Bail Cost and Fees

BAIL COST AND FEES

Most bail bond companies, including Downey Bail Bonds, are regulated by the California Department of Insurance. This government organization has set the standardized fee, or “premium,” a bail bondsman can charge at 10%, meaning that if a defendant’s bail is set at $5,000, the cost of a bail bond company’s premium is required, by law, to be no more and no less than $500. The Department of Insurance makes certain exceptions in the case senior citizens, active members of the United States military, union members, and defendants that have secured legal representation—for these individuals, a bail bondsmen may legally charge 8% of the total bail amount. Take Note: bail bond premiums are always non-refundable, and if the defendant fails to appear in court (called a “forfeiture”), the person who purchased the bail bond (indemnitor) must pay the bail bondsman the total amount of the bail.

You should be mindful that bail bond companies who offer 5% bail bond fees or “cheap bail bonds” are violating California Law. Any company that offers you these rates or makes these claims is either acting illegally or will put you on a payment plan when you sign the contract. These “price cutting” bail agents are saying and doing whatever they can to get your business. if you have any question please call our office. 1-800-944-1599

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Bail Bondsmen are Licensed

A Downey bail bondsman is an individual that is licensed by the California Department of Insurance and can legally assist those in need of a bail bond to have a defendant released from jail. Typically, the 10% premium is always paid up-front; however, some exceptions may apply to those that are credit-worthy.

How Downey Bail Bonds Evaluates Risk

Because a bail bond company is essentially using their own money to pay for the total amount of your friend or loved one’s bail, bail bondsmen must evaluate the risk before writing each bond. Risk is evaluated based on a number of different factors, including:

The Nature of the Offense
The Criminal Background of the Defendant
The Potential Jail Time Facing the Defendant
The Relationship Between Indemnitor & Defendant
Employment Status of Indemnitor
Indemnitor’s Credit Rating & Financial Situation
Indemnitor’s Residency Status (Homeowner vs Renter)
Assets & Collateral of Either Indemnitor or Defendant
Bail Bond Payment Method

Negotiating Bail Bond Payment

When applying for a bail bond, both the bail bond company and the indemnitor must agree on how the 10% premium will be paid. Applicants should always be honest about their financial position; even if you have limited funds, Armstrong Bail Bonds will work with you to develop a payment plan or leverage your assets (collateral) to get your friend or family member out of jail as quickly as possible. Types of collateral may include:

Real Property
House
Vehicle
Jewelry
Electronics

Mutual trust is paramount in the bail bond industry, and Our Expert bail Agent will constantly strive to find an equitable arrangement for all parties.

Flexible Payment Plans

Payment for bail bonds is generally made prior to the release of the defendant. we accept Pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or online through PayPal.

In addition to no collateral bonds, we often offer clients flexible payment options to help ease the strain of having to pay a large sum of money all at once.
To qualify for a payment plan, the co-signer of the bond (known as the indemnitor or the one taking responsibility for the defendant) would need to have good credit and / or be a Downey homeowner.

Downey Bail Bonds provides several flexible bail bond payment options. If you are unable to pay the 10% premium upfront, Downey Bail Bonds will work with you to develop a custom payment plan based on your individual financial situation. Call today to speak with one of our friendly bail bond agents. 1-800-944-1599.

Cash Or Personal Check
Downey Bail Bonds gladly accepts cash payments, personal checks, or certified money orders.
Major Credit Cards
Pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or online through PayPal.
Flexible Financing
Unsure about how to pay? Downey Bail Bonds offers financing options for those who qualify.

Discounted Rates

Downey Bail Bonds offers discounts to seniors, union members, and active members of the U.S. Military, Those who have private counsel (lawyer) Retained, or sufficient collateral. Zero down is available and payments. Most qualify based on residence history and employment history.