When a loved one is arrested, the bail bonds process can feel overwhelming and confusing. Understanding how it works — step by step — can help you act quickly and get your family member home faster. Post It Bail Bonds has helped thousands of Southern California families navigate this process, and this guide explains exactly what to expect.
Step 1: The Arrest and Booking
After an arrest, the person is taken to a local jail or detention facility for booking. During booking, law enforcement records the individual's personal information, takes fingerprints and photographs, and logs the charges. This process typically takes several hours, and the person is held in a holding cell during this time.
Once booking is complete, the individual is assigned a booking number. This number is important — it allows family members and bail agents to locate the person in the jail system and begin the bail process.
Step 2: The Bail Amount Is Set
Bail is the amount of money required to secure a person's release from jail while they await trial. In California, bail amounts are set according to a bail schedule — a predetermined list of bail amounts for specific charges — or by a judge at an arraignment hearing.
Common factors that affect the bail amount include:
- The severity of the charges
- The defendant's criminal history
- Whether the defendant is considered a flight risk
- Ties to the community (employment, family, length of residence)
Step 3: Contacting a Bail Bondsman
Most families cannot afford to pay the full bail amount out of pocket. A bail bondsman posts a bail bond on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which in California is set by law at 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if bail is set at $50,000, the premium would be $5,000.
Step 4: The Bail Bond Agreement
Before posting bail, the bail bondsman will require a co-signer — typically a family member or close friend — to sign a bail bond agreement. This agreement makes the co-signer financially responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court.
Step 5: Posting Bail and Release
Once the agreement is signed and the premium is paid, the bail bondsman contacts the jail and posts the bail bond. The jail then processes the release, which can take anywhere from a few hours to several hours depending on the facility.
Step 6: Court Appearances
The defendant is required to appear at all court hearings. If the defendant misses a court date, the judge will issue a bench warrant for their arrest, and the bail bond may be forfeited. If the defendant appears at all required court dates and the case is resolved, the bail bond is exonerated.
Step 7: Case Resolution
Once the case concludes, the bail bond is discharged. The 10% premium paid to the bondsman is not returned — it is the fee for the service. If collateral was pledged, it is returned to the co-signer once the bond is exonerated.
What Information Do You Need to Post Bail?
- The defendant's full legal name and date of birth
- The jail or detention facility where they are being held
- The booking number (if available)
- The charges and bail amount (if known)
Post It Bail Bonds is a licensed California bail bond agency (License #1M37243) available 24/7. Call us at 1-855-479-4345.