I think I have a warrant for my arrest – what should I do?
Call Christine’s Bail Bonds and one of our agents will be happy to call the appropriate court to get your warrant information. In many cases a warrant will already have a bond amount set, other times you may have to appear before a magistrate/judge for the bond to be set.
Turning yourself in is more favorable in the court’s eyes and saves you from the embarrassment and hassle of being arrested. One of our agents will meet you at the jail and take care of the bond paperwork so you will be in and out promptly.
What takes place after an arrest and how do bail bonds work?
Once a person has been arrested, they must be booked. This process can take as little as an hour at a local jail or sometimes up to 48 hours at a county jail.
Once the person has been booked in, there are a few options for their release; they may be released on a citation, they may be released on their Personal Recognizance (meaning their own promise to appear in court), they may post the total amount of bail in cash directly with the jail, or a person may be released on a bail bond.
What is the first step in bailing someone out of jail?
Call Christine’s Bail Bonds! There are many different types of bail bonds. We will determine what type of bond is available and consult with you and your family to determine the best plan of attack.
1. Cash Only
2. Cash or Surety
3. 10% Bonds
4. PR Bonds
5. OR Bonds
6. Conditional Bonds
7. Property Bonds
Don’t be confused by the type of bail bond that is set by the court. We will verify everything make sure that when we meet everything is in order.
What do I need to bail someone out of jail?
You will need the premium (the premium is generally 10% of the total bail amount), a qualified Indemnitor (or cosigner who is financially responsible for the bail bond) and possibly some form of collateral.
Qualified Indemnitor
A. A full time employee who receives a W-2.
B. Someone who is self employed with at least one year of tax returns.
C. A retiree with a consistent monthly income.
Qualified Collateral
A. A Title
1. Automobile
2. Boat
3. Motorcycle
4. Recreational Vehicle
5. Trailer
B. A Deed
1. Residential Dwelling
2. Vacant Land
3. Commercial Property
4. A Modular Home on Property
C. A Business
1. Contractual Agreement
2. Signed Purchased Agreement
3. Collateral Contingency Agreement
4. Lease Agreement
5. Quit Claim Deed (if located on deeded property)
How long will it take to release my loved one from jail?
For most transactions, the paperwork usually takes about 15 minutes. Release time from local jails is usually under an hour. The release time from county jails varies, but is typically 30 – 90 minutes. In some situations it can take longer.
As a Cosigner or Indeminitor, what are my responsibilities?
You are responsible for ensuring that the defendant shows up for their scheduled court dates. You are not signing to guarantee the defendant’s guilt or innocence.
Will collateral be required to post bail?
In many situations, collateral may not be required. Call us and we can let you know if that applies to your situation.
How much does a bail bond cost?
In most cases, the cost of the bail bond, which is called the premium, is 10% of the bail bond amount. In some cases it can be as low as 2.5%.
What if I don’t have the full 10%?
Often times, we can arrange for you to make payments on the premium but collateral will be required. Please call and we can explain this more fully to you, answer your questions and tailor a solution to your particular situation.
Do I get my money back?
The money you pay for the cost of the bail bond, the premium, is non-refundable. This is the fee charged by the bail bond company to post the full amount of bail with the jail or court.
Two situations can confuse people into thinking they can get the premium back. If you post the full amount in cash with the jail/court, the cash bail is returned to you by the court typically 6-8 weeks after the bond is exonerated minus any fines, fees or court costs. Sometimes the court personnel mistakenly assume that the bail bond company has taken cash for collateral and they tell people that their bond is exonerated and they can go get their money back from the bail bond company.
When is the bail bond released?
The court usually exonerates (releases) the bond when one of the following happens:
1. The charges are dropped
2. The case is dismissed
3. The defendant has been sentenced
4. The court revokes the bond
5. The defendant violates a conditional bond and is in custody
6. The defendant neither accepts or denies responsibility and court costs and fines are paid
I signed a Bail Bond Agreement for a friend or relative and they just missed a court date. What should I do?
Call our office immediately. The court automatically issues a warrant for their arrest and forfeits the bail bond. If they missed their court date unintentionally, we can generally get them back into court without any additional cost.
If I’m a co-signer for a friend or family member and that person misses court, do I have to pay you the full value of the bond?
You are liable for the full amount of the bond if your friend or relative does not go to court, however a failure to appear in court does not necessarily mean you’ll have to pay the full amount of the bond. If you notify us of the forfeiture and make arrangements to return that person to the court you will only be liable for the actual expenses our company incurs.
When do I get my collateral back?
Collateral is released when the trial or case has ended and you have no more remaining financial responsibility to the bail bond agency. If there is an outstanding promissory note, collateral will be returned upon payment in full.