For example, in California, bail bond records are generally public and accessible via the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.
California's statewide Penal Code also provides minimum bail amounts for certain crimes. If a county hasn't adopted a schedule, the statewide figures apply. For misdemeanor assault, for example, the Code mandates $10,000 minimum bail.
For misdemeanor simple assault, the average bail amount is $5,000 – $10,000. First-time simple assault offenses may sometimes qualify for release on recognizance or bail under $5,000.
The bail amount is based on the crime(s) for which the individual is arrested as well as his or hire criminal history. For example, misdemeanor bail typically starts at $5,000 – $10,000. Felony bail starts at $25,000 and increases depending on the seriousness and number of charges.
No - if you signed the bond it doesn't matter whether you have a job or not - or whether the bondsman asked you if you did. You are liable as surety on the bond - having a job or not has nothing to do with your liability. Sorry.
Yes, in California, you do have the option to bail yourself out of jail under certain circumstances. When you're arrested and booked into jail, the authorities will set a bail amount if you are not considered a danger to society or a high flight risk.
In some jurisdictions, the court may also allow you to post a property bond, which will use property that you own as collateral for your conditional release. Unfortunately, though, if your bail amount is high, you may not have the resources to post bail with the court on your own.
The defendant can post their own bail or ask a family member or friend to post it. If the defendant uses a bond company, the company may require the defendant to have a co-signer (someone who will help the company find the defendant should they fail to appear).