Visit the Jail's Website: Most county jails have a website. Look for a section labeled “Inmate Search” or “Jail Roster.” Enter the Details: You'll need some information like the defendant's name, booking number, or date of birth. Once entered, this should bring up details about the inmate, including the bond amount.
In California, a bail bondsman typically has six months to find and return the defendant. If the defendant is not found in the timeframe, you will be responsible for paying not only the full amount of the bond, but also any additional expenses and any unpaid premiums.
You'll need to check in with your bail bond agency to check that you meet certain criteria to revoke your signature. After you have done that, your agency will advise you on the required paperwork through their contract management software and what evidence you need to give in order to be released from your agreement.
Understanding Bail and Detention Periods Even so, California law prohibits judges from denying bail because you can't afford it. Therefore, judges may release you on your “own recognizance,” which means you take responsibility for attending your trial dates without paying bail.
Contact the Bail Bond Company: Inform the bail bond company of your intention to remove your name from the bond. They will provide you with the necessary steps and paperwork required for the process. Notify the Court: In some cases, you may need to file a motion with the court to remove your name from the bail bond.
So your next step is to reach out to the bondsman and ask to revoke your pledge of bond. Keep in mind that it is at the bonding company's discretion and, ultimately, the judge's discretion whether there is a good reason to surrender a defendant's bond.
Best-case scenario: Release within 30 minutes to 2 hours after posting bail during regular business hours. More typical scenario: Release within 4-8 hours, especially during off-peak hours or weekends. Worst-case scenario: Release could be delayed for 24 hours or more in complex cases or due to logistical hurdles.
Best-case scenario: Release within 30 minutes to 2 hours after posting bail during regular business hours. More typical scenario: Release within 4-8 hours, especially during off-peak hours or weekends. Worst-case scenario: Release could be delayed for 24 hours or more in complex cases or due to logistical hurdles.
If you can't afford bail, you will remain in jail until your court date, which can range from weeks for minor offenses to months or even years for serious charges. The timeline largely depends on the complexity of the case, the court's schedule, and whether there are any delays in the legal process.
Laws governing the practice of bail bonds vary by state, although the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act, sponsored by the Uniform Law Commission, has been widely adopted. In the state of California, bail bond agreements must be verified and certified by the California Department of Insurance.