It starts off usually with someone being arrested and going to jail. They contact a relative or a family friend and then they contact the bail agent to arrange for the posting of bail.

The bail agent collects a percentage of the bail amount; here in California it is 10% of the penal amount of bail set at the jail.  That percentage is the agent's fee for posting of the bail bond. A bail bond is a guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear in court each and every time that he or she is ordered to by the judge.

The friend or relative then meets with the bail agent pays the fee and then signs the contract, before the defendant is released from jail. By signing the agreement with the bail agent regarding posting the bail, this person is called the "co-signer", they must provide a guarantee that the bail amount will definitely be paid in full if the defendant fails to appear in court as ordered.

After an agreement is signed, the bail agent posts a bond for the amount of the bail, to guarantee the defendant's return to court. Once the defendant is released from jail he or she must meet with the bail agent and sign the same contract.

Every bail situation is different, in that the requirements for the posting of bail are a combination of things. Usually the minimum criteria is that the co-signer must have a steady income, and or must either own or rent a home in the same area as the defendant for some period of time. Sometimes posting of bail requires collateral to be put up to guarantee the amount of the bail bond.

If a person qualifies, as in having a private attorney, being a member of a union, or a senior citizen, they may be charged only 8% of the penal amount.

If the defendant misses a court date and the bail agent or the co-signer is unable to locate the defendant, the cosigner is immediately responsible for the full amount of the bail. After 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.

After the defendant has completed all court appearances and the case is closed, the bail bond will be discharged and any collateral given to the bail bondsman will be returned to the defendant shortly thereafter. A co-signer always has the responsibility to ensure that the defendant appears in court as and when required. The co-signer must know the whereabouts of the defendant at all times and must immediately notify the bail bondsman if the defendant has moved. Since the co-signer's collateral is at risk if the defendant fails to show up as ordered, it is advised to be cautious when it comes to keeping an eye on the defendant.

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SACRAMENTO COUNTY BAIL

916-421-6000

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530-888-6780