(707) 445-7945
1-888-445-7945
Direct or Collect: (707) 445-7945 Toll Free: (888) 445-7945
Frequently asked questions...
We get a lot of questions about the bail process. These listed here are the most common. We always encourage our clients to ask questions if they are unsure about any part of our service.
* We are not attorneys or lawyers. This is not legal advice. You should always speak to your attorney or public defender regarding your case specifically. The questions presented here are for educational purposes only. *
How long will it take for the defendant to be released?
Generally, the entire bail process will take 1-2 hours;
however, every jail is different. In Humboldt and Del
Norte Counties, the defendant is usually released
within 30 minutes of the bond being posted.
When do I get my bail money back?Once the defendant has been released from the jail
on bond, the bail money has been earned by
the bond company and; therefore, will not be returned
to the client. Each bail bond company is a private
company that charges a fee for its services, much
like an attorney, doctor, or insurance providers.
Is there another way to get out of jail without having to pay a bail agent?
Yes. In California there are two options: 1) A friend or
relative may give the jail cash equal to the full amount
of the bail. Once the defendant has satisfied all of the
courts requirements the money will be returned. 2)
The defendant can wait in jail and go to
court. Generally, the second court date will be the
Bail/O.R. Hearing, where the court will discuss
reducing the bail, raising the bail, or releasing the
defendant on their own recognisance (O.R.).
In California the court must have you in front of a
judge within 72 business hours of the court.
Which attorney should I use?As a California Bail Agent, it is against the law to
recommend any attorney. We recommend shopping
around; prices, availability, and the services
provided vary greatly. Make time to meet with
attorneys for free consultations and ask for
references. Nobody is going to be more interested in
your case than you.
Is there anything I can do to help my case?Yes. The top 3 recommendations are:
1. SHOW UP TO COURT ON TIME
2. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY
3. ACT RESPECTFUL
Additionally, court is no place for children, most
likely the child will annoy the judge (through no fault
of their own), and you will have to appear before a
cranky judge. Show some ambition - if you
were arrested for drunk driving or drug possession,
sign up for an AA (Alcolholics Anonymous), NA
(Narcotics Anonymous), or a MADD (Mothers
Against Drunk Driving) program and take proof of
that commitment to court with you. If you were
arrested for domestic violence or an assault
charge, sign yourself up and attend an anger
management program. Venture Bail Bonds can
provide you with contacts for these programs if you
are interested.
What is collateral and do I need it?Collateral is an asset pledged by the co-signer or
defendant as security for the total bond amount.
Collateral is not required for every bond. Generally, if
collateral is required it would be a piece of property
(real estate) or a vehicle. The bail agent will require
that the collateral be a least worth the full amount of
the bail bond. THE COLLATERAL DOES NOT
TAKE THE PLACE OF THE PREMIUM FEE. You
must still pay the 10% or 8% fee for bail.
I can't find my name on the court's docket list to tell me what court room to be in, do
I need to stay?
Maybe. Many courts are notorious for making
mistakes. There are several situations that can
occur, by no fault of the defendants, which will cause
your bond to be forfeited and make it look like you
did not go to court.
- If you can't find your name on the docket list - ask
a bailiff (sometimes their lists differ from those
posted).
- If the bailiff can't help you, go immediately to the
court operations/administration window - ask
them why your name is not on the list for a court
room. They will either tell you that it was a
mistake and your name was forgotten and they
will give you a new court date or they will tell
you that the District Attorney did not file on your
case. If the D.A. did not file, you will not have
another court date until the D.A. does file (if they
ever do). Unfortunately, the D.A. reserves the
right to file for up to months, or even years after
your arrest. The D.A.'s office is suppose to send
you a court date in the mail in the event they do
file down the road, but if you have moved you
may not receive this notification and a
warrant will be put out for your arrest.
- In some cases your name will be on the docket
list and you will be present in the courtroom that
the list told you to be in; however, unbeknownst
to you , half of that courtroom's calendar was
moved to a different courtroom. So while your
being good, waiting for your name to be called
in courtroom #1, the court has made a mistake
and is calling your name in courtroom #4 where
they issue a failure to appear because you
weren't there.
Venture Bail Bonds can help you with most of these types of situations and get you back on the court calendar.
