In California, you have a few options for payment of your bond that you may not be aware of. Discover the main ways that you can pay for a bond in California and what you need to know about each method.

Traditional Cash Payment

The most common way to pay for a bail bond is with cash. This cash can be actual cash, a debit card, or a credit card. The bail bond company handles this process. They will come to the jail and help you fill out the paperwork. When the paperwork is complete, you pay them their 10%.

With traditional cash payment, you are required to appear in court on your court date. If you do not appear in court on your court date, your bail is revoked. You will owe the full amount of the bond.

Collateral Bond

Many people believe that if you do not have the cash to afford the full bond amount or the 10% you probably should not call a bail bonds agent. However, you may be able to afford a form of payment to still get out of jail. This method is called a collateral bond.

A collateral bond is an option that uses collateral of some kind that is not traditional cash. For example, you may own a house, recreational vehicle, or motorcycle. If the bail bonds agent does accept collateral bonds, you can use one of these options as the bond amount. Most bail bond agents have some basic requirements for using this type of bond.

The basic requirements of a collateral bond are that the item you choose to use as collateral is yours. This means that you have no more pending payments, you have the deed to the property in question, and that it is in your name. If you plan to use someone else's collateral, then they will have to co-sign the bond, and the same requirements for the property apply.

1% Bond

A 1% bond is a payment option unique to California. This form of payment is based on negotiation and your crime. For example, if you are arrested for a nonviolent crime such as violation of probation or DUI, you may be able to negotiate with the bonds agent.

If you meet their qualifications, they may accept a 1% bond. This type of bond works the same as a 10% bond. You will get approval for the 1%, sign the paperwork, and pay 1% of the total bond amount set by the judge.

Other percentage amounts of the bond are available depending on your crime and the bail bonds service. These percentages range from 0% to 10%. Since each arrest and crime is different, you will need to discuss your options with the bail bonds agent to determine which percentage you may qualify for and how you can pay that percentage.

These are just some of the basic ways that you can pay for your bail bond. Other methods may be to do a payment plan for specific percentages of the bond based on the bond agent and your crime. If you need a bond, contact Albert Ramirez Bail Bonds. We can assist you with getting your bail bond and getting you out of jail. We look forward to speaking with you and assisting with all your bail bond needs.