BY | January 4, 2024

Bail bonds can sound quite mysterious. After all, only a minority of people will ever need them in San Diego. 

Even so, understanding them is essential, especially if you or a loved one is incarcerated after an arrest. Getting one could be your ticket to freedom. 

Bail bonds are non-refundable fees you pay to a bail agent so that they can pay your bail. The amount you pay is 10% or less of the total bail amount. For instance, you will pay a $2,500 bail bond on a $25,000 bail. 

Unfortunately, bail bonds are subject to various myths and misconceptions. Many people don’t understand how they work and who they are for. 

Therefore, this post aims to set the record straight. We look at the top bail bond myths and why they are false. 

Myth 1: Only Wealthy People Can Afford Bail Bonds

It is not true that only wealthy people can afford bail bonds. While you will require some cash if you want to pay upfront, most individuals of average means can afford the fees. 

Furthermore, San Diego Bail Bonds offers zero money-down bail bonds and various financing options to make payment easier. In some cases, you might not have to pay any money upfront at all and could instead spread the cost of your bond over several installments.

Myth 2: Bail Bonds Are Always Expensive

The price of bail bonds corresponds to the bail amount set by the judge. The higher they fix it, the more you will need to pay. 

However, the idea that bail bonds are expensive is false. Compared to bail, bail bonds are 90% cheaper or more. 

People believe bail bonds are expensive because they require an upfront cash payment. However, as described in the last section, you can spread the cost using finance. 

Myth 3: Bail Agents Are Shady People

Bail agents have been operating in San Diego for over a hundred years, helping secure the release of countless defendants from county jails. As such, they are a licensed and regulated profession, fully supported by lawmakers and the criminal justice system. 

Bail bond agents cannot engage in illegal activities. Agencies must follow all rules and regulations in California, including ensuring defendants attend their court dates. Those that don’t could lose their licenses or worse. 

Myth 4: The Bail Bond Is Refundable If You Are Innocent

Bail bonds are non-refundable, even if you are innocent. Think of them as a service fee you pay for securing the bail payment. 

Bail bond payments cover the risk that the agency will not get the bail money back from the court. These expenses also cover the cost of detaining defendants who abscond, running 24-hour phone lines, and dealing with all the paperwork that bail involves. 

Many people believe this myth because bail is refundable. However, it always goes in full to the bail bond agency when you use their services. 

Myth 5: Bail Agents Can Force Defendants To Commit Crimes

It is illegal for bail agents to force or coerce anyone to commit a crime, including their clients. Genuine bail agents have every possible incentive to ensure their customers obey the law. 

For example, bail agents must ensure their clients obey their bail terms. Failing to do so could mean forfeiting bail. 

Bail agents also have duties under the law to prevent their clients from committing crimes, including failing to attend court. Agencies with poor track records could fall into disgrace and lose their licenses. 

Myth 6: Bail Bonds Remove The Need To Go To Court

Unfortunately, bail bonds don’t remove the need to go to court. You must still attend your dates and follow any bail requirements law enforcement imposes.

If you skip any of the bail conditions, you will also have to return to jail. Judges may then set a higher bail amount reflecting any new crimes. 

Myth 7: Bail Agents Can Track Your Every Move

While bail agents have a responsibility to know your whereabouts, they cannot track your every move without consent. Courts may require you to wear a GPS tracking device, but bail agents cannot follow you without your written permission. 

Myth 8: Bail Bonds Can Prevent You From Leaving The State

Bail bonds do not prevent you from leaving the state or country. Only the terms of the bail prevent that. 

Therefore, you will need to read your bail terms carefully. If you are uncertain whether you have freedom of movement, speak to a team member after obtaining bail. We can run through the list of rules you need to follow. 

If you go out of state or abroad in violation of your bail terms, law enforcement will re-arrest you, and you could face another set of charges and higher bail. 

The Truth About Bail Bonds

Whenever you use bail bonds, ensure you understand them fully. Carefully read the terms and conditions of the bond before signing so you know the consequences of using one. 

Only use licensed and reputable bail agents. Bail bonds’ bad reputation primarily comes from people using cowboy firms that don’t follow proper procedures or operate within the law. San Diego Bail Bonds is licensed and accredited to provide defendants with bail bonds in the local area. 

Remember, defendants are responsible for continuing to comply with court orders. Bail agents can assist with this, but ultimately, it is up to the individual to follow the law. 

When using bail bonds, always partner with agents to ensure the best possible outcomes. As professionals, we work for you, not law enforcement, so we are on your side. If you have any concerns, you can always come forward and discuss them with us. 

Get A Bail Bond Today

Now that you’ve read this post, you can see that bail bonds aren’t that scary at all. To arrange a bond and get out of jail, we are available 24/7. We’d love to help you get your freedom back.