Bail Bond FAQ — Post It Bail Bonds

Question 1

How much does a bail bond cost in California?

Accepted Answer

In California, the premium for a bail bond is the filed rate, which is set by the surety company and filed with the California Department of Insurance. The premium is a percentage of the total bail amount. It is not refundable once the bond is issued. Contact us for information about the premium that applies to your situation.

Question 2

What information is needed to begin?

Accepted Answer

Having the defendant's full legal name, date of birth, arresting agency, jail or facility name, booking number, and bail amount helps us locate the case and begin the process. If you do not have all of this, call anyway — we can often locate available booking information with a name and date of birth.

Question 3

Can bail paperwork be completed online?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, paperwork can be completed electronically. Depending on the circumstances, in-person signing, identity verification, or additional documentation may also be required. We will explain what is needed for your specific situation.

Question 4

How long can release take after a bond is accepted?

Accepted Answer

Release times vary. After a bail bond is accepted at the authorized facility, the jail completes its own internal release procedures. This can take several hours or longer depending on facility workload, booking status, and other factors. No bail agency can guarantee an exact release time.

Question 5

Can a bail agency guarantee a release time?

Accepted Answer

No. Release is controlled by the jail, not the bail agency. After the bond is accepted, the facility processes the release according to its own procedures and staffing. Other warrants, holds, detainers, court orders, medical clearance, or administrative requirements may also affect or delay release.

Question 6

Is collateral always required?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Whether collateral is required depends on the bail amount, the charges, the defendant's background, and the indemnitor's qualifications. We will explain what is required for your specific situation.

Question 7

Are payment plans available?

Accepted Answer

Payment arrangements may be available subject to qualification and approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Contact us to discuss the options that may be available for your situation.

Question 8

Can someone post bail before the defendant reaches county jail?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, bail can be posted at a city jail before the defendant is transferred to the county system. This depends on the facility, the charges, and whether bail has been set. Call us as soon as possible and we will advise you on the options available.

Question 9

What happens if the defendant misses court?

Accepted Answer

If the defendant fails to appear in court as required, the court may issue a bench warrant and order the bail bond forfeited. The bail bond agency and the indemnitor may be responsible for the full bail amount. It is the defendant's responsibility to appear at all required court dates.

Question 10

What is an indemnitor or cosigner?

Accepted Answer

An indemnitor, sometimes called a cosigner or guarantor, is the person who signs the bail bond agreement and takes responsibility for ensuring the defendant appears in court. The indemnitor may be financially responsible if the defendant fails to appear.

Question 11

Can I post bail for someone who is not related to me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no legal requirement that the indemnitor be a family member. However, the indemnitor must meet the qualifications required by the bail bond agency and the surety.

Question 12

How do I locate someone arrested in Orange County?

Accepted Answer

The Orange County Sheriff's Department operates an online inmate locator at ocsd.org. You can also call the facility directly or contact us — we can attempt to locate available booking information. See our inmate search assistance page for more information.

Question 13

What if there is another warrant or hold?

Accepted Answer

If the defendant has an outstanding warrant or hold from another agency, they may not be released even after a bail bond is posted. The hold must be resolved separately. We will advise you if we become aware of a hold affecting the case.

Question 14

Is Post It Bail Bonds part of the Orange County Sheriff's Department?

Accepted Answer

No. Post It Bail Bonds is a privately owned, licensed bail bond agency. It is not affiliated with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, any police department, jail, court, or government agency.

Orange County Bail Bond Frequently Asked Questions

Orange County Bail Bond Questions

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