Learning that a loved one has been arrested is a stressful and emotionally draining experience. Luckily, in California, you can post bail with the court to secure your loved one's release and guarantee they will appear for court hearings. Once the court sets the bail, you must decide on the means to free your loved one. Learn three ways to bail someone out of jail.

1. Cash Bond

A good way to bail a loved one out of jail is to use cash bonds, whereby you pay the set bail amount. The cash bail can be paid in hard cash or via personal check, credit card, or money order, depending on the court's policies.

One notable thing about cash bail is that it is risky and getting back your money depends mainly on your loved one. The court will only refund your money if the defendant shows up for all court hearings. Typically, you get a refund 60-90 days after the case ends. Should the defendant skip court dates, you forfeit the money.

A court may fail to accept your cash bail in California if it suspects you obtained the money feloniously. For instance, you may have acquired the money unlawfully or by committing a felony. Felonious cash bails are unacceptable because they offer little incentive for the defendant to appear in court.

2. Property Bond

While uncommon, property bonds use valuable assets such as vehicles, real estate, and in some cases, jewelry to bail a loved one. The collateral serves as a guarantee that your loved one will appear for court hearings. However, in California, the property's value should be higher than the bail - at least 150 percent of the bail amount.

The downside of property collateral is its high level of risk, since getting back the collateral depends on the defendant showing up in court. If they don't, you risk losing your collateral, and the court institutes foreclosure proceedings. Losing assets like vehicles and houses may take a toll on you and affect your life substantially.

3. Bail Bond

People who don't have money to post cash bail or property to serve as collateral can use bail bonds. Bail bonds are fast, convenient, and hassle-free, and you secure your loved one's release quickly. They are invaluable for defendants with high bail amounts they can't afford.

In this type of bail, a bail bonds company posts the set bail amount in exchange for an upfront and nonrefundable fee - typically 10 percent of the total bail. Once your loved one is set free, you should ensure they comply with court dates and may be held liable if they don't. One of the most significant advantages of bail bonds is that the agency handles all the paperwork and protocols for securing your loved one's release.

When you use bail bonds to get a loved one out of jail, the secret is to choose a reputable and experienced bail bond agency. Do not settle for the first agency or the lowest provider you come across. Pick a company that is qualified, accredited, and has years of experience in the industry. Also, a good bail bondsman is knowledgeable about the bail bond process in your State.

When your loved one is arrested and the bail amount set, you have three options, each with its pros and cons and levels of risk. While cash and property bails save you the premium paid to a bail bonds company, you risk losing the full amount and property. This makes bail bonds the best way to get a loved one out of jail.

Get in touch with Albert Ramirez Bail Bonds for all your bail bond needs in California. We have 40 years of experience, financial backing to secure a loved one's release regardless of bond amount, and offices throughout California. We are trustworthy, reliable, and fast!