The Difference Between Bond and Bail
General information on the difference between bond and bail, written for relatives and friends of someone in custody.
Overview
Bail is the amount of money set by the court to allow a person to leave custody while the case goes on. A bail bond is an agreement with an agent licensed in California, who posts that amount for you in exchange for a fee.
What Families Should Do
Which one makes sense varies with how much bail is, how much cash is available and what terms the agreement contains.
The Details
With cash bail, the full amount is paid to the court and is generally returned at the end of the case if every date is kept. With a bond, the family pays a premium, which is not returned, and needs far less cash up front.
Before You Call a Bail Agent
These details make the first call easier:
- The jail or station where the person is held
- The charges, if known
- Your own name and phone number
- The person's full legal name and date of birth
- The booking number, if you have it
Local Help From Bail Bonds Monterey Park Experts
Bail Bonds Monterey Park Experts is based at 220 S. Glendora Ave Suite J, Glendora, CA 91741 and takes calls at (626) 513-8778 (open 24 hours / 7 days). For the difference between bond and bail, an agent can explain how bonds work in Los Angeles County, where people are held after an arrest by Monterey Park Police Department, such as Men's Central Jail, and which courthouse, for example Alhambra Courthouse (serving Monterey Park), hears the case.
Good to Know
A bail agent can explain how a bond works and what the written agreement requires of the person who signs. A bail agent cannot give legal advice, predict how a case will end or influence the court. For questions about a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney.
Is a bond the same as paying bail?
Not exactly. A bond is a promise backed by the agent that posts the bail for you. Paying bail yourself means giving the full amount to the court.