What is Bail?

When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, he or she will usually be held until a trial is completed or a plea is entered in the case, unless that person furnishes a certain amount of money that allows him or her to be released from jail. That money is called “bail” and can be paid directly to the jail or detention center. The amount is usually determined based on the nature of the crime and what California law states. In many cases, judges also make rulings on the amount of bail to be set or if the defendant should be placed on a “no-bail” hold, which means the defendant is being held without bail.

The History of Bail

Bail laws in the United States have their basis in English law. During the colonial period, Americans followed England’s centuries-old bail structure. But after independence in 1776, the United States formulated its own laws, which closely resembled policies established by the British. The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that “excessive bail shall not be required.” That’s a statement that comes directly from English law books.

How Bail Works

In Los Angeles and Riverside Counties, the five basic release options available are as follows:

• Cash bail - You pay the court or jail the total amount of the bail in cash.
• Surety bond - An alternative to cash bail, a surety bond is when a bail bondsman guarantees to the court that they will pay the bond forfeiture if defendant does not make scheduled court appearances. The bond is issued based on defendant or his or her family’s assets or collateral.
• Property bond - When you secure your release by posting this type of bond, the court basically records a lien on your property to secure the bail amount.
• Released on your own Recognizance - This is part of a pre-trial release program administered by county or local law enforcement agencies that recommend the release of arrested individuals on their own recognizance, with no financial security to make sure the defendant returns to court.
• Release on Citation or “Cite-Out” - This simply involves a citation from the arresting officer to the person arrested stating he or she must appear in court on the set date. Again, there is no financial security.

Andale Bail Bonds - Here to Meet Your Needs

We are Los Angeles and Riverside County-based bail bond specialists who care deeply about the immediate needs of our clients. We don’t judge our clients, but provide quality service in a timely and professional manner. If you or a loved one has been arrested and needs help with bail, call us immediately. Our goal is to get you out of that jail cell.

California Bail Bonds Disclaimer: This California Bail Bonds website is for informational purposes only. Andale Bail Bonds serves all of the Southern California Counties including Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Orange County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County and San Diego County. Andale Bail Bonds are experts in all your California bail bond needs. We are available 24 hours a day to answer all jail and bail bond questions.

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