Q. What happens after my family or friend is arrested?
A. Arresting agency takes them into custody for processing in a city or county jail which can normally take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours. After the booking process, bail will be set for the offense if they are not released on there own recognizance.
Q. When should I call Superior Bail Bonds?
A. Immediately upon the arrest or when you have been informed by the defendant that they have been arrested. Calling our office immediately will help us monitor there booking process, explain how bail works and inform you when bail can be accepted.
Q. How would I qualify for a bail bond?
A. We will ask several questions pertaining to your financial, employment and living situation. A determination based on the amount of the bond, will be made if property or collateral will be needed to secure the bond prior to pre-qualifying you as the indemnitor (co-signer).
Q. What is an indemnitor?
A. If you qualify for the bond, you will become the indemnitor on the bail agreement. As an indemnitor, you accept responsibility for the face amount of the bond. This includes the defendant’s appearance in court every time they are order to appear in court until the case is discharged or they are sentenced. Your responsibility also includes unpaid premiums, recovery fees for non-appearances, court fees, and more.
Q. What if the defendant fails to appear while on bail?
A. If the defendant fails to appear for court while on bail then the court will order the bail bond forfeited. This simple means that you as the co-signer are full responsible for the bail bond, and we have only a certain amount of time to return the defendant to custody. You will be responsible for fugitive recover cost, court fees, sheriff fees, administrative fees and any other fees associated with getting the bond discharged.
Q. If I deposited collateral or property to secure the bond, when do I get it back?
A. Any collateral deposited as security for the bail bond will be held until verification from court is received that the bond has been exonerated. If the bond was forfeited, and a judgment was paid by the bond company, than all property or collateral will be properly processed to of set the bail bond judgment paid by the bail agency, and any remaining balance will be the co-signers responsibility.
Q. What is the cost to post a bail bond?
A. California premium fee is 10 % of the face amount of the bond. For example if a defendants bail is $5,000, your premium would be $500. The premium on the bond is good for 1 year. If the defendant’s case goes beyond a year from posting, a renewal fee may be charged. The fees are regulated by the department of insurance and are non-negotiable.
Q. Can I get any of the premium refunded?
A. Any premium paid is fully earned upon the defendants release from custody and no refund is allowed by law.
Q. Will you accept payments on the premium?
A. Upon approval, we do accept down payment, with the balance paid out in monthly installments.
Q. Are you local?
A. As a local 805 bail agency, we been serving the needs local for all of Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo. We may also post bail in any other California county without additional fees.