) 282-9904