FAQs

The bond amount is the full amount of the bail that was set by the court either directly or through a bail schedule. The premium is the dollar amount owed to the bail agency for posting the bond. Usually this premium is 10% of the bond amount. For example, if the bond amount is $50,000, the premium owed would be $5,000.

At El Don Bail Bonds we will always give you the lowest rate allowed by state law.  The fee you pay for bail is called the "bail premium", and the bail premium can be anywhere from 7-10% of the full value of the bond.  So, let's say the bail was $50k, the cost of the bond would be somewhere between $3500 and $5000.  Please keep in mind that each situation may vary (for instance government workers, military and union members always pay the minimum premium), but when you deal with El Don, you will get the best deal allowed by law.  And remember, we offer payment plans with ZERO interest in all situations.  It is never a question of coming up with all the money due at once (though for those who decide to pay it all in one single payment, we offer an even better rate!).  Bottom line is, give us a call and we will work with you to find a plan that fits your needs and get your loved one back home.

No.The bail bond premium is the fee for services rendered to secure the release of an inmate.If no charges are filed, or different charges filed, the money paid and/or pledged for the bail bond premium is retained/owed to the bail company. Once the bail bond is posted and accepted by a court or jail, liability is taken on the bail bond.  At that point the bail bond premium is fully earned and is not refundable. El Don Bail Bonds can offer an 8% in most situations, please call immediately to see if you qualify.

Quite simply, when all monies for bail premium are paid, and the bond has been exonerated.If the defendant's case is settled, through sentencing, a plea bargain or other means, the court will exonerate the bail bond.That means that the bail company is no longer liable for the bond and future appearances; which, in turn, means that the co-signer is no longer liable as well.Once a defendant is sentenced, the bond no longer guarantees appearance.

Bail bond forfeiture results when a scheduled court appearance is missed. If a defendant misses a court date, the court will issue a bench warrant for their arrest. The court also sets a deadline for when either the defendant must be located/returned to custody -- in California 180 days, less the full face value of the bail bond be paid to the court.Obviously, that is the worse case scenario, and the indemnitor and bail company need work hand in hand to return the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court.